By: Pat Whitehall
Here at the VFW Post 4174 in Lehigh Acres, there is a current concern we are hoping will be of extra help to those veterans who are suffering from PTSD, depression and anxiety. The possible solution to this disease is a service dog. Our Post is definitely a supporter of Service Dogs.
The National Institute of Health funded a study which found that service dogs may help reduce symptoms of PTSD as well as those of anxiety and depression. The study was the largest ever national one about how service dogs relate to veterans suffering from this disease.
The participants were all post 9/11 veterans and were recruited from a non- profit service dog organization called K9s for Warriors. They were divided into two groups, 81 which received a service dog and 75 who remained on a waiting list. After 3 months, the group of veterans who had the dogs showed improvements with the PTSD symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, and Psychosocial functioning such as social isolation.
Trained psychiatric service dogs may be an effective complement to usual care for military related PTSD. True, more research is needed to learn the long term benefits of how service dogs may help improve mental health. The service dogs are also helping to empower veterans by making them more independent. The dogs can assist some veterans with several physical and auditory disabilities.
This is only one of the many ways the VFW is trying to make the return to civilian life an easier transition. By joining the VFW, veterans find many other ways there is support for them. Our Post may be a small one, but we have a big heart and are always working for bigger and better ways to help our veterans. We believe service dogs are a big part of the assistance to a veteran.
Service dogs provide more than companionship. They offer emotional support and can help enhance the quality of life for many veterans. The VFW will continue to support legislation which will help ensure veterans have access to service dogs.
Our Post meetings are the second Tuesday of every month and we welcome all veterans, particularly those “with boots on the ground” to come in and meet our family. There is bound to be a way we can make life easier and better for you. We are located at 25 S. Homestead Road and are open Sundays through Saturdays. Stop in and find out what we’re all about. You’ll be glad you did!
