Ella Connor, a rising volleyball star, seemed to have it all – a promising career and a bright future.
Yet, beneath the surface, she was battling a severe mental health crisis, leading to hospitalizations and suicide attempts.
Her struggles, a mix of athletic pressures, personal issues, and the general challenges of college life, were overwhelming.
But then, a golden-hearted hero entered her life: Herc, a Golden Retriever and Irish Setter mix, trained as a service dog.
Herc became Ella’s lifeline.
Trained to sense an impending panic attack through scent and breathing patterns, he would gently guide her to lie down, forcing her to regulate her breathing.
His calming presence and deep pressure therapy brought a profound sense of peace.
“I’m doing absolutely amazing now,” Ella shares, celebrating a significant reduction in panic attacks and being off her mental health medications.
Herc’s impact extended beyond Ella’s personal well-being.
With him by her side, she made a remarkable comeback in her volleyball career, even earning First Team All-American honors.
Herc, affectionately known as “Mr. Herc” on campus, has become a celebrity in his own right, often recognized before Ella herself!
He even boasts his own biography on the Cal Poly beach volleyball team page, holding the esteemed title of “Director of Player Morale.”
Ella’s journey with Herc has also empowered her to speak openly about mental health, inspiring others, including a mother whose daughter found courage to leave the house after hearing Ella’s story.
Ella’s transparency, encouraged by her coach, Todd Rogers, highlights the power of sharing personal struggles to help others.
As Ella gears up for her final season as a Mustang, with Herc always by her side, her story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, even the toughest battles can be overcome.
