Wags 4 Warriors: Man's Best Friend Helps Cope With PTSD

It's the fight after the fight. Our servicemen are returning home to find out that the war isn't over; at least not in their minds. The sound of a slamming door is no longer just that. A practical joker sneaking up for a quick spook is now the enemy and walls are the places they hide. Everyday tasks are now the battle our veterans must overcome to survive but a light has been found to help lead the way. Man's best friend and Wags 4 Warriors are helping veterans cope with a life that now includes PTSD and/or TBI.

This nonprofit, Northeast Ohio based program founded by Frank and Jen DeLorenzo, is helping to change the life of veterans dealing with the effects of PTSD, TBI and other war related disabilities. With the help of animal rescue shelters, Wags 4 Warriors is able to match dogs and servicemen together, as well as provide the training, equipment and support needed to develope their service dogs at no cost to the veterans.

Upon returning from war, many Veterans dealing with PTSD or TBI are prescribed medications and/or counseling to help cope with these disabilities. Though these methods of treatment are not discarded, canine therapy is proving to produce undeniable results. In some cases the results are so effective that medications can be greatly reduced. This is warmly welcomed by the vets as many of the medications are strong and can cause extreme lethargia.

Why is canine therapy so successful? To the individuals involved, the reasons will vary by personal experience and need. There is no reason to argue that unconditional affection doesn't play its part in them all. In practical terms, perhaps it would help to understand what the service dogs can be trained to do.

For beginners, not every dog is qualified to be used as a service dog. For example, those with prior security training are often not good candidates since an attack response is not part of the program. It is estimated that only 1 of 12 dogs considered for the program will be selected. The soldier and the dogs are committed to training over the course of a year. This is because proper training is of the utmost importance as well as the veteran's needs may change over time.

The training begins with a sort of 3 day lock down where the owner and the dog can begin to bond with one another. From there, they work with their trainers to teach and learn simple obedience commands such as sit, stay and implement hand signals. Then it's time to brave the world. The service dogs are fitted with a leash and vest that states, "In training. Service Dog. Do Not Pet." This is important as it encourages the service dog to be attentive to its owner as opposed to being distracted by the attention of others. The dog also becomes reliant on the owner for all of its needs. You'll see why as we continue. Both the veteran and the service dog must now become used to what the world is and the triggers it can produce. The dog will now be trained to stay calm in the world. This is how he can help his owner when in loud, noisy, crowded places. These environments often create anxiety for the vet and the dog's calm demeanor will help to remind its owner that things are not what they seem. Remember, what we take for granted as noise, is a number one trigger for those with PTSD.

Almost unexplainably, animals have been known to recognize anxiety long before the rest of us give it a thought. Upon this recognition, the dog will perhaps nose the owner to refocus their attention on the dog and away from the surrounding cause of tension. The act of petting and paying attention to the dog is a calming experience and brings down the anxiety level before it becomes a more serious episode. The same thought can be applied at work, in the car, or practically anywhere that can cause high anxiety.

Service dogs are also trained to watch the back of their owners. A common problem for veterans after war is the constant concern of what is behind them. Unlike many dogs that are trained to sit next to their owners when stopping on a walk; service dogs are trained to sit in front of and facing their owners. This way they can alert the owner that something is approaching from behind as well as from which side, thus preventing the owner from being startled by an unexpected visitor or approaching object.

As I mentioned earlier, it is important that the service dog rely on the owner for all of its needs. The needs of the dog serve as reminders to the owner for many things. A medication reminder is one example. When it's time for the dog to eat, he may be trained to lay by his bowl. This will not only let the owner know he is hungry but that it is time to take their medication. In turn, the dog not being by the bowl helps to prevent over medicating since memory loss in often common with TBI.

This hub has been dedicated to our servicemen and though I have referred only to our veterans returning from war and their service dogs; I feel it necessary to note that animal therapy is used for many reasons and with many animals. Horses, cats and other animals have been used in the treatment for eating disorders, drug addiction, depression and more. It is the bond that's created and the responsibility to care for the animal that is believed to be the key to the success of animal therapy.

Animal therapy and rescue shelters are a beautiful combination when you consider that many of the animals used in these types of programs were unwanted. Wags 4 Warriors and similar programs have done a wonderful job of not only helping those in need but in the process, saving animals from what could be their demise. The statistics on unwanted animals are staggering. Over 12 million animals are either euthanized or abandoned each year. With programs like these, just imagine the potential number of animals that can not only be saved, but serve a greater purpose and be loved more than ever before.

Thank you Wags 4 Warriors, similar programs and all others involved for your part in helping our servicemen who have sacrificed so much as well as others who are so much in need.