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Service dogs helping soldiers with PTSD

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 11% of veterans that served in Afghanistan and around 20% of veterans that served in Iraq currently suffer from PTSD.
Dustin Deweerd, a veteran of the war in Afghanistan suffers from symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder. He has nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks.
Deweerd was united with Gunny, a 3 year old Labrador Retriever service dog to help calm his PTSD symptoms and calm his anxieties. The service dog has been a godsend and has helped Deweerd cope. Gunny helps prevent the anxiety from even manifesting. “For some veterans, the dog can help a person go out in public. But for me, Gunny helped me go home,” said Deweerd.
Deweerd and Gunny were brought together with the help of Patriot Paws, a nonprofit that trains service animals and unites them with war veterans.
To read more about Dustin and Gunny please read the full article here.
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