The beneficial effects of pets on people has been examined a lot of late, but never quite like this. Many soldiers returning from combat suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. And a new study by the Department of Defense is looking into whether these soldiers will benefit from being paired with specially trained service dogs.
Read the rest here:
Service dogs for service members – DVM 360
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
This is about time for something like this. I am in favor of this being done when possible. I also think that the following web site should be written about as this could be of benefit for those in the above program who have spouses that would want to explore dog training.
http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/vet-breaking-news/2009/09/24/military-spouses-eligible-for-animal-behavior-college-scholarships.aspx
Bob
One of the things my SD helps me with is anxiety. Whenever I feel panicked he stays near me and blocks strangers from getting close. He also is trained to remove me from crowded situations whenever I get anxious. Due to the help my SD has given me, I think this study is a great idea. Psychiatric service dogs are still pretty new and this is a great way to implement them and bring them into the public light even more. So many people’s lives would be enhanced with the help of a Psychiatric SD!
I humbly thank all service men and women for their service. I have a question. I am not service related but my late love of my life was a 20 year Navy vet. retired. I suffer from PTSD but it is from severe abuse and trauma as well as TBI from 2 rather severe car wrecks. I am wondering if it is possible to get a psychiatric service dog if the injuries are not service related. How might I go about getting my 3 year old Golden Retriever to get this training? I do not have an income and my current husband is on disability and is a Marine vet. We don’t have the money for this ourselves. Are there any programs or scholarships for this? I can be reached at melodybrynne@yahoo.com. Thank you for any help you could give.
I did not see the info fields for the comments area. Sorry for missing that. Melody
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