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Subscribe to RSSFor years Raymond Galmiche, 64, had nightmares about his two deployments to Vietnam as a tanker in the Army. He would awake with the mattress soaked in sweat and spend hours playing solitaire until he could fall asleep again.
The haunting memories also came in the form of daytime flashbacks in which he might spend 20 minutes lost in another time and place.
Galmiche, who retired from the Army in 1986 after 20 years of service, was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 2002. Though he attended counseling sessions and took medication during the following years, he says he did not find profound relief from his symptoms until being matched with a PTSD service dog last September.
Galmiche received Dazzle, a German Shepherd, through a research study at the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa, Fla. The study is evaluating whether or not symptoms improve when a veteran is paired with a PTSD service dog.
During their first night together, Galmiche began to have a nightmare and Dazzle licked his face then tapped a paw on his chest, a task the dog was trained to perform. When Galmiche awoke, Dazzle nuzzled against him and the two quickly fell asleep.
"It blew me away," Galmiche told NBC News. "I can talk with just about any social worker, counselor, my closest friend, a psychologist, and as much as they can get it ... the dog looks in my eyes and seems to understand what my real basic need is. It’s that self-worth that makes me feel a private pride, something that I thought I’d lost a long time ago."
Galmiche prays that others like him will have the same experience, but many challenges remain to providing PTSD service dogs to veterans on wide-scale basis.
Though stories like Galmiche's are becoming more common, few of the service dogs trained annually are specifically for PTSD patients. There have been no double-blind, randomized controlled trials — the gold standard for studying medical interventions — on the benefits of a service dog for PTSD patients. There are also no widely accepted standards or best practices for training dogs to alleviate PTSD symptoms, a point of concern for many traditional service dog organizations, some of which have been in the industry for decades.
At the veterans' hospital in Tampa, a team of epidemiologists, mental health providers, veterinarians and other experts are conducting a study that will address some of these questions. Seventeen participants enrolled in the program over the past year, though Congress -- which recommended the study -- permitted the Department of Veterans Affairs to match as many as 200 with service dogs.
While many are eager for the three-year study to deliver scientific research that will demonstrate benefits and help create a framework for training PTSD service dogs, there have been some challenges. The study was temporarily suspended from January to June after a young girl was bitten by a dog. VA declined to be interviewed about the study, but told NBC News that the project resumed after it increased monitoring through phone calls and home visits by the researchers and service dog providers.
The study is the first of its kind at VA; the agency only just began providing benefits for service dogs to veterans with physical disabilities in 2001 and had previously done a handful of small studies looking at whether veterans benefits from mobility and hearing service dogs. The research hinted that some veterans with service dogs might have improved affect but the results were limited.
Before the most recent study even began, it sparked a debate among experts in the field. Federal law requires that service animals perform specific tasks to assist with a disability, and organizations that train service dogs have spent years identifying and refining appropriate tasks and training techniques. The idea that a dog can assist with a so-called invisible disability, however, has many in the field skeptical.
"There is a view I guess from some people that PTSD dogs are therapy dogs because there is no manifestation of physical disability that you can see," said Michael Sapp Sr., CEO of Paws With A Cause in Wayland, Mich. The distinction is important as a therapy dog is not considered a service animal under the American Disabilities Act, and is not granted the same access to public and private buildings.
Sapp said that Paws With A Cause learned of the VA study in Tampa last year and was reluctant to participate because the organization lacked in-depth knowledge of PTSD and how symptoms might be ameliorated by a service dog. Paws With A Cause had previously explored providing service dogs to children with autism and spent a year-and-a-half interviewing families, visiting schools for autistic children and conducting surveys before it felt comfortable training dogs for that purpose.
Sapp is also concerned about the proliferation of upstart organizations that are trying to meet the growing demand for PTSD service dogs, but don't have years of experience in the field and aren't accredited by Assistance Dogs International, one of the industry's only standard-setting groups. Matching a service dog to the right owner takes time, Sapp said, and should be followed up regularly with evaluations for both the animal and the client. That requires resources and infrastructure that many newer organizations lack, Sapp said.
Dr. Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, a retired colonel who served in the Office of the U.S. Army Surgeon General until 2010, told NBC News that using service dogs for PTSD may require a new way of looking at training. It might be that a classically-trained service dog or a shelter animal could be taught PTSD-related tasks. The fear in the field and what's behind the "active dispute" among experts, Ritchie said, is that "you have to be very careful, because if you’ve got an untrained or poorly trained dog, then you’re skewing it for other dogs."
The VA study had partnered with three service dog organizations, two of which were ADI accredited and have since left the project. Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc., in Williston, Fla., has been the only one of the three original providers to continue with the VA study, and matched Galmiche with Dazzle.
Carol Borden, the organization's executive director, said her staff provides 500 to 1,500 hours of rigorous training for the animals over a six to 24-month period. They have trained PTSD service dogs for the past three years, teaching them to help ground a client during an anxiety episode, awaken a client from a nightmare and remind a client to take medication, among other tasks.
Borden has witnessed dramatic turnarounds in many veterans' lives once matched with a dog.
"The results are very immediate, they’re very quick," Borden told NBC News. "It’s not a cure, but they are able to manage their challenges much better than they have in years."
Borden said the demand for PTSD service dogs is far more than her organization can handle; most people on her four-year waiting list have requested a dog for that purpose.
An estimated 13 to 20 percent of the more than 2.6 million service members who served in Iraq or Afghanistan since 2001 have or may develop PTSD, creating a pool of possible patients as large as 520,000 people. Even if a fraction of those veterans could benefit from a PTSD service dog, there is no pipeline to provide them in a consistent, safe manner.
