Man’s Best Friend

Unconditional love leads the way to healing for veterans. By Chris Shafer

Dogs can sniff out bombs, lead the blind, and detect the oncoming seizures of their humans. The list goes on and on when it comes to the many ways canines prove themselves to be “man's best friend.” If you are a dog owner, you are well aware of the benefits of having a dog in your life. The fact that dogs can make us feel better is one major benefit. Our furry friends bring us “out of ourselves” and away from stress. Their wagging tails, eagerness to play and to love give us a break from our every day cares. Beyond improving the quality of our daily lives, 4-legged best friends can help humans heal, emotionally and psychologically.

Operation Dog Tag, an Inland NW based non-profit, assists veterans dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. This organization operates with the knowledge that dogs are good medicine. “Unconditional love leads the way” is the motto. Joe Scheffer is the founder and a former Marine. With his service in Vietnam in 1968-69, Scheffer has first-hand knowledge of the kind of suffering some of our soldiers who have been deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing. Scheffer brings his background as a combat vet and his knowledge of the healing powers of dogs to the aid of local veterans in need.

Returning soldiers can end up isolating themselves. Veterans feeling out of place in civilian life may withdraw and succumb to feelings of unworthiness. Family members and friends can get pushed away, but dogs can be a different story. Dogs don't judge and they love unconditionally. They are safe.

Scheffer, who is a dog trainer, says that dogs can tell when someone is hurting inside. The dogs he chooses to help veterans are loving and non-aggressive. With gestures such as licking a hand or sitting close, the dogs will attempt to comfort the person who is suffering. Healing can begin with that type of canine contact. Next the person in emotional pain reaches out and pets the dog, from there a relationship builds, a relationship that leads to reconnecting with family and with life.

Sometimes the veterans Scheffer works with have their own dogs that are suitable for training as companion dogs. Some dogs are donated to the program. Many are found at area shelters like the Panhandle Animal Shelter in Ponderay, Idaho. Behavioral testing is performed on the dogs. Also, in order to make a good match, Scheffer visits the veterans' homes and, with permission, speaks with their counselors.

At Operation Dog Tag, veterans learn to train their own dogs. Often, they help other veterans with the training process as well. Training the dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms, and canines partnered with veterans provide loyal companionship as well as an increased sense of well being and independence.

If you would like to learn more about Operation Dog Tag, or if you'd like to help out “...as they continue to make man's best friend even better for a veteran,” call 509.276.4364 or email to DogTag2012@gmail.com. You can also find them on Facebook: www.facebook.com/OperationDogTag.

#homeessentials