What is your opinion about Service Dogs used to help a Veteran through his/her personal battle with Combat PTSD?

2013-12-06T17:01:23-05:00

Should they be made more readily available? Should this be reduced as an option for treatment? Should the VA provide more assistance and education on this alternative?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 6:16 PM

2013-12-06T18:16:49-05:00

I think it is a great thing. Think about it, we have felons who get them while serving a sentence, why not veterans. That and emotional support animals.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Dec 6 at 2013 7:07 PM

2013-12-06T19:07:55-05:00

It's an awesome and proven benefit.

Read more about them:
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/dogs_and_ptsd.asp

Dogs and PTSD - PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Describes dogs as pets, service animals, and emotional support animals and discusses what is known about the role of dogs in PTSD recovery.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 7:13 PM

2013-12-06T19:13:43-05:00

Yeah , I want a puppy!!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 6 at 2013 7:51 PM

2013-12-06T19:51:46-05:00

I think dogs are very therapeutic in helping with PTSD and mental affliction. They sense emotion, and when they know something is wrong they respond with comfort and affection. There are organizations out there that provide service dogs to disabled Veterans as well as families who have lost loved ones overseas I do believe. The VA should implement this as an option to their PTSD and mental health programs. Even if they can not provide a dog, at least provide information to a veteran/service member to a means of getting one. However certain breeds can be expensive so I don't think you'll just be handed one for free (unless you find an organization that does so) but you may be offered discounts if you qualify. I could be wrong but that's how I see it.

Response by SGT Ray Morris made Dec 8 at 2013 10:31 AM

2013-12-08T10:31:22-05:00

i have an ex daughter in law that works for the tex DOC with the paws for patriots program and have seen first hand what these service animals do for a injured, disabled veterans that I am in support of any program that helps them out. I have been in the health care field for 24 years after about 6 differnet jobs before going thru the texas paramedic program. And have seen a lot of vets come thru the hospital that i work at that really need that type of care and either cannot get it at the local VE center or not provided at all.

Response by SrA Donna Patrick made Dec 9 at 2013 6:07 AM

2013-12-09T06:07:44-05:00

I would love to have one for my husband. I think the program should be available through the VA. Wouldn't it be great if a partnership could be made with local dog shelters to rescue some of the dogs? Now that's a program that helps and gives back:0)

Response by CMC Robert Young made Dec 9 at 2013 3:26 PM

2013-12-09T15:26:20-05:00

This is a proven program that benefits its users. Anything that works should be made readily available to the people who need it most.

Response by SPC Peter Hawley made Dec 11 at 2013 1:16 AM

2013-12-11T01:16:34-05:00

No solution is 100%. That being said. I know from personal experience the presence of any friendly dog lowers my stress level. If it helps one of us then, it's worth the expense.

Response by PO3 Matt Schmidt made Dec 11 at 2013 5:40 PM

2013-12-11T17:40:08-05:00

I think it is brilliant. Did you know there is such thing as a 'Dog University'? Dogs can be so beneficial to society: http://www.berginu.edu/

Response by TSgt Phillip L. made Dec 12 at 2013 5:10 AM

2013-12-12T05:10:02-05:00

Unconditional love and devotion mixed with practical needs make these dogs good therapy for PTSD. Probably not a "cure-all" solution, but if it helps even one....isn't it worth it? I don't have first hand experience with this treatment solution, but everything I've read has been positive towards the program. I see no reason not to offer it to all who are willing to accept the responsibility.

Response by Cpl Glynis Sakowicz made Dec 12 at 2013 7:13 AM

2013-12-12T07:13:47-05:00

Having a son-in-law who came home with a raging case of PTSD, we have been waiting to get him into the program, but there are so many waiting.

Until He comes up on the list, the son-in-law has taken to carting around a rescue dog that we found under a dumpster... a tiny little Chiuahuah who weighs all of about 2 lbs. The sight is something to see, as my son-in-law is 6'4, and Fred the dog is small enough to fit inside the crook of his arm.