The anecdotal success stories are compelling, but researchers are still trying to understand how the relationship works.
Rick Yount, founder of Warrior Canine Connection, believes his service dog training program may help provide insight into how treatment could work.
Patients with PTSD don't receive a service dog in WCC, but instead train them to assist another veteran with physical disabilities. After participating in a 2008 training program at a VA residential PTSD treatment center, many veterans reported better emotional and impulse control, decreased depression, lowered stress levels, improved sleep and more "in the moment" thinking.
Yount attributes the improvements partly to the opportunity for veterans to participate in a "mission" for other wounded warriors. The sense of purpose helps, but there may also be neurobiological effects of interacting with an animal; research has shown that when focus is on petting and playing with a dog, it can increase oxytocin, a brain chemical that boosts trust and quiets the brain's fear response.
"It may not be as fantastic-looking as having a dog pulling a wheelchair," Yount said, "but the results are pretty fantastic when you talk to a vet who can live a normal lifestyle because he has a dog."
Yount argues that it might even be more effective to allow PTSD patients to train a dog before receiving one.
"They have to convince the dog the world is a safe place, rather than letting the dog prove to them that the world is a safe place," Yount said. For some, that difference could lead to a greater sense of independence and perhaps such a marked improvement in their symptoms that they wouldn't require a service dog.
Yount and his research partner, Meg Daley Olmert, are designing a study to test the benefits of training service dogs. In the meantime, they are working with the National Intrepid Center of Excellence, located on the campus of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, to help establish a set of guidelines for how service dogs can be used to help veterans. They hope that eventually the Department of Defense will create a training corps staffed by PTSD patients that could offer both therapy as well as a solution to the shortage of service dogs.
Both agree that research into this field warrants federal support and must go beyond the efforts of small nonprofits to meet the demand. It will also require people to change the way they've traditionally thought of service dogs to encompass the invisible wounds of war or service.
For Galmiche, participating in the VA study has been life-changing. With Dazzle at his side to alert Galmiche to potential threats or people who approach too quickly, he now feels comfortable going out in public. Galmiche has also strengthened his relationship with his children after ending a painful period of isolation in which he had little communication with them for more than two years.
"He’s there for me constantly, everywhere I go, everything I do," Galmiche said. "It’s like the brotherhood I had in Vietnam where we counted on each other for everything. This dog gives me the same sense."
Rebecca Ruiz is a reporter at NBC News and a 2011-2012 Rosalynn Carter Mental Health Journalism Fellow. Follow her on Twitter here.
Update: This article originally misstated that all three of the organizations participating in the VA study were not accredited by ADI.
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From a Navy vet "well done" keep it up we all need the help.
We are already wayyyy behind in getting Service Animals and Therapy Animals to all those who need them. So, having veterans train Service Animals is a great idea not just for putting a dent in the delay but also for a sense of purpose, and I have clients who do the same. I just worry because I have been getting more and more complaints from folks with disabilities regarding access with their Service Animals, and so have reporters and legislators. The Americans with Disabilities Act does not require a "license" but NYC has a "leave me and my Service Animal alone so we can finish shopping" card, where the SA are vetted (no pun intended). I end up writing a letter myself for the person to place in her/his wallet just in case but still, people can be quite nasty if the person is not blind. After the reporter called, I started contacting lawmakers, looking to get some sort of a card system here in Suffolk County (Long Island), and hoping it avoids situations such as where a client, who ALSO is the best trainer, even training the trainers going into the prisons for the "Puppies Behind Bars" program, was kicked out of a supermarket. She was told "you don't look crippled" by the idiot store manager. You can Google my name-I have a great deal more info on animal law, disability law, foreclosure defense, and other areas of law involving underdogs-human and animal. Please-if you know anyone who needs help, send them to the website. If you know someone abusing the system, including ordering "licenses" from phony internet services, where all you need is a credit card, please remind that person he/she makes it much harder for people who truly need their Service Animals. And, no, it is not "just" a Pom in a purse...that is how this problem started, when celebrities started putting little dogs in their bags.
Some people amaze me, you would think they would ask questions before becoming accusatory. I understand sanitation issues but I don't think any person should have to justify their disability to some strange store manager, especially not invisible emotional wounds. People that don't have it just don't get it, if a service dog helps snap a veteran back into reality, gives them something to care about and survive another day, then that is a good thing. I read another article about a man in Fort Collins, CO that was arrested for DUI with his service dog in the car. The authorities took the dog to the local dog shelter and the shelter gave the dog away. He had only had the dog for a year, can you imagine?
*deleted*
The author didn't do a very good job of defining the difference between a "psychiatric service dog", which is legally covered under the ADA, and an "emotional support animal", which is only legally covered for housing and air travel.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psychiatric_service_dog
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emotional_support_animal
To me the distinction between a dog covered by the ADA and one only designated for eemotional support was not very clear and makes a big difference in what is being discussed when it comes to laws and therapeutic benefit.
Currently only Guide dogs for the blind and mobility service dogs are allowed at the Va. PTSD or mental heath service dogs is not recognized by the Va. The Va dosn't follow the ADA Law, because they follow their own mandate of rules and regulations. So you have to toss out the ADA Law, where service dogs are concerned at a Va facility and abide by the Va mandates. That is where the confusion lays in access at a Va facility.
How you and your service dog act and what proof you carry with you, become a big part of gaining access at a Va facility.
You have to understand your service dog must perform at least three tasks or more relating to your disabilities, while out in public under the Current ADA law. It will be the other tasks in conjuction to your Mental health issues, that permits access to the Va hospitals. If they fall under the mobility restriction for service dog access at the Va you will be permited access.
