Service Dogs aid a wide range of people all over the world for various reasons, but the bulk of our clients receive a Service Dog for one reason in particular, PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Syndrome as it is also widely known, impacts each individual differently, but in such a way that can feel so overwhelming that you might not know how to overcome it.

It is extremely important to bring awareness to PTSD as it is the leading cause of mental illness that most Veterans report suffering from. Now, PTSD does not just appear out of nowhere and it does not go away easily or in some cases at all. It lingers and affects each individual differently. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is the result of a traumatic event, including witnessing or being in a serious accident, assault of any kind, and many other circumstances. This is where Service Dogs and Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy ® come in. Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy allows a safe space for Warriors to experience social therapy with our canines and create a bond of trust and security with them.

The special thing about dogs in general is that they are capable of sensing things that others cannot, including stress and anxiety. Many people might loverlook an anxiety tick, like bouncing your leg up and down or picking at your fingers, but a Service Dog is trained to look for these key signals to an oncoming anxiety attack and to help bring you out of that headspace. Being around and spending time with a dog can seriously impact the life of someone suffering from PTSD, which is part of the reason our therapy programs with the dogs leaves such a positive impression on the Warriors participating. 

These dogs can help bring out positive emotions and reduce their isolation from others by forcing them out into the world through social events and outings. Furthermore, while out in public, they can reduce the likelihood of a panic attack caused by PTSD and help promote a calm demeanor in the person they are serving. 

It can feel impossible to recognize PTSD in an individual you may not know, but luckily these dogs can help in ways we humans will never be able to accomplish and for that we are eternally grateful to our furry friends! Think you would be interested in helping out our mission? There are a variety of ways you can be of service, through volunteering, puppy raising, donating, or even just spreading the word to your friends and family about our various opportunities, you can help make a difference in the lives of Veterans everywhere. Check out our social media platforms as well to stay connected and updated as we continue to grow!