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Combat Veterans Coping with PTSD through Psychiatric Service Dogs

Thousands of veterans have returned from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD.  Nightmares or flashbacks, angry outbursts, and hyper vigilance are common symptoms. In addition, many veterans also have to learn to live with physical injuries. A Des Moines-based not-for-profit called Paws & Effect is helping some Iowa veterans live better lives by training and placing psychiatric service and mobility dogs. Join host Ben Kieffer as he talks with combat veteran Wade Baker and the organization’s executive director Nicole Shumate. We’ll also meet Honor, one of the newest four-legged graduates of Paws & Effect.

Ben Kieffer is the host of IPR's River to River