Pets are not considered service dogs. The issue is even a basic dog provides comfort and support and that is why many consider these dogs just pets and not working service dogs. The Va wants more studies on mental health related service dogs, before opening the door. If you can respond to treatment, medical device, or a program the Va will use them, before reaching for a service dog.
To get authorization for the Va to pay for your Service dog you must get a Doctor to prescribe one. I say take charge of your medical condition by seeking out a training program that will fit your budget, follow ADI Training Standards and not wait for Va approval. But making insure that the service dog does fit the mobility requirement by performing tasks relating to balancing, getting off the floor etc.
Playing the blame game with the Va isn't going to get you anywhere, just more angry. You have to understand, The getting of a service dog isn't magically going to solve your problems either and it doesn't work for everyone. You have to be stable without all the peaks and valleys, that come with PTSD or other mental health issues, for your dog to want follow you or obey your commands. Plus There is a big concern for the mistreatment or beatings of a service dog, When connected to a mental health related person. Both at the Va level and at most responsible training programs, this is one of the biggest fears. With the waiting lists and the need being so high, they do not want to partner a service dog with someone who might beat or mistreat the service dog. When there are better and less likely disabled candidates waiting. The Va has it's own set of rules that it mandates for all Hospitals and doesn't follow the ADA Law. people need to understand that, when looking into use of service dogs at a Va facility.
Also even though you say it is a service dog and are protected by the ADA Law and permitted access. You can be refused access, if your dog fails on any of the following points:
Growls, bites, barks or defecates on the premises.
At any time, is not under your full control or is allowed off leash.
Is a disruption to normal business conditions.
You can be asked to leave and denied access under the conditions of the law. It isn't a free ride to bring your pet into a Government facility or any place of business. Just like your diver's license it can be taken away from you. It isn't a right based on your being disabled that allows access. You are a guest and must act according, when out in public places, businesses, or govenment facilities.
Once your dog passes the required tests and becomes a certified working service dog. They are no longer considered a pet, they are in fact a medical device. You are subject to the code of conduct and the Rulings of the ADA Law and the mandates passed by the Va. Whether you bought your service dog or went through a non-profit self training program as long as the program follows the minimum training standards set down by the ADI, you are granted access. But only, if you follow the code of conduct at all times. What you and your dog do at home is another matter. Service dogs are taught they are working when the cape is on and can play when it comes off. Just like you do when you wore the uniform.
Some of the problem regarding allowing "service dogs" into stores, restaurants and other public buildings is the growing use of Internet obtained dog vests to indicate a "service dog" or a similar designation, even though the animal has not specific training. Rather it is a companion animal and often not even obedience trained. In two specific instances I know of, the dog owners merely want to take their dog everywhere with them. That's what store managers and others are running into.
Kudos to you, Carol Ryder, for doing what you can to help this very worthy cause.
I would like to see dogs that have served in the military trained to be PTSD dogs. I think that would be a wonderful way for them to continue to be of use, and not abandoned or killed when thier military unit ships back to the states. I think it might also help the veteran a bit, knowing that his new aide has "been there" too.
we should feel privileged to be let into their private realm. our dog looks not just at us but they gaze into us. that gaze is what we come to treasure. our thank-you to our vets for their service cannot possibly be as a wonderful a feeling of hope as the touch behind their ear, and the turn of a dogs head toward a person in need.
Let's cut to the end - full partnership benefits for animals. The shrinks, researchers, and puppy mills can all hop on that train.
...not to forget the snake oil folks...
this or any other dog isn't trained to do this; it is natural to them. my dogs have done it more than once to me when i was mad or upset. we claim to train dogs to behave in a way that is totaly natural to them. often, they in fact train us ...
Dogs VS Drugs
No contest. Side effects from drugs cause other problems & death. Side effects from a dog - LOVE!
Just think of all the LOVE that can be saved from shelters.
I absolutely believe that animals can makea huge difference in peoples lives on many, many levels. I suffer from CRPS, peripheral nueropathy, arthrits and depression issue from physical pain that I go through. I also have a lot of troulbe sleeping and thought that the medications I take were the culprit mostly responsible for that. However, my Dr. thought I should have a sleep apnea test. Did a home study and while I stopped breathing apparentl it wasn't enough to be considered apenea. But, my oxygen levels went really low at certain points of the night so will be doing a study in clinic to gather further information on if it's my mes causin gthe low oxygen or some otherbreathing issues. I have been suffering with pain isssues for 4 years. My Dr. prescribed my pets as therapy dogs. Thye give me a purpose when sometimes I don't feel I have one. They know when I'm in pain or down in the dumps when the pain is great enough to keep me from pretty much everything I like to do. I'm also convinced that my little 7lb. pom "knows" when I stop breathing or my oxygen goes low. She sleeps at the foot of my bed at night and will randomly wake me up for what seems like no reason. Meaning she doesn't want out for the bathroom, fed, water or anything discernible. She will pester me until she knows I.m awake and has my attention. Then she will go back to sleep. Haven't discussed this with my Dr. yet butit would be hard for anyone to convince me that this little dog doesn't "know" when I'm in trouble and do something about it.
Much more research is needed in all the ways pets can help us. But this I know, they can and are willing particpatants in helping people feel better. The government needs to be delving into every way possible to get therapy/service dogs prescribed, trained and ready to help vets NOW not after years of "research". Vets laid their lives on the line and many lost so much for their exemplary service to us. What the heck is the hold up in GIVING BACK to them?????
