TYLER, TX (KLTV) –
June 27 has been declared National PTSD Awareness Day, and people across the country are using the day to draw attention to post traumatic stress disorder as well as different treatment options.
In Smith County, veterans have turned to service dogs to help them with symptoms associated with the disorder.
Michael Roark, who works in the Veterans Service Office in Smith County, is a veteran himself and suffers from PTSD. He said his dog Cooper has helped him through the symptoms.
“I get anxiety when I get into large crowds. He’s been trained to make me concentrate on him instead of the people around me. He’ll also wake me up when I have nightmares or, you know, start having anxiety at the house,” Roark said.
He has just completed a year of training with Cooper. Roark’s assistant, who also has a service dog, was the one who first suggested Roark get a dog. And he said he has seen big changes in his life having cooper around.
“I can go into restaurants and not be as anxious. I’ve got him right there. He also looks out for me like when I’m out walking when I stop he usually turns around and watches behind me. He’ll let me know if there’s someone coming up behind me,” he explained.
Roark has been working with another veteran, Catherine Thomas, to connect more East Texas veterans with service dogs. Thomas works to find service dogs for vets and begins their training, through her program called Dog University. She, herself, has seen the benefits of having a dog.
“I have very bad night anxiety night tremors, nightmares, whatnot, and my husband’s a first responder, he’s often not at home so my dog helps me in that process, settles me down,” Thomas said.
“I normally average about an hour of sleep when my husband’s not home, with the dog I actually have averaged 6-7 hours of sleep,” she explained.
They both say having a dog can give veterans that added sense of protection many have felt during their service.
“You’re not alone anymore; you have a battle buddy with you,” Roark said.
“That’s what we’re used to, that’s what we’re used to. We always have somebody on our side or behind us watching for our safety. That’s what our dogs provide,” Thomas added.
You can find out more about Thomas’ program here.
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