Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

“She kept me from using, she kept me clean”. Veteran Robert B. talking about his dog Hazel

Veteran substance abuse is a growing problem in the USA, many active military men and women and veterans struggle with addiction. Veterans turn to substance abuse to self-medicate and numb their pain. Traumatic events such as combat exposure and multiple deployments can trigger drug or alcohol use, which all too often lead to addiction.

Combat today is vastly different than it was 40-50 years ago, and the new war on terror has increased the trauma and emotional toll combat has had on our service members.

Perscription Drug Abuse is prevalent among veterans because many are treated with powerful narcotic pain medications for injuries and combat related stress. Over time, veterans can become dependent on these drugs and eventually an addiction can develop. Alcohol abuse and addiction is common among the military population.

Common addictive medications prescribed to veterans include: Lortab, Vicodin, OxyContin, Ativan, Valium, Xanax, Ambien and Lunesta. Veterans taking these drugs may develop a dependence on them, meaning a tolerance to their effects and symptoms of withdrawal when quitting. Veterans may spiral into full-blown addiction, which is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior.

For the past four years, Canines With a Cause (CWAC) has placed dogs in Recovery Treatment Centers, giving comfort to residents and assisting them in their journey to sobriety. Robert B. was the first veteran in the CWAC program to participate in our service dog training with his dog Hazel while living in the VA funded First Step House (noted in earlier report). Their success was the inspiration for our newest program designed to help veterans battle addiction, Healing Heroes.

Rescue dogs are now being assessed and trained in the Idaho Correctional Institution-Orofino (featured in video link) for work in Recovery Treatment Clinics. They will be trained to participate in therapy sessions, partnering with staff, helping people deal with the deep rooted trauma usually attached to addiction. Some will live in the centers as facility dogs. Dogs will be available for adoption and if applicable, receive training for service work like Hazel. Our first program dog is currently working in Chicago, Ill.

The patients in these facilities have returned from war but continue to battle. The presence of a dog offers a judgement free listener with low expectations who offers unqualified love to people who might not have anyone else. The dogs also serve as the first step to teaching responsibility and engagement. To a dog, our vets will always be heroes even if they don’t feel like one.

Healing Heroes is another CWAC program made possible by our generous donors, thank you for caring.

Sincerely,

Cathy King

Links:

• Short Video Featuring Program Veterans