This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Submit your own rescue story here. Your story just might be the next to be featured on our blog!

I stumbled across a shelter in Carlsbad, California, when my hubby had been wanting a bigger dog to help with his PTSD from deployments. I went just to look.

There she was: This beautiful 4 month old German shepherd/Aussie mix, looking at me with those honey brown eyes. She was playful but not too extreme like some puppies can be. I went and inquired about her available day and how many people were on her list.

I was the first on her list, and she was available the next day. I went home and informed my husband of what I had done and that he had an appointment to go meet her and see if there was a bond. He went with the thought of just making me happy and not coming home with a new addition.

He showed up and surprised me for lunch the next day, with the puppy happily sitting in the passenger seat. We named her Dixie. She helps my husband in his darkest hours and knows when he is having or about to have an episode. She can snap him out of it instantly.

Minka, I think is a split faced chihuahua/terrier mix with crystal blue eyes. She was found on Craigslist and was in the wrong hands. They were trying to sell and abandon her.

She was extremely skinny and timid (still is) and was to be a two-night foster for the rescue where I volunteer. She curled into my husband's neck and he was in love, and that was it.

Out of all the dogs in the house she could have paired with, she chose the biggest one and they are inseparable. They have a bond like no other, and it melts my heart that they both react to my husband's PTSD. They know just what he needs.

They also both have their nights of dreams, and he is the only one who can wake them out of it. It was nothing short of meant to be for all three of them. They find their way into our hearts and lives when needed.

Story submitted by Mindy Carr-Pittsley from El Cajon, California.

This story was originally shared on The Animal Rescue Site. Share your very own rescue story here!