I was diagnosed with PTSD after returning from the invasion and major combat in Iraq. A couple years after I returned, someone just gave me a dog (a pitbull/boxer). While on deployment I had to force myself to sleep through anything (soldiers shuffling around, explosions, gunfire, etc). I lived alone and was concerned for my safety while I slept. I used to say, "You could bulldoze my house and I'd still be asleep in the rubble." As my mind became tuned to my dog's bark, I felt more secure sleeping because I knew the dog would wake me up if something was going on.
I trained my dog to check the windows and doors if he'd heard something. Since my dog can hear much better than I can, this reduced my hyper-vigilance.
My dog likes to sleep in the bed close to me. Up to then, my dreams were violent nightmares and frequent. With my dog pressed against me, those have subsided significantly. I even started having good dreams again.
A couple years after giving me the dog, they told me they gave him to me because he was such a "pain in the ass." So they figured they'd dump him on the biggest pain the ass they knew, me. Haha. He was a blessing but sadly that dog, King, has passed away. When I was done mourning for my best friend, I went to the town's animal management and they had a beautiful 6 month old pitbull. So I snatched her right out of there. I named her Sheba and she's a real pain in the ass. Haha!
Chadwick out
SEABISCUIT!!!!!!!!!!!
Can we PLEASE spend some of the 100's of billions in the budget for the men and women that protect us.
This is the least we can do.
we already do. even in this deficit, lawmakers wouldn't DARE touch the VA fund.... as for putting more money into it, well, you'd have to take that up with your congressman/woman.
Understand the issues in defining service dogs vs therapy dogs, but hope these can be addressed to get these life-saving dogs placed with needy vets as soon as possible. And they are "life-saving" because PTSD prevents many vets from truly having a life they can enjoy instead of just existing/functioning; there is the suicide prevention aspect which is life-saving, too.
Saw a video recently about a program that trains and places dogs with PTSD-afflicted vets. To hear the vets talk about their dogs and the difference they made in the vets' lives brought me to tears. In addition to actions such as waking vets from nightmares and helping ground them when a panic attack comes on, the vets said it's the unconditional love and acceptance you get from a pet that helps - you don't have to worry what a pet thinks of you, whether or not you're letting them down as you might think with friends and family.
Hope the VA can collate study results quickly once the study period is over - my gut says they'll find these dogs will help PTSD veterans - whether vets are involved in the training or not (which I do think is a good idea) - and will be more cost-effective than long term medical/pharmaceutical treatment. But I am concerned about how budget cuts will impact the study and potential program. Don't know for sure, but have heard that the Ryan budget does cut some VA Health Admin funds. Hope that's only a terrible rumor - we owe it to our veterans to make them whole after their sacrifices for us.
WE DO NOT do ENOUGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
kimposibl - unfortunately the present administration has already tried to change and restrict the entire VA system, raised rates for vets, and while promising to eliminate the VA backlog of disability claims has allowed the backlog to double. Americans typically want to treat their vets right...this administration only has anything to do with us when it feels it can use us for political points.
It is worth noting that a noted Albuquerque guide dog trainer had his dog kicked hard enough to break ribs not just once, but twice in separate instances, at Dulles by United employees.
I wish this story could be put on all the networks, all the newspapers and on billboards. This would be a win win situation. If we could take as many dogs out of shelters and help these men and women who put their lives on the line for us. Maybe the monies saved from bringing home our troops could be used for a program like this. Let Congress do something constructive for a change...write to the President and your Congressman/woman...now.
sad thing is not all animals can be service dogs. you'll only see really smart, popular breeds, and many shelter animals have been abused or maybe too old to learn new tricks. I do see your point, though. And one does not have to have PTSD or need emotional support to know the affect of puppy eyes on any human being...
I have news for you, but there are several of rescue groups springing up that are getting the shelter animals and training them to be given to Vets to help cope with PTSD. I have a friend that had already taken shelter dogs and given them to kids in Juvenile Detention for them to care for and train for up to a month. The dog must pass basic obedience and has to be able to pass the CGC. She was then putting the dog up for adoption through a local rescue. Unfortunately with the economy the last two dogs that she had trained have set in the rescue for a long period of time. We were talking about how frustrating it is that these dogs received all the training and then can't find a home. I mentioned one of the programs that provides companion dogs for Vets with PTSD. She got in touch with them and they are working out the details. It is a win/win/win.....the dogs come out of the shelter, the kids have an opportunity to learn empathy, compassion and responsibility, then the vet ends up with a well trained companion animal.
Knowing what she was doing with her resuce/training project and having a husband that suffered with PTSD (his symptoms reduced significantly when I brought a couple of dogs into the house) it seemed like a perfect match or extension of her existing program.
How about starting a petition on change.org.??? Seem like some of the petitions on that site got quite a bit of national attention. Anyone interested in starting it or participating in signing such a petition??? TAkes a little computer savvy to set it up and work out the details of keeping it updated etc.. and I kinda lack in those skills. Any takers to get a petition started???
I agree with frankhank. We are saving billions of dollars by bringing our troops home. It's time to use the monies for something constructive. This would be a win/win situation. It would help find homes for shelter dogs and say thank you to the men and women who have risked their lives to protect us. Time to write to the President/Congress and let them know we as Americans want this program now.
Shelter dogs are not good service dogs but they do make great ASSISTANCE dogs.
A Service dog is in public and the breed temperment and health prognosis are critical to it's mission, hence a purebred or a purebred mix are the only dogs used for Service Dogs by PROFESSIONAL TRAINING ORGANIZATIONS - no mutts. People who self-train their (perfectly legal) Service dogs, use mutts a lot because they are cheaper to buy.
