The process of coming home after service is a difficult task to many veterans. Their experiences are usually difficult to forget and they are left with feelings, which they cannot utter on. But, there is a surprise savior of the situation: specially trained dogs. These pets are not only pets, but also very important in healing and support.

Consider a situation whereby one is wandering alone in life and is anxious or depressed. Imagine now that you have a faithful dog, there with you at times of need, and a comforter and a companion. It is an extremely special bond, as it is not only about being companions but also about improving the well-being in an extremely deep way.

The process of utilizing dogs as therapy animals is not recent; its history traces its origin and development throughout history to address the needs of our veterans nowadays. Since they can assist physically challenged people and offer emotional help when mental health issues arise, there is so much to be offered by these great dogs.

So how do these highly trained dogs have such a massive difference on the lives of the veterans!

The history of using dogs for therapy and assistance

The relationship between human beings and dogs has been there since thousands of years. Dogs have been used in a number of ways throughout history as loyal companions or as skilled laborers. Their intuitive minds have rendered them inestimable in most areas.

The idea of therapeutic use of dogs developed in the early 20th century. They were utilised in battlefields during the world war I to help injured soldiers. These heroic dogs did not only offer physical assistance but emotional consolation in the face of confusion.

By 1960s, therapists were aware of the relaxation which animals would bring to the minds of mental health patients. This gave rise to a trend of breeding dogs with the aim of using them in the therapeutic aspect. It was popularized and people heard how these furry assistants made life better.

Service dogs that are specially trained are now being used today to help veterans who are physically and psychologically challenged due to their years of service. Both the interactions create healing and hope, which words cannot usually express.

Different ways specially trained dogs can help veterans

Dogs that are specialized provide various assistance to veterans. They are also indispensable when it comes to the tasks that are overwhelming to do because of the physical or emotional difficulties.

Physical assistance is one of the important roles. These dogs are able to pick objects dropped, open doors, and even assist the veterans to move safely in the society.

Another crucial field where these pet animals excel is emotional support. Their mere presence should be able to calm the nerves and offer peace even when one is in distress.

There are service dogs that are trained to detect the occurrence of a panic attack or PTSD. They give warning to their owners in advance and the veteran can then make preventive actions.

They also promote socialization through the dismantling of dividers between veterans and other people. A dog can be an icebreaker as it can be used to ease the communication that could otherwise be overwhelming.

These trained animals actually transform the lives of many veterans in significant ways in their day to day lives.

Personal stories of veterans and their service dogs

John has more than ten years in the Army. He had a problem with anxiety and isolation after coming back home. Until the time he encountered Max, his Golden Retriever service dog. Max was not only a pet, but he changed the everyday life of John.

John and Max walk extensively around the neighborhood every morning. These moments out there make him feel down to earth. The mere process of taking a stroll with his furry friend is reassuring and straight forward.

Next is Sarah, a veteran of the Marine who had nightmares as a result of being overseas. Her service dog Luna has shown her light on the dark nights. She now has Luna by her side, and those terrible dreams occur less often.

These individual relationships bring out how personal relationships between the veterans and the dogs can alter their lives positively- turning fear into companionship and loneliness into connection.

The impact of these furry companions on mental health

The relationship between the veterans and their specially trained dogs is more than an animal-companion relationship. Such pets are good emotional companions, decrease loneliness, and can greatly decrease anxiety levels. The fact that there is a dog usually creates a feeling of mission to most veterans. Caring about another living creature makes routine and motivates exercising.

Research indicates that communication with dogs has the capacity to release oxytocin in the brain, making it feel adored and trusted. This neurochemical reaction does not only boost moods, but also assists in reducing PTSD-related and depression symptoms.

Veterans have also reported life-changing experiences in which their service dogs served as a calming factor when they were experiencing panic attacks or in times of utter distress. This love that the animals provide to them on unconditioned terms starts to be a source of strength, as they know that they are not the only ones going on their road to recovery.

They can be trained to be aware of stress or anxiety manifestations before they develop through specific training programs designed to fulfill the requirements of the veteran. Their power to get into interruptions of negative thought patterns is priceless.

With increased attention on the significance of mental health, the role played by therapy dogs keeps on increasing, with them providing hope and healing, one paw at a time.