Veterans needed for study to test if dogs help treat PTSD

Veterans needed for study to test if dogs help treat PTSD
Reported by: Ashley Cullins
Published: 9/12
RENO, Nev. KRNV and MyNews4.com)

After fighting in wars, many veterans are now fighting Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - or PTSD. The Nevada Humane Society is teaming up with a V.A. nurse to find out if dogs could be the answer to successful treatment.

The Nevada Humane Society launched the G.I. Dogs program earlier this year to give free companion pets and service animals to veterans. Now they're looking for veterans to volunteer for a clinical study to see if they can prove these dogs help treat PTSD.

"They said if it wasn't for their dog, they wouldn't be alive today," said Mitch Schneider - talking about veterans with PTSD.

Schneider is the director of Nevada Humane Society's G.I. Dogs program, which pairs pets with vets.

"We've placed about a dozen dogs with veterans, everything from the Korean war to the current war," Schneider said.

Community Programs Director Diane Blankenburg says the adoption is free - no matter the kind of dog.

They both say the program isn't just good for the veterans, it's also good for dogs who need a home.
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