If angels take dog form, Ace is one of them.
He predicts panic attacks, warns of migraine headaches, and greatly improves the life of a veteran suffering from warB次元官网网址檚 psychological aftermath.
Greg Alkerton said Ace is so in tune with his condition that he detects symptoms before he can, reducing the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder.
B次元官网网址淗e has added to my strength and his gentle nature has opened my heart and mind B次元官网网址� as long as Ace is with me, I know that I am just fine,B次元官网网址� he said.
Alkerton, along with fellow veteran Stephane Marcotte, visited Sooke schools Friday with their dogs, as part of a Remembrance Day teaching program.
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Sufferers of PTSD commonly experience flashbacks to extreme trauma, panic attacks in crowded places, and nightmares that can manifest into night terrors.
The dogs used by Alkerton and Marcotte are supplied the .
The organization equips veterans who struggle with stress injuries like PTSD with the support of a service dog thatB次元官网网址檚 specially-trained to help them deal with the associated symptoms.
After applying and being accepted to the program, veterans are gradually paired up with a dog and embark on a year-long training program towards receiving certification.
Twice a week, the pair meets with VICDB次元官网网址檚 professional trainers and a mental health clinical practitioner for training sessions that foster everything from basic obedience skills to specific tactics that enable the dog to help the veteran navigate his unique set of struggles and symptoms.
B次元官网网址淢ost importantly, training as a team creates a deep bond between the dog and veteran that in turn translates into ongoing, unconditional support,B次元官网网址� said Barb Ashmead, director of administration, funding and sponsorship for the society.
The program costs about $28,000 per dog, offered at no cost to the participants. VICD receives support from the Royal Canadian LegionB次元官网网址檚 B.C. Yukon Command and private funders. ThereB次元官网网址檚 no government funding.
The dogs are donated to the society from the B.C. Guide Dogs Services when theyB次元官网网址檙e 14 to 16 months old.
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B次元官网网址淭hey donB次元官网网址檛 make it as a guide dog because theyB次元官网网址檙e not good for walking from Point A to Point B, but the veterans arenB次元官网网址檛 blind so they work out to be perfect as PTSD service dogs,B次元官网网址� Ashmead said.
The dogs remain with the veterans for about 10 years.
Alkerton is retiring Ace soon and is now training Charlie, both Black labs.
Ashmead said the service dogs are in high demand on the Island: 18 people have graduated, 16 people going through the program and a year-long wait list.
B次元官网网址淭he more donations we get, the more dogs we can bring in. We have the training staff, and we have the dogs. We just need the finance to be able to do it all,B次元官网网址� she said.
For more information on the Vancouver Island Compassion Dogs Society, please go online to .
editor@sookenewsmirror.com
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