Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

What Is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can occur after a Veteran experiences a traumatic event. During this type of event, the Veteran believes his/her life or others' lives are in danger. She/he may feel afraid or feel that they have no control over what is happening. 

After the event, the Veteran may feel scared, confused, or angry. If these feelings don't go away or they get worse, the symptoms may disrupt the person’s life, making it hard to continue daily activities. All Veterans with PTSD have lived through a traumatic event that caused them to fear for their lives, see horrible things, and feel helpless. Strong emotions caused by the event create changes in the brain that may result in PTSD. 

The number of Veterans with PTSD varies by service era:

• Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF): About 11-20 out of every 100 Veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in OIF or OEF have PTSD in a given year.
• Gulf War (Desert Storm): About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD in a given year.
• Vietnam War: About 15 out of every 100 Vietnam Veterans (or 15%) were currently diagnosed with PTSD at the time of the most recent study in the late 1980s, the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study (NVVRS). It is estimated that about 30 out of every 100 (or 30%) of Vietnam Veterans have had PTSD in their lifetime.

PTSD also effects families and friends of the Veteran dealing with PTSD. According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs:

PTSD can make somebody hard to be with. Living with someone who is easily startled, has nightmares, and often avoids social situations can take a toll on the most caring family. Early research on PTSD has shown the harmful impact of PTSD on loved-ones.

This research showed that Vietnam Veterans have more marital problems and family violence. Their partners have more distress. Their children have more behavior problems than do those of Veterans without PTSD. Veterans with the most severe symptoms had families with the worst functioning.

Canines With a Cause (CWAC) supports Veterans dealing with PTSD through a holistic approach. Training a dog requires leaving the home and interacting with others. Dogs offer unconditional and non-judgmental love. They provide companionship, support, security to sleep and leave the home and help Veterans find their way back to family and civilian lives.

The attached link is an interview with Nick, a Veteran who not only trained his amazing dog Zoie with CWAC, he is now a CWAC trainer overseeing our program in a substance abuse rehabilitation facility. Nick helps those who use drugs and alcohol to help deal with past trauma heal through working with CWAC dogs. Nick explains how PTSD effected his life and how Zoie helped him heal. Please take a minute to watch.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Our important programs are made possible because of generous donors like you.

Sincerely,

Cathy

Links:

• Interview with Nick