Paws For Purple Hearts is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs for canine assisted therapy, effectively reducing symptoms of PTSD, TBIs, and other chronic mental disorders.
View the video above to see how warrior service dogs train to heal veterans.
Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) is the first organization of its kind that offers veteran-specific therapy, otherwise known as Canine Assisted Warrior Therapy. With its prestigious start at Bergin College of Canine Studies in 2006, PPH has transformed into a national non-profit organization with several outlets, including one in Ruther Glen, Virginia.
Active-duty service members and veterans with disabilities ranging from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), or mobility impairments can augment every aspect of their lives with canine assisted therapy.
Service dogs are given very specific training to perform tasks that benefit individuals with chronic disabilities who are incapable of accomplishing tasks independently. Programs such as PPH also provide comprehensive coverage for the dog’s health and wellbeing. As seen in the video provided above, service dogs can assist with numerous tasks including picking things up, opening and closing refrigerators, turning on light switches, and calming a person experiencing an attack due to a mental health condition.
A PPH service dog is trained to carry a coke from the refrigerator to their owner.
PPH Advancement Associate, Danielle Stockbridge, says that the dogs are trained to react to anxiety related conditions, nightmares, or other PTSD related flashbacks. “If a veteran starts to have a flashback,” says Stockbridge, “the dog is trained to go lay on their lap in order to pull them out of that flashback.”
Mami Ikenoue, a Program Instructor, two-year trainer, and graduate from Bergin College of Canine Studies, corroborates the therapeutic effect of dogs, and emphasizes the importance of the training. “The dogs start obedience training at twelve weeks old,” she says. “We first start them with socialization. Each dog learns every command within their first two years of training.”
Warrior service dog trainer, Mami Ikenoue, trains a dog to snuggle (left) a veteran during traumatic flashbacks, and to walk closely to a veteran (right) with walking equipment.
Throughout known human history, dogs have been praised as ‘man’s best friend.’ Studies from the National Institutes of Health have shown that the relationship between human and dog is similar to that of a mother and child. Communication between canine and person reflects an overwhelming positive effect on mood and anxiety. When canines and people interact with each other in a positive way, such as cuddling or playing, both will experience a surge in oxytocin, an emotion hormone directly linked to positive mental states. Even just watching videos of puppies or a happy dog can provide several psychological benefits.
‘Man’s best friend’ is not just a nickname in the medical world: it lives up to its meaning. Canine assisted therapy enhances and empowers a deep, innate connection by providing these furry warrior therapists as human healers.
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling with a limiting physical or mental health condition and could benefit from a Canine Warrior, you can apply at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website by contacting the VA Offices of Mental Health Services.