Member Log In

Pets for Patriots

Companion pet adoption for United States military veterans and service members

  • Adopt a pet
    • How it works
    • Veteran benefits
    • Program availability
    • Proof of service
    • Eligible pets
    • Pre-qual application
  • Be a veterinary partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Be a shelter partner
    • How it works
    • Benefits
    • Eligible pets
    • Criteria & eligibility
    • Application
  • Donate Now
    • Donate online
    • Ways to give
    • Spread the word
  • More
    • About us
      • Vision
      • Mission
      • Our team
      • Board of Directors
      • Financial accountability
      • Year in review
      • Program availability
    • Making an impact
      • Forget Me Not
      • The Wet Nose Blog
      • Partner News
      • Donor News
      • Home at last
      • Welcome Home
      • Hotel to Home
    • Friends & Partners
      • Veterinarian partners
      • Shelter partners
      • Sponsors
      • Banfield
      • VIP Petcare
      • Community partners
    • Resources
      • Donor FAQ
      • Veteran FAQ
      • Shelter FAQ
      • Veterinarian FAQ
      • Other resources
    • Connect with us
      • In the news
      • Free wallpaper
      • Contact us
Wet Nose Blog
Home › Dog tales › Dogs deliver therapy to PTSD/TBI veteran

Dogs deliver therapy to PTSD/TBI veteran

August 12, 2011Dog tales, Mental health

A disabled Army veteran coping with PTSD and TBI shares her story about how dogs have changed his life. He would like to see the Veterans Administration provide benefits to support pets adopted by veterans for their own self therapy. His story speaks to the heart of what we do at Pets for Patriots in connecting last-chance pets with veterans. Many of our adopters talk about being imperfect or misunderstood, and feel a kinship with unwanted animals that are often described in similar terms. We believe this strong identification with the predicament of an “unwanted” animal is what accounts for the deep bonds that these connections ultimately create.

***

My name is Laramie and I am a disabled veteran. I served in OIF [Operation Iraqi Freedom has since been renamed Operation New Dawn] 2003-2004 and I recently returned home from supporting OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) 2010.

Before I went to Afghanistan in 2010, I was already diagnosed for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) from my first tour of duty in Iraq in 2003-2004. On July 15, 2010, I was injured in combat in Afghanistan and my world changed for the worse. Not only did I have a physical disability, but my mental and emotional disability got even worse.

While I refused to be sent back to the states after my surgeries, I began to go online while I was in physical therapy in Afghanistan. I began to research dogs and I became interested in pit bulls. While I was in physical therapy, I purchased four pit bull puppies that weren’t even born yet. When I returned home from Afghanistan in November 2010, I went to pick up my first puppy in December 2010. I picked up my second and third up in January 2011, and I picked up my fourth one in March 2011.

[sws_pullquote_right]I decided to get the pit bull puppies because I could relate to them. They are animals that are misunderstood and given a bad name based on what society says. [/sws_pullquote_right]

As a soldier, I’m misunderstood and often times I’m given a bad name because of my PTSD.

Since I’ve had my dogs, they have truly helped with my depression and other things that I deal with day in and day out. I didn’t know anything about your adopt a pet program until today, but I think that you all should put something in your program for soldiers like myself who didn’t know about your program, but went out and purchased a dog to help with their self therapy. Many people don’t realize the impact a dog can have in a person’s life and the impact a person can have in a dog’s life.

I wouldn’t trade my dogs for anything in the world, and I think your program is a great idea for the dogs as well as the veterans. I don’t work anymore because of my injuries and, at the age of 33, that is very depressing in itself.

[sws_pullquote_right]My dogs help keep my head above the water and they make feel like I’m still somebody. [/sws_pullquote_right]

I can’t do everything I use to do and that makes me feel useless, but my dogs show me that they love me and they need me. The love my dogs give me go just as far as the love a human can give.

PreviousNext

6 comments

  1. Alison says:
    August 18, 2011 at 3:49 am

    There is currently a place in FL training dogs for exactly this, to help war vets with PTSD. It is government backed and approved, and shows a lot of promise. The soldiers do well with these dogs and can actually function better after they have them. The dogs are like a comrade and are always there, a constant for these soldiers with PTSD. The bond IS great between man and dog, I hope to help them with rescued German shepherds to train for this purpose.

