THE POWER OF LOVE SERVICE DOGS HELP VETERANS MAKE THE LONG JOURNEY HOME

Canine caregivers can learn specific tasks like assisting a Veteran prone to getting dizzy or suffering from PTSD. Properly trained service dogs can even alert veterans with diabetes when their blood sugar reaches high or low levels.

In his poem “The Power of the Dog” Rudyard Kipling wrote, “Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie.” Josh Billings, a 19th-century American humorist, put it this way: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.”

Ronald Carney, a veteran living in Texas, can attest to what Kipling and Billings wrote. In 2017 November, Carney’s dog went missing, perhaps even stolen. But Sampson wasn’t just a pet. Or even Carney’s “best friend.” He was a service dog.

Eighteen months after he disappeared, Sampson was found, and the two were re-united.

“After about 30 seconds or so, he just started jumping on me and walking in circles and whining, and I knew right away by seeing him, it was him," Carney told KCEN-TV following the reunion. “…it was pretty amazing that after 18 months, he remembered me.”

It should be noted that there’s a difference between service dogs and emotional support animals, the former is formally trained and certified; the latter, not necessarily.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, service dogs are prescribed for Veterans diagnosed with having visual, hearing, or substantial mobility impairment. Specifically, 38 CFR 17.148 states that the “VA will provide to veterans with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments, benefits to support the use of a service dog as part of the management of such impairments. The benefits include assistance with veterinary care, travel benefits associated with obtaining and training a dog, and the provision, maintenance, and replacement of hardware required for the dog to perform the tasks necessary to assist such veterans.”

That doesn’t mean the VA provides guide and/or service dogs. They do not; however, “Veterans approved for guide or service dogs are referred to accredited agencies. Many of these organizations do not charge for the dog or the dog's training.”

The VA does provide a veterinary health insurance benefit and other benefits in support of service dogs. To qualify, the dog must be trained and from an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) accredited service dog organization.

According to its website, ADI is “a worldwide coalition of not-forprofit programs that train and place Assistance Dogs. Founded in 1986 from a group of seven small programs, ADI has become the leading authority in the Assistance Dog industry.” Meanwhile, IGDF describes itself as “the industry-elected body responsible for the development, monitoring and evaluation of the standards applied within all IGDF-member organizations, and to which all Enquiring and Applicant organizations aspire, in order to ensure equity of high-quality service to guide dog users and Handlers around the world.”

Service dogs can be trained to do specific tasks. For example, they can pick things up, guide a person with vision problems, assist a person who has hearing impairments, or help people prone to getting dizzy, losing their balance, and falling. One Veteran even reported that his service dog (without being told) would fetch him his prosthetic leg each morning when he wakes up.

Other impairments that can substantially limit mobility include anxiety, depression, bipolar/mood disorders, panic attacks, stress, Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), personality disorders, fear/ phobias, other emotional/psychological condition.

Specially trained service dogs can alert veterans with diabetes when their blood sugar reaches high or low levels. Other dogs can be trained to remind someone to take medication. Service dogs can even be trained to detect the start of a seizure and help keep the veteran safe until help arrives or the seizure stops.

The benefit of the relationship between veterans and dogs is well-documented. For example, Christine Hassing in her book “Hope Has a Cold Nose” has put together a collection of heart-felt stories about veterans and their four-legged friends. Each chapter is dedicated to a different dynamic human-canine duo: Jacob and Tracer, Jennifer and Onyx, Kristopher and Shera, Desiree and Chunky, to name a few.

The idea of dogs helping people is not new.

According to IGDF, “The first special relationship between a dog and a blind person is lost in the mists of time, but perhaps the earliest recorded example is depicted in a first-century AD mural in the buried ruins of Roman Herculaneum. There are other records from Asia and Europe up to the Middle Ages, of dogs leading blind men.”

Other citations include: • A wall-painting (circa AD 79) of a blind man apparently being led by his dog was found during the excavations in Pompeii.

• A Chinese scroll in the Metropolitan Museum (dated 1200) reveals a blind man being led by a dog.

• An Irish reference from 1260 mentions a dog guiding a blind man.

The ballad "Blind Beggar of Bethnal Green" (1715) tells the tale of a knight who becomes a beggar after losing his sight in battle. The ballad’s lyrics include: g

He is called the blind beggar from Bethlehem Tyne, And his marks and his tokens unto you I will tell;

He's continually led by a dog, chain and bell.”

With many soldiers blinded by mustard gas in WORLD WAR I, the role of dogs as helpers was put in the spotlight when the first canine was assigned to a German veteran, Paul Feyen, in 1916. Within three years, there were 539 trained guide dogs.

According to the Service Dogs Registration of America, most service dog programs train Golden Retrievers and Labradors. Other breeds suitable for service include (but are not limited to) German Shepherds, Border Collies, and Bernese Mountain Dogs.

