Take Paws this Veteran’s Day

Coming home is often the start of a new battle for many of our service men and women. Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other ailments from their time in a war zone, many veterans have a hard time adjusting back into “normal” life.

Over the few years several organizations, like Pets for Vets, Pets2Vets and America’s VetDogs, have stepped up to help these veterans along their road to recovery and meet the growing demand for guide dogs and other specialized service animals. What makes many of these organizations so admirable is they not only help members of the armed forces, but they also help homeless animals who otherwise would have been euthanized.

Research has shown that companion animals can do more than just make owners feel happy, they can make you healthy inside and out. A pet is going to listen for as long as the owner wants to talk. After only about 30 minutes with a dog or cat, research has shown owners feel less anxious and less stressed because the level of cortisol (a hormone associated with stress) is lowered and the production of serotonin (a chemical associated with well-being) is increased.

For returning soldiers, one of the most important ways that pets improves the owner’s health is by helping them stay engaged with others. Taking a dog to a dog park lets the owner socialize with other owners and gets them out of themselves. After basic obedience training and socialization exercises with other animals, these companion animals are specially trained to help the unique situations of veterans. When they are ready, they greet their new owner with all the necessary equipment – a leash, collar, food and water bowl, dog crate and so on.

Dogs are taught to recognize the triggers of side effects or panic attacks associated with brain injuries or PTSD so they can snuggle or nudge the person during those episodes. Also, companion animals are taught how to safely and gently hop into laps and are acclimated to the presence of wheelchairs or crutches. They can pick up dropped items or fetch requested ones. They can provide balance support, open and close doors, turn lights on with their paws.

The ultimate goal for these programs is to provide a permanent home and a second chance for veterans and four-legged friends alike. The veteran and their new pet have been through traumatic events, together they can help each other heal, physically and emotionally, from head to toe and wet nose to whiskers.

Dr. Craig