Posted on 12/04/2014 3:43:05 AM PST by servo1969
Service dogs are trained to do specific tasks. They help vets do things that they cannot due to a disability. They can be trained to help someone who has seizures by moving things out of the way or barking to warn their handler of an oncoming seizure. It is interesting to note that providing emotional support, protecting a handler, or being a companion does not qualify a dog to be a service animal. To qualify, they have to do things that are different from natural dog behavior.
(Excerpt) Read more at wimp.com ...
My late wife was grand mal epileptic. Her little dog (a Pomeranian) never had training but knew when she was about to have a seizure and let me know about it. Before she hit the floor I’d catch her and pad her head, arms and legs with cushions. If she had one when I wasn’t home he’d let me know when I came home by running to me with a look of concern, run to her and back to me. He wouldn’t settle down until I checked her out.
Gosh, how did those WWII and Korea vets do it? I mean just getting back home after the duration of the conflict not 6 or 12 months like today and just rolling up their sleeves and getting back to work building America. Never heard my Father or Uncle ever complain.
Maybe they didn’t complain because it was not a “manly” thing to do in those days. I just know that one of my brothers was traumatized by the things he saw in Korea—but he would seldom talk about it, and even when he did, it was a short conversation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this article and video
Well said.
Here’s another organization that matches dogs with veterans.
http://www.rebuildingwarriors.com/dogs-for-wounded-warriors.html
Beau was a dog saved by German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County, then offered to and accepted by Rebuilding Warriors.
WW1 was horrific and for the US the general population rates for PTSD is about 25% (different for different nations but I haven’t researched why) but realize that if you are not traumatized, you will not get it. You can still be predisposed to it.
There were those who had it but would turn to self-medicating with alcohol and I am sure there were anger issues. There was no where for them to go for help. Many Nam vets are still struggling and sometimes the symptoms don’t show up until triggered many years later.
From War to Wisdom sounds like a worthwhile project. Signed up for mail list and look forward to hearing about it.
Anyone who thinks the memories and/or trauma of combat fade away is clueless. Yes, the memories of everyday life fade with time, but the trauma-producing events remain intense: perhaps even more so if they’re buried, which was the “Manly” way to cope until the 1970s. For individuals who are susceptible to PTSD it can be incapacitating if not treated.
TC
Yes it can be. What worries me the most is the cases of extreme withdrawal because it prevents getting help.
Has anyone seen “Dogs of War?” The guy running the program seems a bit “tough love” to the point of not bothering to find out what is going on with the people he is helping...but maybe that’s all tv-drama. It is basically a reality show after all.
From PTSD Break the Silence on FB:
David Pye was diagnosed with PTSD over a decade ago, yet 30 years after returning from Vietnam. The following is what he wrote to describe what he had to deal with after combat. A little insight into the minds of those suffering from PTSD and what affect it can have on themselves and those around them.
Try to understand.
If he stays home alone,
And doesn’t like to hear the phone.
If he won’t answer the door,
‘cause he doesn’t want to see anyone any more.
Try to understand...
If nighttime is something to dread,
And his sleep is restless and fleeting in bed.
If he quietly gets up in the night,
So as not to disturb your pleasant respite.
Try to understand...
If he becomes nervous and jumps around,
At unexpected movement or a sudden sound.
If he sits in a restaurant with his back to a wall,
Because he can’t have anyone behind him at all.
Try to understand...
If he shows no fear and wouldn’t turn if he could,
That part of him has gone that says you should.
If his anger seems quick and extreme,
He’s only trying to control intense emotions unseen.
Try to understand...
If he seems emotionless and indifferent some day,
And perhaps he just says “Go away!”
If he becomes depressed and may seem unkind,
He is only trying to spare you the agony in his mind.
Try to understand...
If his mood changes and alters,
And he becomes unsure and often falters.
If he becomes sad and stares into space,
He has only gone to some other place.
Try to understand...because he doesn’t...”
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