Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

“Don’t walk in front of me, I may not follow. Don’t walk behind me, I may not lead. Walk beside me and be my friend.” - Albert Camus

Social isolation is a problem with combat veterans returning home from Iraq and/or Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They tend to avoid people, friendships, social support, and emotional closeness. This escalates the on-going issues of loneliness and helplessness and ends up allowing more time to worry.

The unconditional love of a dog can be, in many situations, an answer. The dog doesn’t judge, or ask questions. It is simply there, providing a basic necessity that all of us yearn for – someone who loves us no matter what. The dog validates the veterans and gives them hope.

Canines With a Cause (CWAC) offers several programs for veterans to engage with dogs. The dogs in our program are rescued from local shelters, the veterans can relate as they know some of the dogs have seen their own war. Dogs receive some basic training in the Utah State Prison where they live and train with women inmates.

Dogs are then placed with veterans to continue their training, this creates a bond and partnership, the veterans learn how to be dog handlers. Leaving their homes and coming to class has proven beneficial for the veterans, no more isolation.

Moving into 2016, CWAC will be offering more programs to benefit veterans. Certified Dog Trainers are in demand, CWAC will be offering internship programs for veterans interested in learning dog training skills and getting needed hours of "hands on" training to work as trainers or start their own business. Helping other veterans is also a benefit.

All of our work is made possible because of your generous support, we couldn't save dogs or support our veterans without you.

Thank you!

Cathy King

Links:

• website

Man's Best Friend-Comrades in War and Life

After returning home from his final tour in one of the most dangerous areas in Afghanistan, and the world, Cameron didn't know what he was going to do with his life. Twenty-five years old, he couldn't sleep, had flashbacks of comrades fallen, bleeding out and dying. He drank too much, didn't take care of his health and didn't care whether or not he lived or died. Then came Romeo...

"I adopted a young yellow lab, through CWAC. At first, he was so crazy and hyper. I often considered returning him, and giving up being his forever home. His name is Romeo. He saved my life. Keeping him was like deciding to live. Suicide was no longer an option. I needed him. He needed me. We toughed it out. Now we are better friends then I could have ever imagined. I thank CWAC for saving Romeo from a shelter, and indirectly saving me from suicide."

Dogs and war have a long history, veterans serving in Iraq and Afghanistan speak of the local stray dogs that keep them company and give them comfort on long, lonely nights. The dogs bark to alert them danger is coming or watch their back when out on a mission. They are trusted companions and have been throughout history.

War dogs have been around for ages, dogs on the battlefield, protecting their partners. As far back as ancient Egypt, dogs were used as both offensive and defensive forces. Some Egyptian murals depict dogs being unleashed on Egyptian warriors’ enemies. Similarly, the Greeks recorded a dog’s contributions on a mural celebrating the Battle of Marathon against the Persians. Written accounts by the Roman writers and historians Plutarch and Pliny exist, and Strabo, a Greek historian, described the dogs being “protected with coats of mail.”

Attila the Hun, William the Conqueror, and succeeding generations of English rulers and leaders; the Spanish conquistadors; Napoleon; and Frederick the Great, dogs have served loyally. A frequently cited example of war dogs and their loyalty is Napoleon’s writing in his memoirs, “I walked over the battlefield and among the slain, a poodle killed bestowing a last lick upon his dead friend’s face. Never had anything on any battlefield caused me a like emotion.” 

Dogs have a bigger purpose after the battlefield, helping veterans return from the war that continues to in their hearts and minds. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Researchers are accumulating evidence that bonding with dogs has biological effects, such as elevated levels of the hormoneoxytocin. “Oxytocin improves trust, the ability to interpret facial expressions, the overcoming of paranoia and other pro-social effects—the opposite of PTSD symptoms,”. Dogs also give unconditional and nonjudgmental love. They require food and exercise, getting veterans out and helping them regain their family and social lives. They give some veterans a purpose to live.

Canines With a Cause would like to thank the men, women and dogs who have served. We would also like to thank those who make our life saving programs possible.

Happy Veterans Day!

Sincerely,

Cathy