Recognizing the Value of Service Dogs on Veteran’s Day
As home to some of the largest and most prestigious naval and marine bases in the country, it’s no surprise that San Diego is also home to thousands of military members and veterans alike - 100,000 active duty and 240,000 vets!
In addition to the boundless thanks and endless appreciation we all have for our veterans, as a former psychotherapist and IEPC Certified Life coach, I want to highlight the amazing abilities of service dogs and the ways in which they can support individuals suffering from mental health challenges. Chances are, if you’re reading this, you know someone who is or has served in the military and may be suffering in silence. Nearly 20% of combat veterans suffer from PTSD and I want to let them/you know that trained service dogs are a valuable resource to help you cope in the healthiest way possible.
Many of their skills include:
Placing body weight on your during a panic attack to promote a sense of calm
Alerting you when someone is approaching from behind
Recognizing and stopping harmful behaviors
Patrolling the perimeter of a room to assess any triggers or threats
Waking you up during an upsetting night terror or dream
Turning lights off and on
Retrieving medicines and reminding you to take them
Creating an excuse to leave during uncomfortable social situations
Reteaching emotions like love and affection
If you believe that you or someone you know could benefit from the assistance of service dog, please reach out to the VA or the dozens of local non-profit organizations that support military veterans and train service dogs.
Thank you, Veterans!
Sources:
