By Andy Allen | May 10, 2024

Michael & Ariel – Best Friends

Michael & Ariel in the VRO
Michael & Ariel in the VRO

Life is difficult enough for most of us, let alone being a Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces. Ask Michael Fink who served in the United States Army during the Global War on Terrorism. Upon his honorable release from military service, life became even harder now that the structure of the military was gone. As a Veteran, Michael struggled going places alone, to the point he felt he was becoming a burden to everyone in his life. He needed help, so in 2021 Michael turned to the Rocky Mountain Service Dog Project. They worked with the VA on Michael’s behalf and soon after he was approved for a service dog and set up with the Underwood Kennels. This is how he found his best friend, Ariel – a Leonberger.

Ariel is the reason Michael can spend so much time in the USU Veterans Resource Office (VRO). I asked Michael about this, and he replied, “About halfway through Ariel’s year-long training, I started to venture out on my own again. This gave me back a lot of my confidence again. Ariel made it possible for me to attend Utah State University, participate with my fellow student-veterans in the VRO, and graduate. Also, I’m once again able to care for and help those in my life.”

When I first learned that Michael and Ariel would be spending time in the VRO, I was concerned. I had met numerous “service animals” who were not well-trained and even one that bit me. USU’s policy regarding service animals states, “A handler may be directed to remove a service animal if it is out of control and the handler does not take effective action to control it. This may occur as a result of an animal exhibiting aggressive behavior or a substantial lack of cleanliness of the animal.” But all my concerns dissipated when I saw how well behaved and controlled Ariel was. In fact, I have never met a more well-trained service dog.

Michael & Ariel at the VRO Awards Dinner
Michael & Ariel at the VRO Awards Dinner

Michael told me that three things contributed to Ariel be so well behaved, “First, Ariel was well trained by the Underwood Kennels. Second, when I first got her, I wasn’t going to school or working so I spent a lot of time with her. We got to know each other very well. Third, her breed has a very mellow personality.”

Michael and Ariel have been two of the most popular visitors to the VRO. Everyone certainly believes they are Ariel’s favorite, to include our School Certifying Official Paul. Michael commented, “The VRO gave Ariel a chance to take a break and get some well-deserved loves.” Michael also mentioned how well received Ariel has been by professors, staff, and fellow students. “Everyone seemed to love her.”

Michael and Ariel graduated this Spring, so we won’t see them anymore, but they sure left a lasting impact on the office. Ariel was a testament to the power of a well-trained service dog on their Veteran handler. Michael would agree he is better because of the calming, loving, trusting impact Ariel has on him, and we are all better for knowing Michael and Ariel.”