Whatever the relationship, it seems to work, so we just hope that more dogs will be available, because no one believes a shivering two pound dog is in any way, a service dog, so the Son-in-law rarely leaves the house except for his V A appointments.

Response by LTC Donald (Don) Bachler made Dec 12 at 2013 2:29 PM

2013-12-12T14:29:32-05:00

My wife has one, and it makes a huge difference in being able to go out in public, reducing medication, etc. Unfortunately, the waiting list for one is roughly two years, and the VA does not officially recognize service dogs as a treatment option.

A properly trained one can make a huge difference, but someone who "vests" their pet does more damage to those who need them to function. There is no national certification for service dogs, and access challenges by business owners because of previous experience with "vesters" can make going in public additionally difficult. There is a huge difference legally between a "service dog" and an "emotional support animal," bot in training and coverage by the Americans With Disabilities Act.

Response by SPC Michael Hunt made Mar 20 at 2014 12:33 AM

2014-03-20T00:33:56-04:00

My pets have helped in my recovery from PTSD and Depression and my mother's dog has been a blessing to me. There should be more service dogs available as an alterntive holistic healing therapy.

Response by SGT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 20 at 2014 1:31 AM

2014-03-20T01:31:40-04:00

I think they are awesome. I have friends that use them and have had no complaints. It helps lit them know when an attack is coming and can help calm the vet down. I am aware of several programs if anyone is interested. I will get with one friend to see which ones she recommends. I hear there is a real good one in FL, but at the moment I can't remember the name. It is also probably best to help train your new buddy so you are on the same page. I just wonder when we can have them on active duty. That would be nice.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2014 10:26 PM

2014-04-14T22:26:18-04:00

I have no issue, it seems to help many people. I did encounter an active duty Marine who was being stationed OCONUS with a PTSD dog. I thought that was a bit weird, if he was that disabled what is the USMC doing sending him overseas?

Response by SGT Shon D. Hill made May 7 at 2014 11:06 PM

2014-05-07T23:06:01-04:00

My girlfriend helped me get a small dog to help with PTSD and just for good companionship. I can tell you my little 5 lb. Chihuahua/Terrier mix has been quite a blessing in my life. I often isolate from people and places (physically or just "checking out"). I have heard that an official service dog is expensive and long waits, but one way or another dogs are wonderful for helping to relieve the symptoms and just bonding in general. Thanks for such an excellent topic :)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 7 at 2014 11:12 PM

2014-05-07T23:12:09-04:00

I think it is a Great Idea, The unconditional love of my Border Collie Maggie was a great thing for me.

Response by SSG Mark Ives made May 7 at 2014 11:41 PM

2014-05-07T23:41:43-04:00

Definitely!! Dogs have unquestionable devotion to their owners, so are ideal for wounded warriors. Only problem I see is educating the public/businesses that they are necessary, just like any other service dog.

Response by LTJG Benjamin Finnell made Jun 5 at 2014 10:56 AM

2014-06-05T10:56:00-04:00

Benjamin Finnell
American Fork, UT

I arrived at the VA Hospital in Salt Lake this morning much like any other time I have gone there, with my service dog Norman at my side. This time, however, I was met at the entrance by a uniformed Police Officer. Yes, the VA has their own police force, but that is a different issue. The reason the VA Police officer cited for stopping me was that the Salt Lake City VA Hospital does not recognize PTSD service dogs as being service animals. He refused to recognize the prescription from my physician, the tags identifying him as a service animal, and the federal law (Americans with Disabilities Act) that requires that they grant access to ALL service animals.

Instead, the administration of the VA Healthcare System in Salt Lake have created a sub-class of service animal that they have declared "of no real use" (the officer's words). He claimed that dogs cannot be trained to performs tasks for PTSD, that they either "are born with the instinct to do it, or not, but it can't be trained." Regardless of the falsity of his logic, federal law requires ALL service animals be granted access, not just some.

