LAKEWOOD, Wash. -- Call them "the dogs of war." Happy and goofy labs, setters and more are helping veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan deal with the difficult transition to life at home.
But the problem is, there aren't nearly enough of them.
Returning soldiers diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or post-traumatic stress (PTS) often suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, or violent episodes depending on the nature of their injuries. Some research shows service dogs can reduce those symptoms by up to 86 percent.
"Dogs trained to deal with PTS and TBI are taught to prevent strangers from coming too close. By positioning themselves in front of their partners, they prevent people from getting into their personal space," said Amee Gilbert of Canines and Heroes for Independence. "Dogs are often trained to watch. This takes the place of the soldier having to watch his back which is a common urge that many combat veterans share."
The dogs also provide reality checks for visual and auditory hallucinations. A veteran recently reported that while spending a quiet evening at home, he suddenly felt a strange person standing close to him. He looked down at his dog who was asleep at his feet and realized that no one could possibly be there without the dog reacting, according to Gilbert.
“We return from war but our minds do not,” Marine veteran Evan John wrote when he was asked why he wanted a service dog. Evan was recently matched with a dog that wakes him from his nightmares and nudges him when he is having a panic attack to remind him to relax.
Canines and Heroes for Independence, along with Brigadoon Youth & Service Dog Programs are holding a fundraiser Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Great American Casino in Lakewood. Their goal is to raise $200,000 this year, enabling them to match 10 veterans/service members with a service dog specifically trained to their needs, free of charge.
"We believe that the sacrifices they have made are enough. It is our goal to minimize the stress they endure everyday and to help them become independent," said Gilbert.
For more information visit www.brigadoondogs.org.
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