Southwestern College 
Here’s my blog and my photos….People often ask me if my little (“little” meaning 50-60 lbs) pack members are assistance dogs. Although I would love to credit this to their good citizen behavior, I know it is a question spurred by the sight of their backpacks. For those of us with energetic companions, the backpack helps drain some of that energy by giving our pups a job to do—which in turn fulfills a sense of purpose and builds pack cohesion. But others assume my bouncing boxer Zuzu and wily cattledog Evey must be therapy dogs. And of course, they are therapy dogs. Profound personal healing has transpired from the presence, energy, and wisdom they share with me. My exuberant little Humankeepers practice great patience and skill in guiding me on my spiritual Walk. Our alliance brings a multitude of gifts, including being mindful of the present moment. Indeed, my Earth guides are the furry embodiment of Being. So, in short, the answer to the question above is, “Yes. They assist me.” 
Becky Brandon is a second year Counseling student at Southwestern College, Santa Fe…She hails from the great state of Oklahoma… About the Moderator
Jim Nolan is in his 6th year as president of Southwestern College. He has worked for a dozen universities or colleges, both online and on the ground. He holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, and attended graduate school in English/Irish Literature. He reads a lot of books, takes a lot of photos, plays guitar, got married in India in 2010, and has a wire haired fox terrier named Barney. He is the opposite of a guru, whatever that is called.