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Service dogs helping soldiers with PTSD

service dog helping soldiers with ptsd
service dog helping soldiers with ptsd

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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