It should be noted, however, that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) “does not restrict the type of dog breeds that can be service animals.”

The ADA goes on to say that, “A service animal may not be excluded based on assumptions or stereotypes about the animal's breed or how the animal might behave. However, if a particular service animal behaves in a way that poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, has a history of such behavior, or is not under the control of the handler, that animal may be excluded. If an animal is excluded for such reasons, staff must still offer their goods or By the way, “Disability” is defined by the ADA as a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) points out that, “The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, state and local government, public accommodations, commercial facilities, transportation, and telecommunications. A service dog is trained to take a specific action whenever required, to assist a person with their disability. The task the dog performs is directly related to their person’s disability.”

The AKC also noted that “The ADA considers service dogs to be primarily working animals that are not considered pets.”

The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section, clarifies the distinction between service animals and animals that merely “provide comfort.”

“If the dog has been trained to sense that an anxiety attack is about to happen and take a specific action to help avoid the attack or lessen its impact, that would qualify as a service animal. However, if the dog’s mere presence provides comfort, that would not be considered a service animal under the ADA.”

Some people may wonder, “How long does it take to train a service dog?”g

Great question. Here’s a great answer from Assistance Dogs International (ADI):

“There is no specific time frame for training a service dog once they have completed their early socialization and basic obedience training. Service dog programs will have very clear training plans for every dog. In general, service dogs are placed with their future owners around the age of 2. Each service dog undergoes specific training (obedience, task work, etc.) for 1-2 hours a day for a period of 6 to 24 months before they are matched with their future owner depending on the age of the dog when they start the training process.”

Little wonder, then, that the time and money invested in training certified service dogs are not inconsequential. “The cost of training a service dog can exceed $25,000,” says the AKC. “This may include training for the person with a disability who receives the dog and periodic follow-up training for the dog to ensure working reliability. Some organizations provide service dogs to disabled individuals at no cost or may offer financial aid for people who need, but cannot afford, a service dog. Other organizations may charge fees for a trained dog.”

The AKC offers this advice for choosing a service dog candidate. They should: • Be calm, especially in unfamiliar settings

• Be alert, but not reactive

• Have a willingness to please

• Be able to learn and retain information

• Be capable of being socialized to many different situations and environments

• Be reliable in performing repetitive tasks

Of course, veterans should make sure they are actually eligible to receive medical services through the VA before they explore the possibility of obtaining a service dog. This can be done by registering at the Health Administration/enrollment section of a VA Medical Center. “Once registered, a referral to a specialist may be requested through the assigned VA primary care provider. The Veteran's VA medical team will perform a complete clinical evaluation to determine how best to assist the Veteran. Each guide and service dog request is reviewed and evaluated on a case-bycase basis.”

If the veteran is eligible, “VA will pay for veterinary care and the equipment (e.g. harness and/or backpack) required for optimal use of the dog.”

Veterinary care includes: “Prescribed medications, office visits for medical procedures, and dental procedures where the dog is sedated (one sedated dental procedure will be covered annually). Vaccinations should be current when the dog is provided to the Veteran through an accredited agency. Subsequent vaccinations will be covered by VA. Prescribed food will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.”

Veterinary care does not include over-the-counter medications, food, treats and non-sedated dental care.

It’s also important to know that “Flea and tick medications are considered over-the-counter and are the responsibility of the Veteran along with over-the-counter dental care products. Grooming, boarding and other routine expenses are not covered.”

Veterans with medically approved service dogs can be enrolled in a contracted veterinary health insurance policy to cover:

• Comprehensive veterinary services for their service dog

• Annual visits for preventive and maintenance care (i.e., immunizations, dental cleanings, screenings, etc)

• Urgent/emergent care • Prescription medications

• Care for chronic illnesses and/or disorders to enable the dog to perform its duties in service to the Veteran

• Enrollment in VHIB (Veterinary Health Insurance Benefit) eliminates the need for VA pre-authorization g

VA policy states that “Service dogs are allowed on VA owned or leased property. Only dogs that are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability are considered service animals. There are no restrictions on the breeds of dogs that may be considered service animals.”

Rules and regulations are key to facilitate matching up each veteran with an appropriate service animal and that means filling out the proper paperwork, getting involved in the selection process, and participating in the required training procedures. But, at the end of the day, it’s the relationship between the dog and the Veteran (and their ability to work together) that determines success.

For example the case of Philip Bauer, who was interviewed for Westchester Magazine, based in Rye, New York. Bauer benefited from a program offered by East Coast Assistance Dogs (ECAD), a non-profit group that trains and provides service dogs.

“We found out there were a lot of veterans who had a hard time getting out of their homes, being part of society,” says program director Barbara Jenkel. “So far we’ve given 20 dogs to veterans from all over the country. All of them have some form of PTSD, some have TBI (Traumatic brain Injury), loss of limbs, bad backs.”

