Many of the Protectus team members have served in the armed forces and have a close affiliation with charities working to support veterans. Recently we went to visit one such initiative based in the South West, Veterans With Dogs.
Veterans With Dogs runs a programme to train and provide assistance dogs for Veterans suffering from mental health conditions such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Introducing specially trained dogs into the lives of Veterans is having a profound effect on helping them increase their quality of life and regain independence.
The dogs are trained for certain tasks such as initiating daily routine, waking and medication reminders and other activities personal to the Veteran. The dogs respond to anxieties displayed by the Veteran in everyday life, and potentially challenging environments. They recognise, indicate and interrupt signs of anxiety, panic attacks and nightmares.
These behaviours allow the Veteran to break the cycle and regain emotional control by employing cognitive behavioural skills, engaging risk reduction behaviours and so reduce the debilitation of symptomology associated with PTSD.
At Protectus we have our own Canine division which works alongside us to identify and locate illegal substances. Seeing these amazing dogs undertake their duties, we are aware how incredible man’s best friend can be as a sidekick and companion.
We enjoyed learning all about this unique charity and hope to raise awareness for an excellent cause.