“Veterans report that service dogs help break their isolation. People will often avert their eyes when they see a wounded veteran. But when the veteran has a dog, the same people will come up and say, 'Hi' to pet the dog and then strike up a conversation.”

Al Franken is an American comedian and writer from the late 20th and early 21st centuries. He gained prominence as a satirist and television host, particularly for his work on *Saturday Night Live* and *Late Night with Al Franken*. Beyond comedy, he is known for his sharp political commentary and advocacy on social issues, blending humor with progressive perspectives.