If you do not know the difference between a Service Dog, Guide Dog and Assistance Dog then I suggest you learn, the latter has very very different and limited rights to be in public.
I'm not sure that your statement regarding shelter dogs is completely accurate, Bob. There are several service dog organizations that train dogs from shelters with phenomenal results. Dogs are trained to help with everything from hearing loss to seizures. They assist the wheelchair bound and the emotionally fragile. Guide Dogs for the Blind still breeds their dogs, but that doesn't mean shelter dogs are unfit. Many private shelters put their dogs through a battery of behavior testing before they're ever put up for adoption. Our local children's hospital has a bull terrier "on staff" who has helped countless children through the trauma of being hospitalized, and a doctor on staff is a double amputee who had a service dog that helped him through medical school.
One other thing you're wrong about - not all dogs in shelters are "mutts." I've seen maltese, pugs, italian greyhounds, irish wolfhounds, spaniels of every size, beagles, yorkies, basset hounds, great danes, ridgebacks, poodles from teacup to standard, german shepherds, and labs, labs, labs, yellow, chocolate and black. Dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons - just because someone pays a lot of money for a purebred does not mean they are ready for the time, expense and responsibility that owning a pet requires. Some are impounded, some are found as strays, some are surrendered because of illness or death. When given a second chance, these animals can make a huge difference in the lives of people that need their help.
Right, Pedestrian, for the most part. Hospital therapy dogs are MUCH different than service dogs, however. Animals for therapeutic purposes doesn't require much specialized training, as a therapeutic affect is natural anyway. Studies have shown that owning an animal (cat or dog) reduces stress, heart disease, and improves the immune system. There are amazing stories on Animal Planet called "an Animal Saved My Life" where a pet saves a human being even without being a trained pet, but a smart, loyal creature. I guess what I'm trying to say is, shelter dogs can be great pets, but you'll have to get them young, and you'll generally want a smart breed. I'm not saying that mutts are dumb or anything, but they are not as smart as a poodle, border collie, german shepard, or lab....
Wouldn't be so quick to dismiss shelter dogs. They are not all mutts or mixed breed. Don't want to extrapolate my experience to all shelters, but the 5 I work with in my area often have pure-bred dogs that are surrender dogs, not just strays found on the street. Understand this is true of many of the privately-funded, no-kill shelters in my region.
The important thing is the dog's temperament and intelligence, which can depend on breed. And DNA tests can determine breed even in mutts. If a dog has the right temperament and intelligence for training as a service dog, it shouldn't matter where the dog comes from.
Agree with Lizzie 110%.
Another PROGRAM? Individual Americans working alone and in tandem are fully capable of doing these things exceptionally well and with far greater success than any government program. The government has proven it is uniquely capable of taking our money and wasting an eternity of time screwing things up. We have got to get out of this mindset that the government is the source for all American life when it consistently proves its meddling is the unlimited source of our strife. Vets and others need dogs - just do it!
Been a while since I posted a comment here. Mainly because so many of the posts are bashing either the government or one of the parties without regard to the topic at hand. To that I say,, for those of you old enough to remember Pogo,,,, " We has seen the enemy,, and he is us."
PTSD exists,,, both for veterans and non veterans. So does autism and ADD,,, the problem not in the over abundance of cases,, but the over abundance of claims. Many,, and in my experience,, most of all three are people who need to get over themselves. Psychologists that like to stamp the "diagnosis of the month" on anyone presenting with ANY symptoms,, no matter how minor or few. It makes it difficult for those truly in need to get the help,, and respect they deserve.
Understand this,,,, all veterans are veterans,,,, and quite a number of them are buttholes,,, just like I was,, and sometimes still am. The VA is there for us,, and does a damned fine job of it,, in my opinion. But that doesn't mean you are supposed to get everything you ask for,,, just what you need. I'm fine with that.
Service animals for everyone,,, what a lovely idea. Bull!!! I love animals,,, but service animals are tools and pets are friends. If you need to have your tool in the restaurant with me,, or next to me on the plane,, or in the theater,,, fine. But keep your furry "friend" at home. Unless you think your rights trump mine, that is.
If you want a pet,, the Humane Society has plenty,, waiting for a good home. If you want a service animal,, train it and make sure it can pass the tests required,,, and don't bitch when I ask you to prove it before I let it sit next to me in church.
Okay,, I've proved again how unPC I am.
And another thing Bob, any mixing of breeds is a MUTT. There is no such thing as a purebred mix. It is still a mutt. This whole fad with designer dogs is doing nothing more than creating new mutts to end up in shelters. Like Pedestrian said, you can find plenty of purebred and sometimes even papered purebred dogs in shelters. I also believe you are mistaking Service, Assistance, and Therapy dog as Therapy dogs are the only ones without public access rights at this time.
Actually, people who use shelter dogs to Owner Train, do so not just, or not even because it is cheaper (because in some cases it isn't), but because they also want to rescue a dog from the life of a shelter. It becomes a win/win for both the person and the animal.
kimposibl, please look up Muttville rescues. These wonderful people adopt out nothing but older dogs who have been dumped at shelters. I've had two so far - a 10 year old shepherd and a 11 year old golden mix, and I've never had finer, more loving pets than those two. Giving an older dog a second chance is extremely rewarding - these animals have often lived their entire lives in one home. Just because their owners wouldn't/couldn't see them through their last few years doesn't make them unworthy.
What a waste of tax dollars. I appreciate veterans efforts too but you have to draw the line on benefits somewhere. In this case the co-payment should equal half the expense of the dog. See how many of them want one then.
