Veterans struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are finding hope and healing through the companionship of service dogs. One such veteran, Joe Moreno, a Navy veteran, has experienced significant changes in his life since being paired with his service dog Eagle. Following a severe anxiety episode in a mall parking lot, Moreno sought help from the Veterans Administration and was eventually diagnosed with PTSD.
Moreno’s journey to recovery began after he recognized that his coping mechanisms were failing. Despite his active lifestyle, including running and mountain climbing, he felt overwhelmed and lost. “I didn’t know how I’d live my next day,” he recalled. After receiving Eagle, a 4-year-old retriever mix, he reported a profound shift in his mental health. “Before Eagle, PTSD had me in survival mode 24/7 just trying to get through another day,” he said. Now, Moreno feels empowered not only to manage his anxiety but also to engage with the community around him.
The issue of PTSD among veterans is staggering. According to the Veterans Administration, of the 5.8 million veterans served in fiscal year 2024, approximately 14% of men and 24% of women received a PTSD diagnosis. Tragically, an average of 20 veterans take their own lives each day. Research indicates that service dogs can significantly alleviate symptoms of PTSD, reducing suicidal thoughts and reliance on medication.
Growing Demand for Service Dogs
Over recent years, there has been a notable increase in nonprofit organizations that train service dogs for veterans, largely supported by federal grants. Some initiatives even instruct veterans to train their own dogs from the outset. Despite this growing interest, many organizations report long waitlists, with the cost of raising and training service animals often exceeding $25,000. Efforts are ongoing to minimize this financial burden on veterans.
Moreno initially explored medication to address his PTSD but encountered adverse side effects, prompting him to seek alternative solutions. He discovered K9s For Warriors, the largest rescue-to-service program in the United States. After being paired with Eagle, Moreno felt an emotional connection that medication had failed to provide. “Once I met him and got that first lick…I could tell he started to bond with me,” he shared.
The program aims to empower veterans to regain independence and purpose. Moreno describes how Eagle intuitively recognizes when his anxiety is rising, assisting him in staying grounded. “It’s like that person that was standing on my chest has moved on,” he said, expressing his newfound ability to breathe freely.
Scientific Research on Service Dogs
The work of researchers like Maggie O’Haire, a psychologist and dean of research at the University of Arizona’s School of Veterinary Medicine, is pivotal in establishing the effectiveness of service dogs. In a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health, O’Haire investigated the impact of therapy dogs on veterans with PTSD. The study, involving 156 veterans, found that those paired with service dogs had 66% lower odds of sustaining a clinical PTSD diagnosis compared to those without a service dog.
O’Haire’s research is groundbreaking, as it provides empirical evidence about the benefits of service dogs. “Our goal here was really to translate these lived experiences of veterans with PTSD into actionable data,” she explained. The findings showed better outcomes in anxiety, depression, and social isolation among veterans with service dogs.
The ongoing studies aim to assess how service dogs can complement traditional therapies, such as cognitive restructuring and exposure therapy. O’Haire emphasized the importance of integrating these interventions. “It’s important to take the required medicine and go to therapy,” she noted, underscoring the need for a holistic approach to treatment.
One veteran, Eddie Montoya, a councilman in Rialto, has also experienced significant transformation thanks to his service dog, Sly. After battling alcoholism and PTSD, Montoya found purpose and community through his involvement with Working Dogs for Warriors. His journey illustrates the profound impact service dogs can have on veterans’ lives, offering them a sense of safety and connection in public spaces.
Montoya is now dedicated to advocating for better legislative support for veterans seeking service dogs. “Now that I’m in local government, I might be more effective,” he stated, highlighting his commitment to making a difference for fellow veterans.
The stories of Moreno and Montoya reflect a larger movement among veterans seeking healing through the companionship of service dogs. As organizations continue to grow and research on the positive impacts of these animals expands, the hope for veterans grappling with PTSD becomes increasingly tangible.
