DOGS PROVIDE SUPPORT FOR VETERANS

Support dog programs are helping veterans deal with a range of physical and mental issues after they have returned home.

Warrior Canine Connection Founder Rick Yount says 26 years ago he was gifted a golden retriever puppy, Gabe, while working as a social worker.

One day when Mr Yount was helping move a deeply traumatised young boy away from a troubled home he discovered Gabe was able to comfort the child.

He said this was when he discovered the “healing power of dogs”.

He then went onto found Warrior Canine Connection to provide service dogs to veterans struggling with PTSD after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The organisation also asks struggling veterans to help them train dogs for others injured in battle.