Bauer is one of those Veterans. He lost a leg after the helicopter in which he was flying was shot down on a flight to Baghdad. Eighteen died; 15 survived. Bauer’s right leg was too burned and broken to save, and it was amputated below his knee.

“I became an amputee on Thanksgiving morning of 2003,” Bauer told Dana White of Westchester Magazine. “I took my retirement, went home, and spent the next five and a half years trying to kill myself in one shape or form.”

Then, thanks to ECAD, Bauer met Reese, a Golden Retriever, who helped turned the Veteran’s life around, so much so that Bauer eventually joined ECAD’s staff.

“Reese helps me go into public, to not feel quite so awkward. In crowds he blocks and covers for me,” Bauer told the magazine. “He picks things up for me, turns on the lights for me, brings me my leg if it’s across the room. He always looks like he actually cares.” Kendra Meinert of the Green Bay Press-Gazette in Wisconsin spoke with Sylvia Bowersox, an Army Veteran who suffered from traumatic brain injury and severe post-traumatic stress disorder, among other diagnoses.

“They had me on just bizarre, bizarre medications. I was a zombie. I was an absolute zombie. I wasn’t functioning,” Bowersox said. “I was just beside myself, because I am not bipolar. They kept upping my doses, so I did not have a quality of life at all. I was desperate.”

Then Bowersox, thanks to Little Angels Service Dogs which trains canines on a ranch near San Diego, meet Timothy, a British Labrador.

“Timothy is my baby. He’s my fur baby. He’s my child,” Bowersox said to Meinert. “He tells me when I’ve had enough and I have to go walk around the building. He paws at me when I’m freaking out.” g

Brandon Lewis served in the Marines a dozen years, which included three deployments in Iraq, but a traumatic brain injury and PTSD forced him into a medical retirement.

“I was a little upset about it because I loved the Marine Corps,” he told Margaret Myers of The Renewal Project, which shares stories of individuals and organizations who solve problems in their communities.

Lewis said he suffered from migraines and dizziness; he tried counseling and medication, but was unhappy with the results, then he met a black Labrador named Boothe. Since pairing up with his service dog, Lewis has been able to cut down on his meds, and the number of his migraines have declined. He’s now working as a liability claim adjuster.

Army veteran Becca Stephens also has a story. She told it to Julia LeDoux. It was published on the Connecting Vets website.

“I had a lot of great experiences, but Iraq really took the wind out of my sails,” Stephens told LeDoux. “It was kind of like a whirlwind for me.” The situation went from bad to grim but, eventually, there was a source of sunshine just around the corner. It came from a little service dog named Bobbi, who ending up making all the difference in the world.

The stories of Stephens, Lewis, Bowersox, and Bauer are encouraging, they faced substantial obstacles, but each became an overcomer with the help of trained and certified service dogs: Bobbi, Boothe, Timothy, and Reece. According to the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (2020) 46,510 American adults died from suicide in 2018, including 6,435 U.S. Veterans. Social Connection and Isolation are two of the societal factors involved:

Isolation is a risk factor for suicide, which is a significant concern given social-distancing practices to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Among VHA patients, suicide rates are highest among those who are divorced, widowed, or never married, and rates are lowest among those who are married.

Suicide rates are elevated among individuals residing in rural areas.

But there’s a sliver of good news: “The data shows the rate of suicide among Veterans who recently used VA health services has decreased, an encouraging sign as the department continues its work and shares what we learn with those who care for and about Veterans,” said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. The fact that there’s a positive connection between using VA health service and declining suicide rates is a great reason for Veterans in need to do their homework regarding service dogs.

Here is a key point to remember: Though VA does not provide service dogs, it does approve Veterans for referral to Assistance Dogs International accredited agencies or International Guide Dog Federation accredited agencies. Once referred, dogs and veterans must successfully complete a training program offered by these accredited agencies. (VA will recognize these completions for the purpose of paying stipulated benefits). Veterans with hearing, guide, and/or mobility issues should meet with their VA Clinical Care Provider to begin the application process for VA Veterinary Health Benefits. Veterans with mental health mobility issues should meet with a VA Mental Health Provider to begin the application process for VA Veterinary Health Benefits. Regardless of the service for which it is trained, whether to aid the seeing-impaired, help the hearing-impaired, or steady those suffering from dizziness or PTSD, properly trained and certified service dogs consistently under-promise and over-deliver.

People who love dogs seem able to grasp the ability of canines to connect and make a difference. Best-selling author and selfadmitted dog lover Dean Koontz summarized it this way: “No matter how close we are to another person, few human relationships are as free from strife, disagreement, and frustration as is the relationship you have with a good dog. Few human beings give of themselves to another as a dog gives of itself.” That statement is even truer for service dogs.

Jim Lamb is a retired journalist living in Florida. He has four dogs.