Memorial Day
Tomorrow, we will be remembering those who have served in our armed forces. We are grateful for the courage and effort of those who serve.
Pictured here at Winslow Animal Hospital is Tammy, a service dog who is trained to help manage symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that many veterans, including her owner, suffer from due to the stresses of military service. It has severe physical and emotional symptoms that can hinder quality of life for those with the condition.
A Special Bond
Many of us know the joy of having a dog in our lives. Dogs can lift our mood, provide a caring bond, and bring fun memories. For those with a service dog, that bond goes even deeper and means even more. Dom and Tammy have such a partnership.
Dom is a Vietnam veteran. He proudly wears the pins and patches to represent his service to the United States of America. We are grateful to him for his service. Like many veterans, he has Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, for which Tammy is trained as a service dog. Service dogs have to go through special training courses to learn how to help their counterpart with whatever tasks may have become challenging due to injury or disability. PTSD can lead to a hyper-vigilance that makes it difficult and exhausting to navigate everyday spaces, but a service dog’s keen senses and calm demeanor provide a support and sense of safety that is crucial for well-being.
For more information about ways you can support and thank service members, check out http://www.military.com/
