http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/health/2007/12/14/2007-12-14_army_sends_therapy_dogs_to_iraq-2.html

Soldiers Iraq are getting a unique holiday gift: two Labrador retrievers specially trained as therapy dogs to ease the stress of combat.

"We expect each of these dogs to make a difference to thousands of lives over there," said Wells Jones, CEO of America's VetDogs Veteran's K-9 Corps in Smithtown, L.I.

"The dogs will help break the ice, build communication and bring a piece of normalcy to what otherwise can be a difficult situation."

VetDogs gave the 3-year-old Labs, Budge and Boe, to the U.S. Army's 85th Medical Detachment in Iraq yesterday, marking the first time in Army history that therapy dogs have been deployed.

I'm not sure what to think about this... will it work if they are still in a stressful enviroment?

I LOVE that! I know if My DH could have taken our dog with him he totally would have

I think it is a wonderful idea :yes

Just the act of petting an animal can reduce stress levels.

yeah how about send some THERAPISTS specializing in combat stress.....Therapy animals works great for the elderly....but i am sorry i don't see anything usefull about sending labradors to Iraq. There are stray dogs ALL OVER THE PLACE. If they are going to send more dogs, send some more k-9 handlers so my husband can come home:)

well alot of guys dont want to talk to people about their stress and stuff over there but I think alot of guys will enjoy the dogs. And the stray dogs alot of times have rabbies and stuff and are not very friendly...not all but alot of them

I have some stress relieving therapy advice....bring our men home....

I have some stress relieving therapy advice....bring our men home....

AMEN TO THAT!!!!!!!!!!!


a dog isn't going to prevent PTSD. The point is the guys NEED to talk about whats going on, if not with each other then at least with themselves (notebook etc)- a dog wouldn't be able to tell them the benefit of "getting it out". I asked my friend how he felt about the therapy dogs (he's army in iraq) he said he would be like "oh cool ANOTHER dog". If the army wants to help, send some therapists...i would go.

I think it is a wonderful idea :yes

Just the act of petting an animal can reduce stress levels.

I agree

I have some stress relieving therapy advice....bring our men home....


My thoughts exactly:tu

I have some stress relieving therapy advice....bring our men home....

Amen...bring our men home!!!

How wonderful. They will get the sense of touch. It is so important & everytime I hug our kids, I realize that this is something my DH doesn't get. I'm not real sure all those soldiers are going around hugging each other all day. They so desperately need this & that's why its so hard for them when they come home b/c they haven't experienced touch for so long. Yeah for the dogs.

The dogs have arrived at their duty station! Here is a great article about what their job is, who they work with, and how they help in a regular setting. This is the first time that this has ever been done, so how much help they are has yet to be seen. But since our men aren't coming home anytime soon - it is nice to know that they are being taken care of in the field.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2007-12-12-dogs-of-war_N.htm