Pet Therapy for Veterans.

Mark Thompson had written an article for Time that was featured today (Dec. 5, 2010) called,
Bringing Dogs to Heal: Care for Veterans with PTSD.

As a Recreational Therapist, I am familiar with animal-assistance dogs and dogs that are used for therapeutic healing.

In a nutshell, Thompson’s article was about Brad Fasnacht (26 y.o./ staff sergeant) who had been seriously injured when removing mines from roads in Afghan. Brad had broken his spine and both ankles and was in a stupor for two weeks. He had traumatic brain injury and now suffered with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Brad had awoken from his stupor at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC. Walter Reed uses dogs in their therapies. Thompson reported that Dr. Sandra Barker (Virginia Commonwealth University) had pushed for the program at Walter Reed. I [Danny Pettry] also I imagine there was a strong push from their recreational therapists, too.

Brad received a therapy dog, Sapper, (an Australian cattle dog mix) to help him with his PTSD.

Barker has published several studies. A 1998 study found that patient’s anxiety dropped twice as much when spending time with dogs as it did compared to standard therapeutic recreation (music and art) that was provided.

Barker had also published in 2003 a study that showed significant reduction in fear among patients scheduled for electroconvulsive therapy (after spending 15-minutes with a dog).


You can read the full article here:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2030897-2,00.html#ixzz17IaZTGtw

Dogs are humankind’s best friend for sure.


Dogs and (some cats) were used in my children’s book to teach social skills to children. The book features pictures of cute animals to illustrate concepts such as: being fair, considerate, empathetic, and generous.

Get the book here:



NEED CEUS?

Recreational Therapists and other allied professionals can register for a self-study course titled “Therapeutic Outcomes for Using Dogs as a Pet Therapy Approach.” It is worth 5 clock hours of continuing education at my web-site.

Go here to register for it and other courses:

http://www.dannypettry.com/Courses.htm