Brandy and Val

Last July, the Service Dogs for Veterans Act was passed in the Senate, propelled by freshman Senator Al Franken of Minnesota and the Wounded Warrior K-9 Corps Act worked its’ way through the House, thanks to Congressman Ron Klein of Florida,  authorizing the use of federal funds to help furnish animals as pet therapy and service animals to U.S. veterans suffering from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Service dogs are already provided  to veterans who have lost their sight or who are physically disabled but these bills now cover pilot programs for psychiatric disorders, too.  I have frequently commented in this blog about the “power of pets” for use as therapy animals and it is good news that the Government is recognizing their use to help former veterans, mostly from Iraq and Afghanistan reintegrate with society after they return home from combat.   Horse therapy is being used in Davie, Florida as stress relievers and dogs’ roles  as psychiatric service dogs include their being trained to dial 911, sense panic attacks before they start, activate lights, and provide protection if their guardian feels threatened.  Dog companionship has also been shown to instill feelings of self-esteem, responsibility and optimism in those who care for pets and is also a vital component to the rehabilitation to the physically and mentally wounded vet. Watch this video from the New York Times for first-hand insight from the veterans being helped!

Since our mission at Brandy and Val is, “to do good where good is needed” we are also thrilled that some of the dogs being trained for these programs come from Puppies Behind Bars, an organization that uses prisoners to raise and train the dogs. Programs such as these serve the community at large not only in providing the dogs that help vets but they help with the rehabilitation of the inmates working with these animals.  Seems like a lot of good is being done here.

New York Times/Nov 1, 2009

Provocative article in the “Week in Review” section of  November 1 NEW YORK TIMES:  Good Dog, Smart Dog Many of us are already aware of the human-like and super-sensory capabilities our canine friends possess.  They are so prominently on display in the roles of service dogs–in search and rescue capacities (think 9/11, Hurricane Katrina), pet therapy (soothing anxious patients in hospitals or making contact with autistic people), seizure and psychiatric service dogs and seeing eye dogs to name a few.  However, the verdict is still out as to whether dogs can actually think like humans or whether it is a combination of training and dogs’ keen awareness of the people around them that explains this perception.

Research on these topics is discussed citing studies by scientists in Hungary, Germany, that of  Clive D. L. Wynne at the University of Florida, and reknowned psychology professor Stanley Coren, the author of several books on dogs, including The Intelligence of Dogs and Why We Love the Dogs We Do.  The U.S. Army is even now planning to study how psychiatric service dogs might help soldiers cope with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.

How often does one hear the phrase, or some variation of, uttered in dismay or disgust, “my dog has more brains than he/she does.”  Well, maybe one day the evidence will confirm that.  In the meantime, we can simply refer to Dr. Coren’s rankings of the 100 most intelligent breeds where Border Collies, Poodles, Retrievers, Labradors and Shepherds round out his Top 5.