A paw on a chest could stop a nightmare.
Barks could be that reminder to take a deep, calming breath.
For military veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder, man’s best friend may be a valuable tool for regaining control of the moment.
Hundreds of organizations are training and pairing dogs with some of the country’s thousands of veterans diagnosed with PTSD.
Meanwhile, horses are providing a different kind of therapy.
Common symptoms of PTSD are hyper vigilance and distrust, characteristics shared with horses.
For veterans struggling with trust, communication and anxiety, horse therapy programs provide a safe environment where both horse and veteran can work through their problems as a team.
From: Brittany Van Heyningen – The Villages Daily Sun
