Florida Inmates train shelter dogs for veterans with PTSD

Inmates train shelter dogs for veterans with PTSD
13 News
By Margaret Kavanagh, Reporter
August 20, 2013

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Inmates, shelter dogs and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder are working together to save dogs as part of a program with the Halifax Humane Society and the Tomoka Correctional Institution.

Davey, a 4-year-old Bulldog/Boxer mix, has had it tough. He was abandoned by his family and sent to the Halifax Humane Society.

Davey knows what it’s like to be locked up. Inmates have been training Davey and other dogs like him. He’s part of a program called Paws of Freedom.

For 14 weeks, inmates walk, feed and even have the dogs sleep in their cell with them.

“I kind of did what they told us not to do with Davey. I got attached to him so I don’t really want to see him go,” said inmate Carmaine Givens.

Soon Davey will go home with Veteran Matthew Sviben who suffers from PTSD.

Sviben had difficulty returning to civilian life after five deployments to the Middle East and 23 years in the Army.

“I get aggravated very quickly and angry very fast. It’s just a lot raw emotions that come out and so Davey keeps me calm," said Sviben.

It’s a blessing for Sviben, but a bittersweet goodbye for the men who trained him.
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