    1. SGT Chuck Spires says:
      November 4, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      I am currently at walter reed in bethesda MD i am trying to get a service dog for PTSD/TBI all the docs here recomend it for me but dont know how to get ahold of any of these to maybe get approved for one .. what is the name of the orginization in FL .. i would appreciate the info ,, thank you

  2. Julie says:
    August 18, 2011 at 12:24 am

    I can relate to what you are saying about your relationship with your dogs. My husband served in both OIF and OEF and had PTSD and TBI and many other injuries and illnesses and our dog was such a comfort to him. I believe our dog made him feel safe somehow in our home. I believe he had to be on guard for so long that it was always hard for him to feel safe and when he would sleep during the day at times and anyone would come by the house our dog would always be on the watch and let him know someone was there and so he felt safe. He also had a strong bond with the dog and they just loved each other. Sadly my husband passed away May 24 due to his illnesses. He is missed dearly. Remember that you are special and I have a special place in my heart for veterans. I have seen in my husband and his friends he has served with just how special they all are and so selfless and giving in a way that no other people are and I just want to say a big THANK YOU!

  3. mary s says:
    August 9, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    Dear Laramie, thanks or sharing your awesome story. Years ago I was medically retired, told to stay home and collect disability, yeah that lasted a day. Life got better after getting a lab puppy. We worked as a tremendous pet therapy team until one week before he died; at a very old age. Now, while I don’t work at a job (money), I have been given a wealth of love and understanding visiting those alone, dying and forgotten. My world is so bigger and brighter now. Close one door, and open your heart and mind to endless possibilites. Blessings……..

  4. Maribeth Topalanchik says:
    August 8, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Dear Laramie:

    As a mom of two active duty soldiers I want to first thank you for your service.

    Second, I tell people my dogs save me every day.

    I have two rescued diggity dogs and one foster pit bull pup.

    I love them and they love me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

    Over time, I hope that you find comfort in your animals and that sharing your story will alleviate your depression.

    Educating people about what happened to you, the bully breed, and how your relationship with your animals has changed your life is a gift.

    Thank you and take care.

    Maribeth

  5. Jan Hill says:
    August 8, 2011 at 3:25 pm

    Please believe you are somebody. You are a hero who went and fought so we all could live in safety and none of us can ever repay you for that. I am glad you have your dogs to help get you through the bad times. Never underestimate the sacrifices you made for us, we will never.

Comments are closed.

Join the Conversation

  • Cat tales
  • Dog tales
  • Hope for a home
  • Mental health
  • Extra
  • Pet training & health
  • Donor News


Give with Confidence

logo logo logo logo
Make a donation today
email-icon

Did you enjoy this story?
Don’t miss the next one.

Sign up for our newsletter and get stories like these directly in your inbox.


The Dodo and GEICO honor Pets for Patriots adoptions by sharing their heartwarming tales

WATCH THE VIDEOS

Petco Foundation

PetMeds Logo 300x250

Shop 1800PetMeds for all of your pet’s health needs and we’ll get 10% of your purchase!

Shop Bissell Today!

Shop BISSELL for your home cleaning needs and they will donate 10% of your purchase to us!

Join the Conversation

Stay Connected

Join the conversation, read recent adoption stories, view featured pets needing new homes and more.

Twitter

@petsforpatriots

Follow Us

Instagram

@petsforpatriots

Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!! Who's going to win this epic battle? Vote!!
**Application window for Hairy's adoption closes t **Application window for Hairy's adoption closes today May 31!!**

This amazing Dog In Residence at @bobbyhotel is ready to check out of the hotel forever and into a loving home with a veteran living within 40-driving miles of our partners @NashvilleHumane! 

Click the link in our bio to apply. Hurry; Hairy's waiting!

Gratitude to @todayinnashville for sharing Hairy's need. 🥰

#adoptdontshop #nashville #nashvilletn #teamrwb #petsforvets #dogtraining #traineddog #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #nashvillehumaneassociation #petsforpatriots #bobbyhotel
Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being Thank you for your service, Keisha, and for being a hero to a pet in need!

Keisha serves in the Army National Guard and just added two year-old Toby to her pack. Thanks to our partners @bmorehumane Toby's adoption fee was waived, and this big pup's 'welcome home' gift card and year of post-adoption follow up are generously sponsored by a grant we received from @veteransunitedfoundation ...woot!!

