Ben Williams, author of many award-winning novels, once said: "There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy who licks your face." » It's no secret that dogs bring us healing and love when we need comfort. They give us protection when we need it. But above all, dogs bring us loyalty and they are always there for us. People of all ages can and do change when they find a new four-legged friend to travel through life with. Animals are miracle workers who can improve a person's emotional and physical state when there is no hope that life will improve. Dogs are truly man's best friend and have impacted the lives of children with special needs, PTSD patients, and the elderly. Therapy dogs have become increasingly popular in recent years due to new positive discoveries in humans and dogs bonding with each other. These dogs lift people's spirits and offer unconditional love. (Nelson) One of the most affected groups of people includes children with special needs. Dogs provide comfort to children with special needs because dogs do not judge them and dogs are always there to lend a helping hand. Here are some personal testimonials from children whose lives have been positively affected by therapy dogs. One child, Tom, was a sixth grader who lacked control in most areas of his life. (Reader's note. Names used in the article have been changed to protect the identities of the students.) He was in a foster home that did not work well for him. Tom was going to be placed in another home with a new school that would require many changes. Not having much human affection in his life, he had learned behaviors to keep others at a distance. But his whole behavior ch...... middle of paper ...... mission. New York: Avon Books. Sampson, Christine. "Four-legged therapy: Jamestown students benefit from canine companionship." Virginia Gazette (Williamsburg) March 1, 2014: Newspaper Source Plus. Internet. April 11, 2014.Philips, Matthew. “The reader’s best friend.” Newsweek 148.24 (2006): 14. Military and Government Collection. Internet. April 11, 2014. Thompson, Mark. “Bringing dogs to heal.” Time 176.21 (2010): 54. MAS Ultra - School edition. Internet. April 11, 2014.TRUESDELL, JEFF. “Vets’ Best Friends of Canine Comfort.” People 80.25 (2013): 98. MAS Ultra - School Edition. Internet. April 11, 2014.Sharon L., Peters. “Man’s best friend could soon become veterans’ best medicine.” USA Today nd: MAS Ultra - School Edition. Internet. April 14, 2014. “Service Dogs Guide Soldiers Suffering from PTSD.” » Kemptville Advance-Accent Weekender (Renfrew, ON) March 27, 2014: Newspaper Source Plus. Internet. April 14. 2014.