It goes without saying that the wounds our courageous veterans return home with are not always physical. Whether officially diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or not, many veterans have difficulty coping with everyday life and personal interactions due to the psychological damage incurred on the battlefield.
As illustrated in a recent Time Magazine report, however, training and caring for a dog can provide veterans with a simpler, warmer companionship, and even a reason to go on living.
Phil Ruddock, a Louisiana veteran of Desert Storm, experienced paranoia and trouble sleeping when he returned home – a textbook case of PTSD. After Phil had a nervous breakdown, lost his job, and became a recluse, a friend brought him an abandoned pit bull. The dog’s companionship gave him the confidence to slowly return to a normal life. Phil says the dog, Mia, rescued him.
Now, Phil runs a nonprofit devoted to helping other veterans discover the pleasure and therapy that dogs provide. Brothers and Sisters in Arms rescues adult dogs of all breeds from shelters and trains them with special commands designed to help soldiers deal with potentially stressful situations. Phil says that when he introduces a deeply wounded veteran to his or her new friend, he can see a great weight lifted from them and knows they will be all right.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC fights for veterans rights. We fight to make sure you get the benefits you deserve from the Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more or contact an attorney about your Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, Mental Health, Sexual Assault, Hearing Loss and Tinnitus, Total Disability Based on Individual Unemployability, Medical Malpractice, or Aid and Attendance claim, visit http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com/ or call 800.693.4800
