Nov 11, 2024
Veterans returning home from service often face numerous challenges, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and the struggle to reintegrate back into their new everyday life. For many, the invisible wounds of war—such as PTSD—can be just as debilitating as physical injuries. Amidst these challenges, service dogs have emerged as companions for veterans, providing emotional support, aiding in rehabilitation, and offering a pathway to independence.
This year, the JAMA Network Open conducted a study by Dr. Maggie O’Haire from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine in partnership with K9s For Warriors. This study examined over 150 military Veterans over three months through self-reported symptoms and expert clinician assessment. The results showed that veterans with service dogs had a 66% lower likelihood of being diagnosed with PTSD, according to evaluations by expert clinicians, compared to a control group that was on a waitlist. Additionally, veterans with service dogs reported lower levels of anxiety and depression, along with improvements in various aspects of their emotional and social well-being.1
Highlighted Programs
K9s for Warriors
Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With the majority of dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. Their lifelong program is provided to veterans at no cost and is designed to deliver maximum benefit with minimum administrative costs. Graduates of the program are able to live a life that they previously did not think was possible. Many have reunited with their families, gone back to school, found renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduced their medications.
Joybound People & Pets
Joybound’s Shelter to Service program trains shelter dogs to become psychiatric service dogs and facility animals. Through the power of the human-animal bond, these smart, loving animals help people diagnosed with emotional and mental health conditions. Before being paired with their future partner, the dogs undergo 12 weeks of basic training with a volunteer foster trainer. However, most of the service dog training is completed by the handlers themselves, with support and guidance from their team of experts. This relationship promotes emotional resilience and provides a steady, comforting presence that can help make difficult days more manageable.
References
1. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2819452
2. https://k9sforwarriors.org/
3. https://joybound.org/services/shelter-to-service/
