The groups are comprised of four or five teams, plus the trainer. The added distractions of additional people and dogs simulate what the teams will encounter in everyday life. “Soldier’s Best Friend only trains teams in Arizona,” Meir said. “But if a veteran is able to relocate for the duration of the program, we’ll welcome them.” And the stories she’s witnessed are truly amazing. “Vets tell me all the time that they’re able to do so many things they couldn’t before the program. One talked about being able to take his teenage daughter to the mall — crowds had been difficult for him. In February, another told me he had already been to the grocery store five times this year. Last year, before he’d met his new best friend, he’d only been able to go once,” Meir said. Soldier’s Best Friend has training locations in Flagstaff, Prescott, Tucson, Sierra Vista and Phoenix. The program is completely free to veterans, and the organization is limited only by its capacity, which is something it wants to strengthen. “So, like any nonprofit, we want to raise public awareness and funds,” Meir said. Since 2011, 257 teams have graduated from Soldier’s Best Friend. That’s 514 lives — canine and human — that have been given second acts. Ric, who graduated in 2014 with his canine friend Wilfred, is a shining example. “From the restless nights to the difficult situations, I have something that has been an elusive possibility … I have hope again,” he said. To learn more, visit soldiersbestfriend.org . Judy Pearson CONTRIBUTING WRITER info@A2ndAct.org A 2ND ACT CONTINUED J O I N T O DAY D I S C O V E R T H E B E A U T Y O F T H E D E S E R T all year long. D B G . O R G

FEATURED LISTINGS {the caniglia group} BEHIND THE DOOR Steve Caniglia Shelley Caniglia Shelley Caniglia: 602-292-6862 | Steve Caniglia: 602-301-2402 The Caniglia Group TheCanigliaGroup.com | UrbanConnectionRealty.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 4024 E. Hazelwood St, Phoenix, AZ 85018 32 W. Rose Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85013 Exceptional Mid Century Red Brick Ranch style home on a wonderful street in the Heart of the North Central Corridor! 4 bedrooms + den, 4 full bathrooms, 3467 sq. ft. on 15,651 sq. ft. lot. Spacious grassy front yard with mature trees. Wood plank flooring and custom shutters. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, 5 burner gas stovetop, warming drawer and walk-in pantry. Family room has original vaulted ceiling, Coconino sandstone fireplace and sliding doors with access to back covered patio. Very versatile floor plan. Backyard designed by Creative Environments 2018 includes covered patio, separate Ramada with built-in BBQ, firepit, swimming pool and designated dog run. Freshly painted exterior trim and interior garage. Madison Schools! Close to all that North Central Phoenix has to offer. This house is a must see! Classic ranch style home located on the one and only palm tree lined Hazelwood Street of Arcadia! Masterfully rebuilt in 2007 by Bent Nails Construction. True split master floor plan with 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms and 2300 sq ft. Brazilian cherry wood floors, crown molding, wainscoting and granite countertops. The gorgeous kitchen sports a breakfast bar, gas cooktop, stainless steel appliances and opens to the family room with multiple sets of French doors leading out to spacious backyard. The master suite includes a gas fireplace, access to backyard, separate tub and walk-in shower, double sinks and his and hers closets. Private backyard with tons of grass for play. Just across 40th street from LGO, Postino’s and Ingo’s and around the corner from Kachina Park! Highly sought after Hopi, Ingleside, Arcadia School District!