See, you just don't get it and that somehow gives you the right to draw an imaginary line for other people that are suffering. Anyways, it isn't like there is a line over 500,000 deep waiting for a PTSD service dog.
1. Lou,:
you are correct, there are only 250,000 people, including veterans, on waiting lists for Service Dogs around the nation. 500,000 is way high, just like you I think!
2. MIC;
The VA pays nothing for a Service dog they are all donated to veterans and not thru the VA but directly through the charitable organizations that have ZERO affiliation with The VA is claiming credit that should be given to a vast number of private providers - pretty typical for the VA to propagandize this for the VAs benefit, which they are doing.
The VA drags on the coattails of theses privately-funded Service Dog providers, typical bureaucrats.
I agree we should draw the line on benefits somewhere.... and I say draw the line on benefits for politicians. Their pensions and health benefits should be cut to help provide for the real defenders of this country.
It doesn't take a scientific or medical study to know that dogs are beneficial to emotionally damaged people. Ask any child, or any person in a nursing home or hospital where canines are allowed to visit the sick and elderly.
Even horses are being used as therapy animals for injured and emotionally and mentally challenged adults and children. And no, before the wise cracks appear, I am not suggesting horses be provided for PTSD victims.
Haha! I am not high I promise. The article said that returning veterans with PTSD is in the neighborhood of about 520,000 people. I just think service dogs and organizations that provide them are cool.
Mic... I can tell you were never in the service... not for a minute.
My husband was. He is home bound now. He can only leave if I am driving him. He can't see well enough to drive. He can barely see the TV. It is a huge screen... that no... the VA did not pay for... I did... so he could see the shapes a little clearer. I work full time to support us. There was a time, not that far back, that I was truly afraid to leave for work. I had to work, or the bills would not get paid... as you see... the VA is really, really slow at reviewing any claims. Hubby was so sick, and in so much pain... I was truly afraid for his life. Afraid that he would take all of his pain pills at once.... or swallow a weeks worth of the heart pills that slow down, and strengthen his heart rate. Suicide, to put it bluntly.
I stopped in a pet store, on our way home from a doctor's visit. Needed goldfish for the outdoor ponds. He saw a pug, and his eyes lit up. I had not seen that much excitement in him for a long time. Asked if he could sit and play with the pup... he giggled like a 5 year old. The pup had vinegar... and she was older. Marked down, as she was four months old, and no one wanted her. I did not have the money. I skimped on groceries for the next 4 months to make up for what I offered the manager that day. God bless that manager. He did not hesitate... he saw the sick, old looking man... and me. He took the drastically reduced offer.
Hubby could not believe that she was his. It took a bit to get all the paperwork done. I know some people are going to give me hate replies because I supported a "puppy mill". I see it different. I saved my Veteran. He did not have long left, if something did not change. I happen to truly love this man. He is the kindest, and most gentle creature on this planet you will ever find.
He suffers from PTSD. The VA has not acknowledged it. That does not make it any less real. The pup is now about four years old. She is never far from his side. She senses when things are "going south." She starts to nudge and lick him. It seems to break the chain. She is the saving of our lives together. He is still sick, with the physical side of Agent Orange, and all the Alphabet Soup they dumped all over our men... but his days are a little easier. He has a companion that issues no judgement. She is never more than five feet from him. She sleeps in our bed, and is 100% the reason I have a husband today.
Did I mention how much I love her for that. She gave him what I could not, no matter how I tried.
Dog stamps. There ya go.
Mic...could you be any more of a complete douchebag? Put on the uniform, go to war, suffer from PTSD and then and ONLY THEN will I respect what you said...assuming you would say the same thing after all that (which I know you would not). Go f*ck yourself.
DSP - CAPT/USNR - Desert Storm combat vet
what am insensitive uncompassionate jerk you ARE!
If you've never had PTSD from war on anything else you have NO idea
how debilitating it can be and these magnificent dogs are a GOD SEND!!
SHAME ON YOU FOR YOUR CALLOUS INSENSITIVITY!!
DOGS ARE ONE OF GODS GREATEST GIFTS!
PS.. YOU ARE A FIRST CLASS JACK ASS!
Rosewine...WOW! I thought I was harsh on Mic, but you tarred and feathered him! LOL! Thanks for your support...much appreciated. ;)
kat kerr davis, Your story has tears running down my cheeks. Beautiful. Talk about a WinWin.
DOGS RULE!
Mic either your NOT a vet or you never saw a day of combat. Just who are you to say this is a waste of money?? Get over yourself!!!
YOU GO KAT!! have me in tears too!!! God bless you, your husband and your cool dog. My hope and prayers are with you guys!!! Tell your husband we appreciate his service and are so sorry he has to suffer so for serving.
I am a Totally Disabled Veteran, paid $25k of my own money for my certified dog - not a dime from the VA, not one penny.
The biggest hassle I get are from VA receptionists in VA hospitals who have no idea of the ADA Service Dog laws.
I am 6'5" , 210 lbs with a cervical spine injury that makes me stagger when I walk, for some reason no one else has ever hassled me and my 100 pound German Shepherd (very friendly) Service dog - I wonder why?
Most of the receptionists at the VA Medical Centers I've met were either volunteers or some other well meaning civilian. I don't doubt your right in that they've probably never been trained regarding the law.
I used to own a German Shepard that weighed in at about 120 lbs...I wouldn't piss on your leg either.
A dog is the best stress-buster going.
cats > dogs. lol
Dogs, whether they are shelter dogs or 'specifically' trained, provide a therapy that you just can't get from talking to another person. Whatever they cost, the price is worth it.
