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Caring Pit Bull Helps Veteran With PTSD

An animal welfare organization is working to change pit bulls' bad reputation.
Former U.S. Marine Joe Bonfiglio, 24, and his pit bull assistance dog Zen, sit in a classroom on the campus of Mercy College, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015.
Former U.S. Marine Joe Bonfiglio, 24, and his pit bull assistance dog Zen, sit in a classroom on the campus of Mercy College, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. Richard Drew / AP

Former U.S. Marine Joe Bonfiglio, 24, and his pit bull assistance dog Zen, walk on the campus of Mercy College, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., on Feb. 4. Zen has allowed Bonfiglio, 24, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, to get back to everyday activities. The Animal Farm Foundation in Dutchess County, N.Y, wants to erase the stigma surrounding pit bulls by training and donating rescued dogs to guide the blind and push wheelchairs or help people regain their mobility and avoid falls.

Image: Joe Bonfiglio, Zen, Apryl Lea
Apryl Lea, center, certified trainer of Assistance Dog Training Program at the Animal Farm Foundation, walks with former U.S. Marine Joe Bonfiglio, 24, and his pit bull assistance dog Zen, on the campus of Mercy College, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y. on Feb. 4.Richard Drew / AP
Image: Joe Bonfiglio, Zen
Former U.S. Marine Joe Bonfiglio, 24, and his pit bull assistance dog Zen, walk on the campus of Mercy College, in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y., Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. Zen has allowed Bonfiglio, 24, who was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder , to get back to everyday activities. The Animal Farm Foundation in Dutchess County, N.Y, wants to change the stigma of pit bull dogs by training and donating rescued dogs to guide the blind and push wheelchairs or help people regain their mobility and avoid falls.Richard Drew / AP