After much lecturing and telling me how I was wrong for calling my dog a service dog (I have a prescription from my physician and he is properly trained to do specific tasks, which makes him a service dog), the officer provided me with a copy of the VAMC Salt Lake City policy (dated March 5, 2014) on which he highlighted the section covering therapy, companion, and emotional support animals (because that is what he said they considered my service dog). Nowhere in their guidance does it prohibit PTSD service dogs by name, but the VA Salt Lake City Police are using this document to categorically discriminate against servicemembers who have PTSD and use a service dog to help manage their PTSD. When I pointed out that it did not prohibit PTSD service animals and listed the tasks that Norman (my service dog) performs, he stated that only physical tasks were recognized. He then proceeded to discount the necessity of having a service dog for epilepsy or diabetes because "we are in a hospital, so if they need medical care, they are right here." He continued to lecture and berate me for fifteen minutes while I attempted to excuse myself (I wouldn't leave without a written copy of the policy, so he delayed making the copy while he lectured some more).

Interestingly, the VA themselves are currently running a clinical trial on the benefits of service dogs for PTSD (http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01329341). If they are willing to concede that there is likely a clinical benefit to having a service dog for PTSD, why then would they not allow someone who has a service dog and at the same time to access the health care that they are entitled to?

Some of you may wonder, "What does a service dog actually do for PTSD?" The reference at (http://www.iaadp.org/psd_tasks.html) has some wonderful answers, but the truth is that just like every other service animal, they are trained to perform specific tasks that aid their owner/handler in dealing with/overcoming their disability. But the key thing is that these must be specific, concrete, identifiable tasks that you can point to and say "This is what my service dog does to deal with my disability."

During my service, I earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star (with combat "V"), and am now rated 100% disabled due to my PTSD. The VA should not deny me access to care based on the fact that I have a service dog. Please consider signing my petition to change this policy at Change.org: https://www.change.org/petitions/sen-orrin-hatch-investigate-the-systematic-violation-of-the-americans-with-disabilities-act-ada-by-the-va-medical-center-in-salt-lake-city

More links on service dogs for PTSD:
http://www.americanhumane.org/interaction/programs/servicedogsforveterans/
http://www.nami.org/ADVTemplate.cfm?Section=Advocate_Magazine&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=109134

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jul 30 at 2014 2:13 AM

2014-07-30T02:13:10-04:00

I think that could be a good idea but really why stop at dogs when simply having any sort of "pet" would benefit someone with PTSD. I know you said service dogs but even just simply having a pet to love you and depend on you and always be there could really help sometimes.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Aug 27 at 2014 5:25 PM

2014-08-27T17:25:30-04:00

I'm proud of the 4 months that I spent in the VA's residential PTSD program. It was used against me in divorce court, which was disgraceful, but I stood proud and let them make an ass out of themselves. During my time in the program, one thing is certain, the service dogs were the best therapists. A good dog has emotional radar. When their fur-less pet is having a bad day, they are the first to know it. That wet nose is heading right for your forearm for a nudge. When you are having a hard time dealing with grief and loss, a dog is never judgmental, they are fantastic listeners, and they always agree with us whenever we need to vent about the VA pissing us off. We have to care for them, nurture them, and clean up after them. It is a great way to remember that life has a way of going on. We are the most important thing in someone's life. We experience unconditional love in the purest, most basic form. They pull us out of our shells. They are fantastic icebreakers. We might not want to talk about ANYTHING, but we can always talk about our dogs. Before long, the conversations include more than just what is happening in the dog's life, and we can open up about our own life.