Why is there no mention of non-veterans with PTSD? Why are we asked to honor veterans with psych disorders, while those of us, non-veterans, who suffer the same disabilities are stigmatized? It's like there is a double standard when it comes to legitimacy.
As a side note, shelter dogs, whether purebred or not, often make the best psych service dogs. Dogs are very in tune with the chemical and emotional state of their owners. My dog helps me to cope with being around other people in public and I very much look forward to the day that he will be trained sufficiently to be allowed into public places under the ADA.
Spine Bob I have to disagree with your statement that only specially bread dogs can become great service dogs. I have trained two service dogs one came from a shelter and the other from a shopping cart, both passed all the required tests. They proved themselves worthly in doing so and they both could call 911. They both were trained to the standards of the ADI.
The fact is there are no guarantees that any dog will pass the required tests and bond with their disabled partner to become a working team. There are no specific breeds that are better suited for selection as a working service dog. Yes, there are breeds that are easier to train than others and have some natural skills that fit service dog related tasks better. But, I have witnessed everything from a Yorkie to a great Dane become working service dogs. It is the strenght of the bond and the patience of the handler during the training period, that makes or breaks the dog. Selecting the right personality and temperment to start with, is more important over the breed of the dog. Some breeds work better for the various disablities people experience and live with every day. This is why intake is Judged by a case by case basis for both dog and the disabled person.
I have seen more so called specially breed dogs wash out more times than a Shelter mutt. Your idea one size fits all, is misguided and misinformed! It also does a real injustice to other disabled people seeking to be partnered or train their own service dog. Places blinders on those passing judgement on what constitutes a working service dog. Which is why so many people are finding it hard to gain access, it is your narrow mindedness that gives traction to that idea.
The Va currently allows only Guide dogs for the blind and mobility service dogs. If the Va feels their treatment, medical device, or program is better for the veteran over a service dog, Than that is what they will go with. To get the Va to pay for your service dog you must get a doctor to prescribe one, otherwise I suggest you find your own way. I found a non-profit organization that took nothing from me and I used a shelter dog in their training program. Their name is American Service Animal Society, another is Happy Tails. You can find something in your state that works for you and can fit your budget.
Teaching my own dog and paying nothing worked for me. The thing is, there is no fast track to service dog training. It takes 1-2 years for a dog to develop into a fully certified service dog. Most purchased service dogs end up going back to the trainers, because their partner doesn't know how to keep up with the training and the animal reverts back to being a pet. The success rate is low when compaired to the need for working service dogs. Here in my state the waiting list is seven years long and to get your name on the list costs $15,000. On delivery you can expect to pay any where from $30,000-$60,000 in addition to the $15,000. That is what a purchased service dog costs. A non-profit you are taught to train the dog and it just costs your time, sweat, and patience.
The Va doesn't follow guidelines set down by the ADA law. Self-trained dogs are not allowed and you must meet the minimum standards set down by ADI or the IAADP. It helps to go through an organization and train your own. This way you learn what is best for your service dog and how to do your own training/upkeep. They offer a bonus where most will fight on your behalf if access is denied or a problem develops. With PTSD issues you do not want to get angery and end up on the ward, you let the organization fight for you instead and use the hospital's Patient's advocate to iron out the misunderstandings. As a partnered team you have a code of conduct, that you must follow at all times.
Educating people is a big part of being partnered with a service dog. Everywhere you go you will come across people who are fearful or unaware of the ADA law. It is your responsibility to help educate the people you come in contact with and do not harm. Leaving a location with no impact to it or no worse for wear. So that the door doesn't close for anyone partnered with a service dog who comes after you. That is rule one the second rule is never set up your service dog to fail. Your job is to look out for one and another always! Failing to follow the code of conduct will result in more restrictions to access and where you can go to get a service dog or the training. That is what you place at risk for not following the code.
Big Jim, you hit the nail right on the head. Your run of the muck shelter dog has the capacity to become excellent service Dogs. I've seen some pretty smart mutts who would have made fantastic mutts!
Big Jim - Is there a dress code also? Should the ill carry 'certified' copies of appropriately worded fliers to pass around when out in public? Would there be a congressional hearing to determine if the fliers are tax deductible, the dog smart and hypoallergenic enough, or the ill ill enough? Can law determine yea or nay by executive order? The ill now have to bow down to the government, or like the witch the government will threaten, "I'll get you, and your little dog, too?" Is control the need or is help the need? Are caring, empathetic, intelligent, commonsense individual Americans just not capable enough, or is the government the required default enabler before anyone can act on anything that makes sense? Only if you give them the right. Who did that?
Dogs are wonderful companions and reduce stress for almost anyone. I can only imagine how they could help a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
My nephew just got back from Afganistan. He paid for a Lab puppy on his own. It has made a big difference in his personality. We are so proud of him.
Discuss - Wonderful!
Hey, IF THIS WORKS, give EVERY veteran a dog... For gods sake, we can spend 50 million on a single jet... and trillions on other stuff... Give all the returning guys a trained dog if you have to. Lord knows, trainers need jobs... and it seems to help the vets... so stop asking why and just do it.
Bruce, any individual that wants to help a veteran, or anyone, get a good dog companion is free to do so. My dog is trained. The government didn't do it. I did it. Like millions of Americans, we can do that for someone else to help them. But beware, just because they haven't found a way to tax that, limit that, prohibit that, outsource that or determine whether 'independent training' is flawed, all they would need is time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1TcDHrkQYg&feature=related
Amen to that, Bruce. The cost of wars this country is involved in, by minimal standards, is staggering. why can't we spend a few bucks on something meaningful? Clear out every shelter from Maine to California and place these dogs with veterans. Just having a dog in your home and at your side is therapy aplenty. The training will take time, but this government owes us at least one dog per issue to deserving vets. They gave us our dog tags quick enough without too many questions...let's issue the dogs as well.
