Dogs are a Survivor's Best Friend

Cheryl Mullick, a member of Pave USA, discusses the process of placing service dogs with handlers who have severe PTSD from military sexual trauma (MST). The organization trains dogs to work with handlers who have various disabilities, including epilepsy, diabetes, and PTSD. The screening process for applicants is detailed and includes requirements such as an honorable discharge from the military, a disability rating from the VA, and current treatment for PTSD. The dogs are trained to detect specific scents related to the handler's condition, such as hormones associated with panic attacks or nightmares. The bond between the handler and the dog is crucial, and the organization provides ongoing support and training for the lifetime of the dog. Service dogs play a crucial role in supporting veterans with disabilities, particularly those with PTSD. These dogs are trained to provide specific assistance based on the individual's needs, such as alerting to anxiety or nightmares. Retrievers are often the preferred breed for service dogs due to their friendly and steady nature. It is important to distinguish between emotional support animals and service dogs, as the latter have public access privileges and are trained to mitigate specific disabilities. The bond between a veteran and their service dog is profound, and these dogs can sense and respond to their handler's emotions and needs.

Takeaways

- PAVE USA is an organization that places service dogs with handlers who have severe PTSD from military sexual trauma.

- The screening process for applicants includes requirements such as an honorable discharge from the military, a disability rating from the VA, and current treatment for PTSD.

- The dogs are trained to detect specific scents related to the handler's condition, such as hormones associated with panic attacks or nightmares.

- The bond between the handler and the dog is crucial, and the organization provides ongoing support and training for the lifetime of the dog. Service dogs are trained to provide specific assistance to veterans with disabilities, such as alerting to anxiety or nightmares.

- Retrievers are often the preferred breed for service dogs due to their friendly and steady nature. - It is important to distinguish between emotional support animals and service dogs, as the latter have public access privileges and are trained to mitigate specific disabilities.

- The bond between a veteran and their service dog is profound, and these dogs can sense and respond to their handler's emotions and needs.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:07 Cheryl's Background in Animal Training

06:07 The Process of Getting a Service Dog

09:18 Requirements and Screening Process

12:42 The Bond Between Handler and Dog

15:36 Training Service Dogs: Specific Tasks

24:00 The Magic Between Dog and Person

27:57 The Incredible Abilities of Dogs

30:52 Introduction to Service Dogs for Veterans

42:20 Training and Qualities of Service Dogs

44:16 Difference Between Emotional Support Animals and Service Dogs

48:04 Heartwarming Stories of Service Dogs Transforming Lives

57:17 How to Get Involved and Support PAVE 01:00:09 Closing Remarks and Call to Action