In a world where the cost of essential medical and emotional support can be out of reach for many, one organization is making a profound difference — not with high-tech machines or expensive treatments, but with the unconditional love and loyalty of dogs.
Ans Angels Coalition, a heart-driven nonprofit, is dedicated to providing fully trained service dogs to individuals and families with limited income. These aren’t just any dogs — they’re lifelines, trained to assist with mobility, detect health episodes, offer emotional support, and provide a sense of independence and companionship that can be truly life-changing.
For people living with disabilities, chronic illness, PTSD, or other life-altering conditions, a service dog can mean the difference between isolation and engagement, dependence and autonomy. But with the average cost of training and placing a service dog reaching well over $25,000, this essential support remains out of reach for many.
That's where Ans Angels Coalition steps in.
“We believe that everyone deserves access to the life-changing partnership of a service dog, no matter their financial situation,” says Janelle Privratsky, president of the organization. “It’s about dignity, hope, and giving people the tools they need to thrive.”
Each dog goes through rigorous, compassionate training tailored to the specific needs of their future partner. The bond that develops between recipient and service dog is often nothing short of miraculous — fostering greater confidence, reduced anxiety, improved mobility, and renewed joy in everyday life.
We currently have 3 dogs in our program that are being trained specifically for their new handlers. One Dog is for a local veteran who suffers with PTSD, One is for a nurse who ended up with long term covid and now has POTS and she passes out regularly. The last dog that we have in training is for a college student who needs mobility assistance.
Archie
Archie is a Poodle, chosen for his hypoallergenic coat to accommodate his handler’s dander allergies. His handler has a medical condition called POTS, which causes her to pass out frequently. Archie is being trained to detect changes in her cortisol and norepinephrine levels, which rise before an episode. He will learn to alert her with a nose “boop” when she’s about to faint, allowing her to move to a safe position. In addition to alerting, Archie will provide mobility assistance when his handler is feeling weak. He will also be trained to position himself under her legs to help raise her blood pressure, potentially shortening the episode. Archie will also offer deep pressure therapy to help reduce anxiety.
Loki
Loki is a Golden Retriever who will be trained as a mobility assistance dog. His handler uses a wheelchair for long-distance mobility and will be starting college in the fall. Loki will be trained to provide essential support, including counterbalance, forward momentum pull, and dropped item retrieval to assist with picking up items from the ground. His handler is excited to have Loki by his side as a mobility support dog during this new chapter at college.
Joey
Joey is a Golden Retriever currently being trained as a service dog for PTSD. He will be placed with a veteran handler. Through scent work, Joey will be able to detect changes in cortisol levels. When he senses an increase, he will alert his handler by “booping” them with his nose and then provide deep pressure therapy by lying on their lap. This response helps prevent panic attacks and offers calming support.
Together, we can change lives — one paw at a time. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.ansangelscoalition.com