Anybody that has been comforted by a dog, know exactly the power of this unconditional love. I hope and pray this program can move forward.
The pitty asleep on my foot right now, gives me something every day.
SO please tell all the U.S. labs (that Republicans support of course) to stop experimenting on our dog friends. I hope all Vets will do that. Stick up for them and tell your acquaintances to spay/neuter since we have too many dogs without homes.
Red tape. Bureaucracy. Codes. Rules. Regulations. Nonsense. Stop putting everything in front of 'the system' for a yea or nay. People create opportunities, possibilities, give help, empathy, care, support. The government is the problem far more often than it is any solution. If we constantly wait for money from the government, help from the government, decisions about what is best for everyone made by the government or rejected by the government, up/down votes on what We the People are allowed to do, allowed to have, allowed to produce, create, establish, develop - it's endless bs. Individuals are the best source of help. Step up, do something good for someone else. And as far as what party politics has to do with it - a big fat nothing. It's people, people. It's commonsense. It's freedom. Get some.
And about dogs. If you know someone who could improve their life having one, help them out. Good all around. Or you can ask the government if it's okay. The government will think it over and get back to you.
.
Dogs are truly man's best friend and have been so for over 20,000 years.
I am a vietnam veteran. In my opion this ptsd is like a person looking for a hand out for the service they preformed and got paid to their job. Get a life. Ouit begging for $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
Gus...you are a poser...no veteran (or...at least no COMBAT veteran) would ever say such a thing. These guys are NOT begging for money...they are begging for inner peace and if a dog does it for them then let them have it. STFU.
DSP - CAPT/USNR
So you are fine, says you
so therefore those who are not, and suffer in ways you cannot imagine, must be faking it or cheater..
you are being very judemental
I have PTSD and I never served, am a civillian. I tell you it's a very real pain and anyone with PTSD would happily give it up whatever (low) disability benefit they get in order to be psychologically whole.
you just exist with PTSD...you don't live
relationships are the key to happiness...even work ones...and PTSD marks you so you can't bear them well.
you are the living dead in many ways
and then, you are blamed for it and called names, and hardly ever understood. I am glad there is a tiny movement to understand at least for those who serve
maybe some day the rest of us too will get some compassion for our pain. I've had physical injuries and I'd choose those in a heartbeat if I could, over PTSD
Well Gus I'm glad to hear you and George W. are doing well. As for myself, I was lucky enough to be in the Air Force Reserve (68-75) but I had friends that pull combat hitches (one died "cleaning his pistol" 3 years after getting back state-side) so save your horse mature for your drinking buddies that don't know better.
You Gus are just some bored random dude sititng in front of a computer screen, not really haveing anything intelligent to say so rant and ramble!!! Just looking to start an argument to get somebody, anybody to notice you, to pay attention. Now I've noticed and paid attention. Is that enough to get you to GO AWAY??????
Gus: Apparently you were stateside.
Well, they will study it to death, in the mean time it's working. why not put money into getting dogs ready instead of research. then they can determine whether it worked or not afterwards rather than "making sure." The dogs are providing one on one care and shows care. Gosh, war doesn't and especially made up wars
Why is it that the VA is so behind relative to the research that PSDs help sufferers of PTSD? It is quite well documented and there is even a defined "list of tasks" that psych service dogs perform for the PTSD afflicted.
I have a pug and I bring into stores all the time. Had a few run-ins with a few uptitie people and basically tore them a new ...
That is completely awesome! you should run for "poster boy" being that you have mastered the art of decorum and situation influence. you got my vote!
PTSD is a miserable thing to live with. Not just for those affected , but for all who love them. Full advantage should be taken of whatever works to relieve the symptoms. There is no cure.
There are allot of great comments on this and a few, well, completely ignorant.
The ADA, "Americans with Disabilities Act" is not an agency; it’s an Act, which can not be enforced
by law enforcement, that requires attorneys.
A "Therapy Dog" or animal is only classified as such, when it is in the custody of a licensed therapist and used in the course of performing a therapeutic session. Once the session is over or possession of the animal is out of the direct control of the therapist, it is just a pet.
There is NO official certification or classification that makes a service dog, but for $68. You can get a vest and a cert. on line for Fido, this will allow you to take Fido on planes in the Mall, to the Movies, or any place your heart desires. And when the Manager or Owner confronts you, just flash the $68 card and yell discrimination!
Therapy dogs "WORK" but the system is completely unregulated, leaving a stain on system, as in this artical of the Vet with bad dreams, having this additional tool to help in the healing procceses is vital to raising the quality of life.
It does not have to be a DOG, it can be a goat, a horse, a hippo, or any animal you "claim" is domesticated, and have the legal right to own per current ADA discriptions on what is a service animal.
I support Vets as I am one along with a large size dog owner, I am also aware of the large amount of the population that suffer from Cynophobia. Unnessasary exsposure in a confined area to a Dog can "and does" direcly cause the very same thing that the Dogs purpose is to prevent. Service dogs in yes to full accsess, theripy dogs NO!, Limit the exsposure.
If the beach has a no dog rule, then use a different beach, don’t go to and bringyourdoganywhere DOT com, and get your dog P.A.T. certified. Did I mention that are no laws to convict anyone that is falsely projecting a disability for the sole purpose of bringing there dog to work with them.
If the Vets want a service dog, than give them a dang service dog. We have freedom because of their sacrifice and at least we can do is give them something that will help.