Returning to civilian life is difficult for many Veterans, especially for those with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Workplace environments can be stressful — and stress can exacerbate PTSD symptoms. However, there’s hope: Professionally trained PTSD service dogs, like those from Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB), can lessen PTSD symptoms, helping Veterans succeed in professional settings.
Veterans report that PTSD service dogs from NWBB help them thrive professionally. These remarkable canines offer more than just companionship; they provide crucial intervention during moments of crisis, allowing our American Heroes to function effectively in environments that might otherwise be overwhelming.
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PTSD service dogs can recognize signs of anxiety and stress in their handlers, sometimes even before Veterans realize they're getting overwhelmed. This early intervention can prevent full-blown panic attacks or emotional shutdowns that could disrupt the workday.
Scott, a Veteran paired with his NWBB service dog, Nikki, explains, “I just really try and key in on those amazing senses that he has. He can pick things up before I can. It allows me greater ability than I had before.”
A technique called pressure therapy is another essential task PTSD service dogs perform that helps Veterans regulate their emotions in the workplace. Pressure therapy really helps Scott minimize stress during busy work days.
He shares, "I'll sit on the floor behind my desk [at work], and [Nikki] will crawl up in my lap and lick my face. We're talking 80 pounds of pressure laying on me. I love that amount of weight just pushing on me because I can literally feel the stress being pushed out of me…He allows me the capacity to reset in the midst of a hectic environment."
PTSD service dogs can also help Veterans stay calm in crowded workplace environments. Scott deals with this very situation on the busy campus where he works.
"I can start feeling pretty anxious around the crowds, but at the same time, I use [Nikki] knowing he’s always watching out for me,” Scott says.
Bucky, another Veteran, completely changed his career path after being paired with his service dog, Creed, through NWBB. Bucky explains, "I work with homeless Veterans now, which has definitely been my calling and purpose in life. Helping other people is rewarding because I've been in positions where I needed help and nobody wanted to help me."
He credits his service dog with making this career possible. Bucky says, "Pretty sure [Creed’s] the one that's not only helped me get [hired at Volunteers of America] and actually be able to work, but to connect with these other Veterans. They see me as a disabled veteran because I have my service animal, and they’re more open to wanting to communicate and develop this rapport with me because of that."
Beyond maintaining employment, Bucky's partnership with Creed has given him the confidence to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. He shares, "Having a service dog allowed me to take the risk in starting my own company…I finally want to build something that will live on past me, that's bigger than me. And that's because of Creed. Without Creed, I wouldn't have the confidence to go and do these things."
PTSD can cause withdrawal from social interaction, creating barriers between Veterans and their colleagues. PTSD service dogs often serve as natural conversation starters, helping break down these walls.
For Derek, life changed dramatically after being paired with his service dog Cora through Northwest Battle Buddies. "Before Cora was with me, I'd become very withdrawn and disconnected from family, friends, and especially strangers," he remembers.
Fortunately, Cora dramatically improved Derek's workplace interactions. He shares, "Cora has been the ice breaker helping me navigate out of the ice and back to calmer waters. One of the ways she has done this is by being with me everywhere at work. At first it was, 'Can I pet your dog? Wow she is so beautiful.' Then the conversations went to, 'How is Cora today?' Then one day it changed to, 'How are YOU and Cora doing today?' That question struck me deeply the first time I heard it. I didn't know what the feeling was at the time, but now I do. Happiness. Suddenly, I actually felt like I mattered as much as Cora matters to me."
For Veterans struggling with PTSD, service dogs provide far more than emotional support — they offer practical, moment-by-moment assistance that makes sustainable employment possible. Organizations like NWBB are changing lives by creating these powerful partnerships.
As Bucky summarizes, "Without Creed, I wouldn't have the capability. I would be incompetent and sit in my house."
If you want to help Veterans like Nick, Derek, and Bucky receive a professionally trained PTSD service dog from NWBB, consider a monthly donation to Operation Never Quit. Your support helps American Heroes overcome PTSD and reclaim their lives.