My first thought today is to say “THANK YOU” to all the VETERAN’s for everything you have done so we can have the freedom to write blogs, to take long walks with our humans, to go to church, and all the many blessings we have because you have given of yourself for our country. THANK YOU!!
I’ve got to share this with you, I was reading the news online a few weeks ago after my human had gone outside and came across an interesting article concerning the lack of funding for service dog programs which help our veterans with mental disabilities, especially Post Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD), I’ll share the link to the article here, "VA Won't Cover Costs of Service Dogs Assigned for PTSD Treatment." One of the reasons cited was there isn’t sufficient evidence that the program works the way intended. I contacted www.thisableveteran.org, the group mentioned in the article, for information and was sent this great brochure.
The mission of “This Able Veteran,” (TAV) started by group of civilians
and veterans, is to support veterans with issues related to their service to our
country by training service dogs to assist them. The Service Dogs are trained
to interrupt the cycles of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic
Brain Injury (TBI) and to support veterans with mobility issues.
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| "Turning On the Lights" |
The first thing they do is shape the skills needed in the dogs. For 9
months, an average of 100 hours per month, goes into training each of these
dogs. The training includes typical Service Dog skills, but then they further
tailor the dog’s skills to address the specific issues of the veteran they are to
be paired with. After the extensive training for the dogs, the veterans and the
dogs learn to recognize each other’s signals and to form a bond strong enough
to carry the veteran through the challenges of recovery.
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| "Retrieving and Holding items are part of the training" |
Why are they doing this? There
are over 400,000 veterans who suffer from mental trauma. Everyday things we
take for granted, such as going shopping, to a ballgame, to class, to dinner
with family, or getting on a plane, are things they often cannot do. Just the
simple act of driving can trigger flashbacks. These veterans dedicated
themselves to our country and deserve no less than the care a specially trained
Service Dog can provide. The right Service Dog, one custom selected and trained
for each individual’s needs, can give these men and women a chance to truly
come home.
The greatest rewards are the comments heard or received from the
veterans who have graduated from the program:
Henry said “TAV has changed
my life. The course, the people, and my dog Stella have helped me start
sleeping again and to open up emotionally. This is one of the only effective
types of therapy I have found, and I have hope for future progress.”
Jason said “I am living my
life again. I have a wife who loves me, a daughter I can connect with, and a
dog that makes it all possible. After all these years, I never would have
imagined this could be said of me!”
Kevin said “Most people find
me to be the picture of self confidence, while inside I boil over like a
volcano. Having my Service Dog in my life is like a calming oasis in an
otherwise anxiety ridden existence. There is a truth to life here with him I
can’t find anywhere else.”
Howard, who is now driving
again, going to the mall, and about to start school, says “Maverick has become
such a part of me that I feel we communicate as one. I take care of his needs
and he takes care of mine. This has made all the difference in my life.”
How can you help? Plenty! There are several options, so start here, donate (and volunteer), then go here, donate, to learn more! Now, I found a really cool hoodie for my human, he loves those things and with Christmas coming, I may have to connive with Mom to get him one, Hoodie.
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| "A Group From TAV" |
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