#army #armystrong #armynationalguard #nationalguard #femaleveteran #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterdog #adoptashelterpet #hounds #houndsofinstagram #rescuedismyfavoritebreed #petsforvets #baltimore
On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women On Memorial Day we reflect upon the men and women who died while serving in the United States armed forces - and give gratitude and comfort to our Gold Star families whose loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.

The holiday is not about the sales, the barbecues, the day off from work. But that our lives as we know them were made possible in large part by brave souls who died in service, please pause from whatever you are doing today to remember that freedom is not free - and while all veterans give some, some have given all.

#memorialday #memorialday2023 #honorthefallen #honorvets #freedom #freedomisntfree #freedomisnotfree #army #navy #marines #airforce #coastguard #goldstarfamilies #ultimatesacrifice #somegaveall
**THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like: **THIS** is what rescued looks like/sounds like:

"She has been such a joy to me. She loves me and I love her. Thank you assisting me with giving her a forever home." ~ Lisa, Army veteran, on her one-year adoption anniversary to Nala.

The now 8 year-old cat was in the care of our partners @phillypaws which waives adoption fees for veterans in our program. Please consider older pets when you adopt; they have so much joy to give!

#adoptaseniorcat #adoptaseniorpet #cats_of_instagram #catsofinstagram #catsofig #rescuecatsofinstagram #rescuecat #armyveteran #femaleveteran #armystrong #philadelphia
Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 1 Pets for Patriots alums Chadwick (black dog) and 12 year-old Bowser (brown dog) on a little @petsmart shopping spree!

Bowser was adopted in 2012 and is now battling terminal cancer. His mom and dad tell us that his diagnosis doesn't stop Bowser from enjoying life to the fullest, whether that's shopping with brother Chadwick, visiting the beach, or ending the day with a nice puppacino!

#caninecancer #adoptdontshop #seniorpets #seniorpetsofig #seniordogsofinstagram #twoisbetterthanone #shoppingspree #sandiego #dogsonthebeach
Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Zinger's ship just came in when Sonia, active duty Navy, saw this precious 2 year-old pupper and said, "Let's sail away."

Another great adoption through our partners @chesapeakehumane - and made possible thanks to a generous grant from our friends at @veteransunitedfoundation ...anchors aweigh! ⚓

#cutedogsofinstagram #adoptdontshop #adoptashelterpet #adoptashelterdog #navyveteran #femaleveteran #navy #navylife #chesapeakeva #muttsrule #muttsofinstagram
There's just something about Hairy! For the past y There's just something about Hairy!
For the past year this handsome hound has been the resident dog ambassador at @bobbyhotel where he's been a guest favorite, greeting all visitors (2- and 4-legged alike). 

Now it's Hairy's time to check out of the hotel and into the home of a U.S. veteran living within a 40-mile driving distance to our partners @nashvillehumane.

Application deadline is Monday, May 31 - Memorial Day! 🇺🇸

What you should know about Hairy:
❤ Loves frolicking in the yard and working on his frisbee-catching skills
❤ Adores car rides - a great travel buddy!
❤ Visits to the beach? Yes, please!
❤ Expert snuggler, couch curler-upper
❤ Active household that loves adventure - a must!
❤ Good with both dogs and cats...furreal!

Veterans living within 40 driving miles of our partners Nashville Humane Association must apply both to the shelter and Pets for Patriots by Monday, May 31. Hurry for Hairy!

Apply to NHA: https://nashvillehumane.org/news/nha-pets/hairy/

Apply to PFP: https://pfp.care/adopt

Stay tuned in the coming weeks to meet Hairy's new humans! P.S. Click the link in our bio to learn more about this exciting 'Hotel to Home' partnership!
It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday It’s Monday. Berry says please come back Tuesday. ❤️ #rescuedog #rescuedogsofinstagram #olddogsrule #olddogsofinstagram #seniorpets #adoptaseniordog #adoptaseniorcat #americanbully #muttsrule #pibble #pibblesofinstagram #dontbullymybully
Follow Us

© 2023 Pets for Patriots, Inc. | Privacy policy | Terms of use | Contact us

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.

email-icon

Let’s keep in touch.

Sign up for our newsletter to get recent adoption stories, featured pets needing new homes and more directly in your inbox.