Bonny O'Donnell comforts for service dog, Carson, at a McDonald's in Savannah, GA. O'Donnell relies on Carson to help her handle post-traumatic stress caused by school bullying.

Bonny O'Donnell comforts for service dog, Carson, at a McDonald's in Savannah, GA. O'Donnell relies on Carson to help her handle post-traumatic stress caused by school bullying. / On Second Thought

Bullying is a  growing problem in the nation’s schools. The National Education Association estimates  160,000 children miss school every day out of fear of being bullied, attacked or intimidated by other students. Bonny O'Donnel, 17, knows a lot about bullying. The Savannah high school junior  almost quit school, but is attending classes regularly now with the help of a four-legged friend, her service dog Carson. Carson helps her cope with post-traumatic stress caused by the bullies she faced at her previous school. On Second Thought producer Sean Powers recently met up with Carson, Bonny and her grandmother Sandra.

 "When the bullying started, I completely withdrew. Now that my anxiety is under control. Thanks to Carson, I'm able to go to a restaurant and actually have a meal with my family." - Bonny O'Donnell

 
 

Tags: bullying  Savannah