Dogs help US veterans cope with trauma of war
Jonas, a two-year-old dog, is trained to scan owner Ian Lord for signs of stress or anxiety and respond with licks, cuddles and demands for pats.
Lord, a 25-year-old Air Force veteran in Norfolk, Virginia, credits his pet with helping him cope with the aftershocks of war.
He makes it a lot easier to recover from a trigger, like sounds of a helicopter overhead, Lord said. The difference is, instead of getting wound up about it the rest of the day, its like OK, go outside and throw a ball around, or just cuddle up to him a bit and kind of snap out of it.
The number of veterans receiving post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment from the Department of Veterans Affairs rose from 254,930 in 2006 to 408,167 in 2010.
With 40,000 more US troops expected return home from Iraq at years end, the number could grow.
Psychotherapy and cognitive processing therapy, which includes education and awareness about symptoms, are the main treatment methods, according to deputy chief consultant for specialty mental health Sonja Batten.
But other treatments also are being used, including yoga, acupuncture, meditation and psychological service dogs.
The department doesnt know how many veterans are using service dogs as part of their treatment, and there is debate over whether the approach is beneficial.
But a new study is underway to determine whether the dogs can help vets. It will aim to pair at least 200 dogs with veterans! in Flor ida and Colorado.
Carol Borden, executive director of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. in Williston, Florida, one of the organizations taking part in the study, said dogs are specifically trained according to an individuals needs.
We talk to each veteran and find out exactly what their challenges are, she said. There are multitudes of things we can teach the dogs to do, depending on each individuals circumstances.
Lord saw four years of active duty and served in Iraq, Afghanistan and surrounding countries. He said he was diagnosed with PTSD after suffering almost the stereotypical meltdown in 2010, when a simulation-style training course stirred suppressed memories of getting shot at in Iraq.
He was honourably discharged from the service.
Jonas came into his life thanks to his wife medical student wife Megan, who had been training Jonas as a therapy dog for hospital patients. The couple noticed Jonas would start cuddling and licking Ian whenever he exhibited PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety, depression and sleeping problems.
The dogs service is prescribed by Lords psychiatrist, giving Jonas the same legal rights of entry to businesses and public spaces as guide dogs for the blind.
As soon as people hear hes a PTSD dog, the next thing out of their mouths is, Oh, thank you for your service, sir, Lord said. They connect the dots pretty quickly. Reuters
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