Military veterans with PTSD train with service dogs for a day of 'healing'

Eight military veterans, some of whom have post-traumatic stress disorder, joined on Saturday morning at the Veteran Memorial Shrine & Museum with their service dogs.

Mullooly has the night off.

Today proved a moment for recovery for a group of military veterans.

Fox 55's mallory beard met with them at the veteran memorial shrine and museum as they discussed how their service dogs help them return to regular life after serving and how we can help them too.

Russell goodman says today is a day for healing.russell goodman//army veteran"helping people to heal, they won't think about their pain the that the dog is present.

They're just centered on the dog and they're good for that."eight military veterans, some of whom have post traumatic stress disorder, joined at the veteran memorial shrine and museum with their service dogs.the vets bonded and trained with their dogs given to them bythe non-profit 'our turn to serve.'.tamara goodman//our turn to serve board member"helps us to stay connected, give each other ideas on what's working or if some are still struggling we can try to address that and hone in some more on some skills."tamara goodman says being out in the community can sometimes be a challenge for veterans with ptsd.after treating wounded army soldiers in germanyshe says it's important to have her service dog 'gabe' to help adjust to civilian life after seeing so much sufferingtamara goodman//our turn to serve board member"the dogs are great for helping veterans do what they can't do for themselves.

Keeping themselves grounded when they are starting to escalate with some anxiety...i know my dog gabriel helps me a great deal with that.our turn to serve dog trainer mike rowland encourages civilians to have more empathy when they recognize a vet with their pup.

"because they look like they have no injuries doesn't mean their isn't something seriously needing attention inside them.

3 the fact of the matter is, these war wounds are internal and they're deep and these dogs are helping this person navigate so they can live a normal life."he says the best thing to do is give them space if they are having a difficult time in public, and be mindful not to pet their dog.but goodman says though her experience was difficult...like many other veterans, she's proud to have served.tamara goodman//our turn to serve board member"we had our mission, and it challenging.

And i'm glad to have done my little bit."in fort wayne, i'm mallory beard fox 55 news.

Now if you want more information on how you can donate to the organization for more veterans to have the opportunity to be paired with a service pup, see this story on our website