Military Dog Video of the Week(August 23th, 2012): Service Dogs
Traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder are two medical conditions that are difficult to diagnose and treat. Army Sergeant Peter Holzer tells us about some unique dogs that are giving Soldiers with TBI and PTSD, a second chance at recovery
This video really made me think.
Is this a feasible program for the military?
Can we have troops, who require therapy dogs in order to function, continue to serve?
As a dog enthusiast and having my very own (unofficial) therapy dog, my heart tells me– of course. But as a professional officer in the United States Army I have my doubts.
When I returned from Iraq in 2005 I rarely went anywhere without my best pal, Sammy!
Allowing troops to have therapy dogs at work is a complex issue with many, many layers of complications attached.
I think my position right now is: If you need a service dog then can you really perform your duties as a Soldier, Marine, Airmen or Sailor? My postion is specifically asked as a question because I just don’t know.
I would love to hear others thoughts. I wish this video told us whether the Soldiers are processing out of the Army or continuing to serve.
I think I’ll leave it here today and follow up with another post about this topic.
What do you all think of troops serving who require service dogs?
What would be some of the complications I allude to?
Does anyone work with someone who requires a service dog in the civilian/ military world? How does that work?
In case you missed or want to revisit prior weeks. Here are the links:
Military Dog Picture of the Week. (August 16th, 2012): Honza Bear
Military Dog Video of the Week(August 9th, 2012): K9 Healers
Military Dolphin Picture of the Week. (August 1st, 2012): Koa the Sailor
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6 comments on “Military Dog Video of the Week(August 23th, 2012): Service Dogs”
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Julia Hugo Rachel says: TBI, MTBI;s and Brain dysfunction due to viruses and or trauma and or diseases leave a patient isolated helpless and alone. What my sons’ dog for him (and those along the way) have been nothing short of miraculous. When dealing with ANY type of brain disease or dysfunction or trauma doesn’t ,atter to a dog -they are just there to love and support you- as a patient. Unconditional love.
Also, their sixth sense kicks in and does overtime for their beloved master in times of need. As so often case in the times in these situattions, our human counterparts can not be there at all of those times of need. Yet, A dog can and willingly will be so 24/7.
Dogs were and ARE a part of helping my son heal. Well trained dogs, and that stubbonn yellow dog as well (another story) brought him to the point of happiness and wanting to recover. Happiness and motivation!!!
This article is On the right track in my mind!
Blessings, Julia!
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Thank for sharing your son’s story Julia. I can only imagine how special your son and that pooch are to your family.
Kevin Hanrahan says: Here is an article I just found that compliments this piece.
Daniel says: I feel that at a WTU the dogs would not be a problem, but returning to main stream service we run into issues. First lets face it the dogs can and will be a distraction. Not at any fault of the service dog or handlers fault but bringing a dog to formation or into offices, it is going to get bad. Just look at how a MWD can distract most people when you walk them by.
Second I feel that if you need a service dog for life then I do not believe that you will be able to function as a soldier 100%. I say this with a heavy heart because I know friends who want nothing more than to serve but cant for various reasons, medical wise. Now I said for life because a temporary means to help you get back to 100% by all means (WTU). As far as I know there are no Service dogs in Afghanistan (service dogs not MWD’s)
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Hey Daniel. I appreciate and respect your view…… especially being from the inside and a dog lover yourself. With a heavy heart I also agree. Though I do believe the military should vest heavily in out troopers getting out or already out with PTSD challenges.
I think you are correct about dogs in Afghan. There are therapy dogs but not service dogs. Course the majority of dogs are like your Bony…..kicking butt type dogs!
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TBI, MTBI;s and Brain dysfunction due to viruses and or trauma and or diseases leave a patient isolated helpless and alone. What my sons’ dog for him (and those along the way) have been nothing short of miraculous. When dealing with ANY type of brain disease or dysfunction or trauma doesn’t ,atter to a dog -they are just there to love and support you- as a patient. Unconditional love.
Also, their sixth sense kicks in and does overtime for their beloved master in times of need. As so often case in the times in these situattions, our human counterparts can not be there at all of those times of need. Yet, A dog can and willingly will be so 24/7.
Dogs were and ARE a part of helping my son heal. Well trained dogs, and that stubbonn yellow dog as well (another story) brought him to the point of happiness and wanting to recover. Happiness and motivation!!!
This article is On the right track in my mind!
Blessings, Julia!
Thank for sharing your son’s story Julia. I can only imagine how special your son and that pooch are to your family.
Here is an article I just found that compliments this piece.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57497716/mans-best-friend-is-a-lifesaver-to-soldiers/?tag=contentMain%3BcontentBody
I feel that at a WTU the dogs would not be a problem, but returning to main stream service we run into issues. First lets face it the dogs can and will be a distraction. Not at any fault of the service dog or handlers fault but bringing a dog to formation or into offices, it is going to get bad. Just look at how a MWD can distract most people when you walk them by.
Second I feel that if you need a service dog for life then I do not believe that you will be able to function as a soldier 100%. I say this with a heavy heart because I know friends who want nothing more than to serve but cant for various reasons, medical wise. Now I said for life because a temporary means to help you get back to 100% by all means (WTU). As far as I know there are no Service dogs in Afghanistan (service dogs not MWD’s)
Hey Daniel. I appreciate and respect your view…… especially being from the inside and a dog lover yourself. With a heavy heart I also agree. Though I do believe the military should vest heavily in out troopers getting out or already out with PTSD challenges.
I think you are correct about dogs in Afghan. There are therapy dogs but not service dogs. Course the majority of dogs are like your Bony…..kicking butt type dogs!
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