Finding healing through companionship: How service dogs support veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder

In Kansas City, a transformative program is helping veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Air Force veteran Heather O’Brien, who served in a challenging internment camp in Iraq, returned home struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. A toy labradoodle named Albus and the Dogs 4 Valor initiative, part of the Olathe, Kansas-based organization The Battle Within, were instrumental in his recovery journey.

Dogs 4 Valor is designed to assist veterans and first responders in collaboration with their caregivers, addressing issues such as depression and anxiety. Program director Sandra Sindeldecker notes that many veterans with PTSD often remain isolated at home, struggling with severe anxiety and avoidance of social interactions. “They are very nervous and some don’t even leave the house,” he explains.

The program offers both individual and group training sessions, fostering a bond between veterans and their service dogs. Through various activities, participants work to regain trust in public environments, including airports. Plus, mental health therapy is provided free of charge, creating a comprehensive support system.

Over the course of a six-month period, both veterans and their dogs undergo significant growth, with regular reunions helping to strengthen their bonds. This initiative highlights the growing recognition of the importance of veteran care, particularly for those suffering from PTSD. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open examined a similar program, K9s For Warriors, finding that service dogs trained to recognize physical signs of distress can effectively mitigate panic attacks.

The benefits of animal companionship in healing are becoming more and more evident. In a comparative study between veterans who received service dogs and those on the waiting list, both groups showed improvement in PTSD symptoms after three months. However, those who had dogs experienced more significant short-term progress.

O’Brien, reflecting on his time in Iraq, recalls the overwhelming atmosphere of the internment camp, which housed more than 20,000 inmates amid frequent violence. “I just thought I should always be on alert as a veteran,” she said. After her mother encouraged her to adopt Albus, the dynamic changed. Joining Dogs 4 Valor in October 2023 allowed her to venture out in public again, something she never imagined doing, like visiting Branson, Missouri.

Another participant, Mark Atkinson, a former Marine Corps officer, also dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder after his service in Afghanistan. He adopted Lexi, a Cane Corso, in 2020, and their bond has been mutually beneficial. Atkinson admits that before Lexi she felt reluctant to leave the house due to anxiety. However, having her by his side encouraged him to become more sociable. “We come from the same backgrounds, and shared experiences help,” he noted, noting the camaraderie among veterans facing similar challenges.

O’Brien compares her relationship with Albus to that of a best friend who is always there to support her. “She constantly wants to know what makes me nervous,” she said, acknowledging that, ultimately, the responsibility for moving forward lies with her.

Timothy Siebenmorgen, a veteran who joined the program in July, also shares his positive experiences. With the company of Rosie, his one-year-old American bulldog, he has seen improvements in his relationships. Having served in both the Marines and Army, Siebenmorgen highlights the military culture that discourages vulnerability. “You can’t do it alone,” he stresses, recognizing the value of support from both the program and his service dog.

Overall, veterans who participate in Dogs 4 Valor report a renewed sense of hope and an increased ability to engage in their lives. The combination of canine companionship and structured support is proving a lifeline for many who have sacrificed so much.