For instance, they will not accept a dog that is more than 4 years-old. Operation Wolfhound puts strict parameters on service dog candidates. They have the potential to live up to 15 years, and are quiet large dogs that are able to physically support a person. To date, Operation Wolfhound has donated or pledged seven dogs to veterans with PTSD.īorzoi pups were chosen because of their ability to think independently and be protective without being aggressive. Miller, who also experiences symptoms associated with PTSD, said the dogs were well received and proved to be helpful to their owners. Operation Wolfhound began about two years ago when Miller's daughter, Rhiannon, suggested they donate two of their Borzoi puppies to people in need of a service dog. It's a much better deal for the veteran because they don't have to worry about the side effects of medication.'

Talk therapy, alone, works 30 percent of the time, and dogs work 84.5 percent of the time,' said Alicia Miller, Army veteran and cofounder of Operation Wolfhound. 'Medication works 50 percent of the time. 'With all the great care Veterans Affairs has given me, they have not been able to find a medication for anger, depression, anxiety or the nightmares that worked for me,' Costich explained. Lucien Mason, a former lance corporal in the Marine Corps has also coped with PTSD since he returned from Vietnam, more than 35 years ago.īoth men have endured medical treatment and sought psychological assistance from professionals, and both men are turning to service dogs as a last resort.Īccording to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is an 'anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to a terrifying event or ordeal in which physical harm occurred or was threatened.' For over 40 years Ken Costich, a former Army colonel, has dealt with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 6 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 5 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 4 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 3 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Corona will receive at least 50 hours of training and evaluation before she will be placed with Mason. Lucien Mason, Vietnam War veteran, introduces himself to Corona, a Borzoi Russian Wolfhound. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL 2 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – 1 / 6 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S.

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