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Support dogs for PTSD veterans in Somerset are changing lives

BBC Patrick with his rescue dog, Dotty.BBC
Patrick said his rescue dog, Dotty, has been invaluable

Specially trained dogs are helping veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] by easing their anxiety and flashbacks.

Charity Service Dogs UK matches rescue dogs with people from the military or emergency services to help manage PTSD.

The organisation, based in Somerton, is currently working with 13 dogs, having started in 2021 with only two.

"She'll interact with me if I have any terrors or flashbacks during the day," said ex-soldier Patrick.

Service Dogs UK A Service Dogs UK member with an assistance dogService Dogs UK
Service Dogs UK has a branch in Somerton, Somerset

PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.

The dogs are trained to recognise stress triggers and provide companionship and support in coping with civilian life, whilst keeping anxiety at bay.

Patrick's dog, Dotty, has been an invaluable support, he said.

"She'll nudge me in the leg or jump on top of me just to give me that initial shock, so that I realise I'm actually in my front room, either watching the telly or listening to music," he said.

Bill, a veteran, with his Service Dog, Patch
Bill's service dog, Patch, helps him if he has nightmares at night

Each animal is taught by professional dog trainers how to keep an eye on their owners and learn 60 different commands.Navy veteran, Bill, has now provided a home for Patch and said their bond was "very strong".

"Patch lies on the bed at night with me, and if he thinks I'm not good at night, then he paws me on my chest," he said.

"If I'm having nightmares and going back into events he knows that isn't having a very good effect, so he wakes me up."

By providing homes for the rescue dogs, their new owners are helping them out too.

Nigel Rousell, Service Dogs UK, in front of a poster for the charity
Nigel Rousell matches rescue dogs with people from the military or emergency services

Staff at the Service Dogs UK centre in Somerton said they had witnessed the change the dogs made to the lives of people with PTSD.

Nigel Rousell, South West hub manager, added that they try to match the right dog to the right veteran.

"I often get phone calls from rescue centres saying 'we've got a special dog in and we think it's suitable for you'," he said.The charity currently supports 13 former military and emergency service workers, but is hoping in the future to partner more veterans with specially trained assistance dogs to help with their trauma.

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