Spc. Brad Reeves, an air conditioner repair man with the 509th Forward Support Company, took a moment to have his photo taken with Sgt. 1st Class Zeke, Sept. 23, at Forward Operating Base Spin Boldak. Zeke, a therapy dog with the 113th Combat Stress Control team, visited FOB Spin Boldak to greet soldiers and help alleviate some of the stress they incur while being deployed.
Anyone that own a pet understands the peace and comfort that they can bring (not that they always do). The military life is stressful and wrought with frustration, pain, and anger at times.
Health professionals have recognized the contribution that dogs can bring to the lives of Soldiers suffering with PTSD or other mental health issues and have started incorporating this program within the military. There is even a great organization, Penny’s From Heaven Foundation, whose sole mission is to “provide services to our returning wounded servicemen and women, children testifying to sexual and physical abuse, hospice patients, children’s hospitals, adult hospitals, the court house, retirement homes, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, bone marrow transplant clinics, and these therapy dogs are present at our soldier’s deployments and Yellow Ribbon ceremonies.”
