Angels Medical Service Dogs give our veterans the support they need at home
Every day, in every way, the bond between man and dog is unmistakable. It's physical and emotional, but for Megan Stanislow and her service dog, Josie, it's protection and medical service for a veteran combating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"Just watching you with her eyes, don't do anything, she's got my back," said Stanislow.
Stanislow calls the partnership between Josie and her "the perfect pairing."
For 18 years, Stanislow served as an electronic technician in the U.S. Navy. She said,
"For me, I was assaulted," she said. "In active duty, women make up 7% of our armed forces, at least when I was in. We're talking 2007-2008, you just bear it. You know, things happen, move on, keep going, and that's what happened."
She explained that the trauma and PTSD caught up with her when she got out of the service.
"It was even while I was in, I could not go to the grocery store, Walmart, other places without somebody else in tow," Stanislow said. "I realized it was bad."
So, she knew she needed to reach out, to find some help. Then, just over a year ago, Stanislow got Josie, and now she's able to go out independently, work, and even play in social softball games.
"I'm doing things that I was not expecting to do, because I have her (Josie) on my side," said Stanislow.
Josie is a huge gift Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs gave her for free. Brian DeLong is the Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs regional coordinator.
"Our dogs can take care of PTSD, TBIs, diabetes, seizures, mobility issues, and many other things they can be trained for," he said.
So far, the non-profit's donated 450 dogs to veterans.
"Anyone that's ever received one of our service dogs, there's zero suicides, so that phrase right there is what convinced me to go to work for Guardian Angels," said DeLong.
To get a dog, veterans must apply, and the dogs they receive are trained, certified, and paired appropriately. It costs about $27,000 per dog, but donations make it possible.
"We're actually very appreciative of all our community partners that help us take care of these people who took care of us," DeLong said.
Those American heroes, with some hidden scars, are truly being saved by the service of some four-legged friends.
"I can't even put it into words, how grateful, because it's just, it's been life changing," Stanislow said.
Some of these service dogs are rescues, and others are bred. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs plans to expand to another space in McDonald. When the new space opens, about 70% of the service dogs for this non-profit will be rescue dogs, in partnership with Animal Friends Pittsburgh.
To donate, volunteer, or learn more about the non-profit, click here.
If you are a veteran struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can reach the Suicide Crisis Lifeline. It's 9-8-8, and then press option number one.
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Its microfiber cover is soft, washable and does a good job resisting muddy paw prints, slobber and fur (though, like many of our favorite beds, getting it back on after washing takes a bit of patience). Just keep in mind: This bed is substantial, both in terms of price and floor space. If your dog doesn't need quite this much room, or your home is short on extra space, a smaller option like the Casper might be a better fit. Orvis Type: Bolstered rectangle | Sizes: 3 | Colors: 4, including Brown and Slate | Outer material: Ripstop nylon and polyester | Inner material: Dual-layer orthopedic foam | Washable cover: Yes What you'll love: Keep in mind: The Orvis RecoveryZone ToughChew Couch Dog Bed is specifically built for pups determined to rip apart everything they sleep on. Unlike typical dog beds, this one has a rugged, upholstery-grade cover reinforced with ripstop nylon beneath—similar to fabric used for backpacks or camping gear—so it's almost impossible for teeth or claws to tear through. Hidden brass zippers and built-in handles are intentionally tucked out of sight, further limiting tempting chew targets. And just in case your dog somehow does manage to chew through it, Orvis backs this bed with a no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. Inside, the bed is designed to provide strong orthopedic support, with a dense 4-inch foam base and an additional softer layer on top that helps ease pressure from joints and sore muscles. Solid foam bolsters around three sides create a secure space that many dogs naturally gravitate toward, while the front is open for easy access. The washable cover does a surprisingly good job at hiding fur and dirt, and there's a waterproof liner underneath so the foam won't get ruined even if your pup has an accident. It's definitely pricier than other beds, but if you're tired of tossing shredded covers into the trash, the investment makes sense. The Forbes Vetted team is made up of pet parents who regularly research, test and recommend pet products, including the best dog beds, the best dry dog food and the best dog leashes. For this guide to the best orthopedic dog beds, we relied on firsthand experience with many of these beds, plus extensive research and consultations with veterinary experts. To find the best orthopedic dog beds, we combined long-term personal use, in-depth product research and insights from trusted veterinary professionals to ensure each recommendation is worth your investment. Buying an orthopedic dog bed involves more than just choosing one labeled as 'orthopedic.' To ensure your dog benefits from improved joint health and comfort, here's what veterinary experts recommend looking for. The most important feature in an orthopedic dog bed is the foam. Look specifically for high-density memory foam or a multilayered orthopedic foam base that's firm enough to prevent sinking. Bruns says true orthopedic beds 'provide proper joint support and even weight distribution to minimize pressure points on sensitive areas like hips and elbows.' Waggel's resident veterinarian Dr. Aimee Warner adds a simple test: 'Push your hand into the foam," she says. "If it slowly comes back and maintains its shape, you're likely seeing real support and not just marketing.' Bolstered edges around the bed, like those you see on picks like the Casper and Bedsurebeds on this list, aren't just decorative. 'Side bolsters are a welcome addition, especially for dogs who curl up or need head and neck support,' says Warner. But accessibility also matters, particularly for older or mobility-challenged pets. Bruns advises pet owners to choose a bed that's easy for dogs to step onto, noting that low-profile designs without steep edges or high bolsters minimize strain and reduce discomfort. Orthopedic beds typically represent a bigger investment, so it's important that they're both durable and easy to clean. According to Warner, washable covers are essential—especially for older dogs prone to accidents or those recovering from procedures. 'Neglecting to seek out washable covers can be a hygiene nightmare,' she says. Look for beds with removable covers that are machine washable (like every pick on our list) and ideally water-resistant to resist drool, dirt and accidents. Regularly cleaning and occasionally rotating the bed will also help extend its lifespan and keep your dog's sleeping area clean and comfortable.
