About our medicine

I often think of the hardships and traumas that U.S. troops experience in serving our country, whether in Iraq, Afghanistan or somewhere else and dangerous problems of the world. When it comes to our military service members, soldiers killed in action are the most visible victims. For tens of thousands of people who have suffered physical injury or experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after the service life is a constant struggle. Many have difficulty finding employment, separate the important relationships in their lives, and suffer decreased ability to function in society. They can address their emotional struggles postwar alone, and may be impossible to bear. Mental illness, isolation and suicide are not rare outcomes. In the midst of such anguish, there is hope. Another benefit of the human-animal bond, the dogs are being recruited to help these veterans to regain their emotional balance. In a pilot program, the federal government is providing preliminary support for veterans to connect with dogs trained to help them heal. Janie Lorber of The New York Times reported on Sunday some very tangible success, with a number of soldiers in the program now able to sleep, no longer need multiple forms of medication, and even leaving their homes and reintegrate into society. Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Congressmen Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) and Ron Klein (D-Fla.) were among congressional leaders who championed this program. Support dogs come from multiple sources, including a training program called Puppies behind bars. In this program, inmates in prisons are allowed to train and teach the dogs, the dogs and then connect with the veterans. So here are the dogs helping prisoners and veterans of our nation - two very different populations, but both with serious problems and needs. Other programs to benefit veterans also address the needs of homeless pets. Here in the DC area, the Humane Society of Washington launched Dog Tags, where the soldiers recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center provide training, enrichment, and the company of dogs awaiting adoption at the shelter. Another fine program is our friend Tamar Geller Heroes of Operation and Hounds. In each of these cases, we see that animals soften the heart and help healing. We've known for a long time animals enrich our lives, and here are being recruited to help some of the most deprived. This article originally appeared in Pacelle's blog, A Human Nation.