Fleet Captain Randy Mitson, on behalf of the entire SFPet team, is honored to present the prestigious Service Award to Pandora and CRR Marissa Jeffrey on the USS Kitty Hawk in Region 1.

Pandora’s outstanding service as an Anxiety Alert/PTSD Dog has had a profound impact on Marissa’s life. Beyond the role of a companion, Pandora provides advanced warning of panic attacks, senses elevations in Marissa’s heart rate, and offers crucial support by pulling her out of crowds. With remarkable intuition, Pandora alerts Marissa to oncoming panic attacks and provides deep-pressure therapy (DPT) to alleviate symptoms, granting Marissa the ability to live independently.

Marissa attests that Pandora is her hero, emphasizing the significant role Pandora plays in her life. Beyond simply chasing away night terrors, Pandora’s constant touch during sleep ensures that Marissa wakes up grounded and oriented. In moments of desperation or difficulty navigating social situations, Pandora consistently provides grounding, enabling Marissa to move forward productively. This award is a heartfelt recognition of Pandora’s exceptional service and the invaluable support she offers, allowing individuals like Marissa to lead more independent and fulfilling lives.