Response by SFC Dr. Joseph Finck, BS, MA, DSS made Sep 27 at 2014 4:19 PM

2014-09-27T16:19:56-04:00

SPC Sven Pacot,

I believe this to be a viable and great option for many veterans who survive with PTSD. Many of the VA Behavioral Health treatment professionals support Service Animals for assistance with PTSD. Some do not. There is empirical data in support of this treatment modality.

Thank you for your service and for this post,

SFC Joseph M. Finck SFC USA (Ret)

Response by PO2 Terri Myre made Feb 22 at 2015 5:06 AM

2015-02-22T05:06:55-05:00

Yes to all of the questions listed. I wish I had a service dog to help deal with my PTSD. Whenever I'm in public where I can have my pet dog with me, I find that I'm able to deal with things better and my anxiety levels aren't as high. He's in tune with me and picks up on my moods. He "talks" to me, nudges me, licks me or leans against me to get my attention and to distract me from whatever is triggering me. My boy also helps to protect my personal bubble and is constantly aware of everything going on around me. There is nothing like having a big, furry, personal protector to hug and hold. I am all for service dogs for vets. They throw too many medications at us and just send us on our way. Four paws and a wagging tail can be great therapy.

Response by SgtMaj James Kuiken made Mar 3 at 2015 8:27 AM

2015-03-03T08:27:46-05:00

You can see my opinion about Service Dogs (and what good they do) in two of my posts:
1) Gaining Freedom - A Personal Journey in Surviving PTS and TBI, and
2) Watching your brother/sister's back - helping fellow Servicemembers and Veterans

as well as related info in my other post: Getting Real About PTS And TBI

As for your questions, yes, they should be more available, yes, they should be a (strongly recommended) option for treatment, and yes, the VA should provide more assistance and education on this alternative. All of these would save lives. Period.

Response by CSM Mike Maynard made Mar 19 at 2015 12:47 AM

2015-03-19T00:47:42-04:00

The military has a very strict definition of the term "Service Dog" - Service dogs are only for the sight impaired.

Dogs that are used to help Soldiers through PTSD are defined as "Comfort Dogs" or other similar terms, but not "Service Dogs".

You wouldn't think that it is that big of a deal, but the military doesn't actually recognize "Comfort Dogs" officially. They are usually "recommended" by behavior health to help Soldiers.

There are no entitlements or privileges associated with a Soldier who has a "Comfort Dog".

Just had a situation recently where a Soldier showed up with what he said was a "Service Dog", but it was actually a "Comfort Dog".

He was single and not authorized to live off post based on grade and housing occupancy numbers. So, another family in the Bn is "babysitting" his dog for him.

Since the military doesn't "profile" or issue/authorize "Comfort Dogs", HRC wouldn't know that they have one and wouldn't know to take that into consideration when they put them on assignment.

It's kind of jacked up. Since everyone agrees that they are beneficial, there should be something through profiling or EFMP to alert HRC to this so that they can take this into consideration when placing these Soldiers on assignment.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Apr 7 at 2015 10:38 PM

2015-04-07T22:38:32-04:00

http://www.tadsaw.org/
PTSD and mild TBI personal experience, I have noticed both my dog Max and Calico cat Daisy act strange 30 minutes before I have dizzy attacks or blurred visions, or falling attacks, they both bring toys or jump on me. I asked the website above to explain that behavior and was told that both animals are able to sense (smell) the slight chemical changes that my body goes through before an attack hits me. Max and Daisy are trying to teach me to trust them!

TADSAW - Train a Dog Save a Warrior

The Mission of TADSAW (Train a Dog Save a Warrior) is to provide for the training of a Medical Alert Service dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, for any wounded warrior, active duty or veteran, surviving with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Response by Sgt Adam Jennings made Apr 7 at 2015 11:09 PM

2015-04-07T23:09:15-04:00

I think this program should be endorsed and used more by the VA and the federal government. I have a close friend that is in desperate need of a service dog for his PTSD but he's sitting on a long waiting list and dealing with the bureaucratic BS that the VA loves to engage in.