Key Points
A bouncy labradoodle and a Kansas City-area program helped her get back on her feet..
Dogs 4 Valor, operated through the Olathe, Kansas-based organization called The Battle Within, helps retired veterans and first responders work with their service dogs to help manage depression, anxiety and other challenges...
A lot of times the veteran with severe PTSD is homebound, said Sandra Sindeldecker, program manager for Dogs 4 Valor..
Service dogs in the program are taught to pick up a veterans physical signs of distress and can interrupt panic attacks and nightmares with a loving nudge..
After three months, PTSD symptoms improved in both groups, but the veterans with dogs saw a bigger improvement on average..
