ENHANCING LIVES
The Transformative Role of Service Dogs
In the Pacific Northwest, an extraordinary bond is being forged between veterans and their service dogs, a connection that transcends mere companionship and transforms lives. At the forefront of this movement is Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB), an organization dedicated to pairing expertly trained service dogs with veterans grappling with the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The relationship between service dogs and veterans is a testament to the healing power of animals, offering not only support but also hope, companionship, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Founded in 2012 by Shannon Walker, NWBB was born from a heartfelt desire to address the unique challenges that veterans face after serving in the armed forces. Many veterans struggle with issues such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can profoundly impact their quality of life. NWBB aims to match these veterans with service dogs that are specially trained to provide support and comfort, promoting a renewed sense of purpose and belonging.
Shannon’s journey into this vital work is deeply personal. Her extensive experience as a dog trainer, combined with her rich understanding of canine behavior, ignited her passion for using dogs as a source of healing. Inspired by her father, Glenn Walker, who served as an Airman 2nd Class in the Korean War, she carries forward a message of patriotism and duty in her work. Her father instilled in her the values of God, family, and love for her country, teaching her to honor Veterans. This ingrained belief led her to found Northwest Battle Buddies in 2012. She says, “It is our hope that the day before you meet your service dog is your last worst day, and the day you meet your service dog, it’s your best first day.”
To date, NWBB has positively impacted the lives of over 270 veterans battling PTSD, providing them with a loyal companion in their Northwest Battle Buddy service dog. Veterans are empowered to regain their purpose and independence, demonstrating the life-changing difference that service dogs can have. This mission is especially crucial given the heartbreaking statistic that 20 veterans in the United States die by suicide each day, often due to the severe impacts of PTSD.
Battle Buddy dogs are not just your average canine; each dog has 5 months of specialized training, and each Veteran/dog team has 160 hours behind them. They are trained to significantly impact the quality of life of their Veteran handlers in these specific ways:
• Interrupt Nightmares
• Signal and interrupt anxiety attacks
• Redirect flashbacks
• Perform pressure therapy
• Provide a feeling of safety
• Provide a social barrier in public
There are many inspiring success stories of Veterans who courageously live their lives to the fullest with their dog companion. These stories are a testament to the program’s effectiveness and its positive impact on the lives of Veterans.
Adjusting to civilian life after military service can be challenging for many veterans, including Nick, an Army Veteran who served in Iraq. Struggling with PTSD, he turned to medication and alcohol to cope, which led to significant personal losses. However, Nick’s life took a transformative turn when he discovered Northwest Battle Buddies and received his professionally trained service dog, Jazz. Through Jazz, Nick has reclaimed his independence and purpose, finding joy and laughter in his home once again. Jazz not only helps him manage his PTSD symptoms but also encourages him to engage with the world around him. Nick emphasizes the profound bond shared with service dogs, stating that having Jazz by his side during tough moments has made a significant difference in his healing journey. Inspired by his experience, he urges other veterans to consider service dogs as a pathway to a fulfilling life, declaring, “If you’re ready to start living and stop just trying to survive, do it.” For veterans like Nick, these loyal companions are truly “leading the way home”.
Says Veteran handler DL about his dog, Atlas: “Service dogs can be the difference between life and death. I’ve listened to stories from other Veterans, and I hear the pain in their voices and see it in their eyes. As an empathetic person, I feel their pain almost like it’s my own. And having the presence of a service dog to help buffer those feelings of pain - it’s powerful.”
As organizations like Northwest Battle Buddies continue to grow, the impact of service dogs on veterans becomes increasingly evident. The stories of transformation are heartwarming; veterans who once struggled with social anxiety now confidently share their journeys with others, often crediting their service dogs as the catalyst for change.
To celebrate and further their impactful work, NWBB encourages community involvement. Whether through donations, volunteer opportunities, or fostering service dogs, there are numerous ways to support this vital mission.
Professionally trained PTSD service dogs that are trained to perform specific tasks (like interrupt a panic attack, redirect a flashback, and perform pressure therapy) have a high price tag. At NWBB, it costs a total of $35,000 to raise a dog from a puppy to a trained service dog working with a Veteran handler.
For more information about Northwest Battle Buddies, please visit their website at northwestbattlebuddies.org. Join in supporting our veterans and the dedicated service dogs that play a crucial role in their healing journey.
