Dogs have always held a special place in my heart, especially those trained for a higher purpose; to lead the blind, to hear for the deaf, to assist the disabled. I recently learned that German Shepherds are being rescued from shelters and trained for a new purpose; to help victims of violent crime. I first heard this story while watching a local news program. German Shepherds were shown being trained to help people suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. These dogs captured my heart and my imagination as I thought what it would be like to feel safe again. Although not prone to taking chances, I felt the world was basically a safe place. That all changed on August 17th, 1999 when I became a victim of violent crime. Now I know the fear that can arise from being home alone, going for a walk or seeing a stranger at my door. It has been over a year since I was raped while walking in broad daylight near my home in San Diego. Fortunately, the rapist was caught and an integral part of the capture was a member of the San Diego Police Department's K-9 unit. When a dog was sent in to flush the attacker from the bushes where he was hiding, he would surrender. The 6'7", 240-pound rapist who had so violently attacked me was afraid of a dog.

I have asked myself many times what I could have done to protect myself that day and how can I protect myself now. I seldom walk alone because there is certainly safety in numbers but I don't want to be dependent on family and friends. Carrying a weapon seems too dangerous as it could always land up in the hands of the attacker. Sirens and whistles are a deterrent, but what if no one is around to hear? A well-trained dog could not only provide protection but could also restore a sense of security to victims of crime. I have no doubt - I would not have been attacked if I had been walking with a dog.

Although it was my intention to learn more about Service Dogs for Victims of Assault, it was serendipity that brought me together with Sherri Goldstein, its founder. She asked me to share my experience and enthusiasm for this program. I don't know whether we take the events in our lives and the people we meet and weave them into a story or whether we are merely players in the story that has already been written. But this is a beautiful story of animals being rescued to rescue others. This is a story of fear being turned into confidence; of victims becoming survivors.

Signed,

Courtney B.*

*Names have been changed.