Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather O’Brien developed severe anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after working at an overcrowded and dangerous internment camp in Iraq, where violence and riots were common, and detainees numbered over 20,000. Upon returning home, O’Brien struggled with constant anxiety, believing that being on edge was just part of life after military service. However, her life began to change when her mother encouraged her to adopt a lab-poodle mix, which she named Albus. This decision marked the beginning of O’Brien’s healing journey.
O’Brien eventually learned about Dogs 4 Valor, a program run by The Battle Within, an organization based in Olathe, Kansas, that helps veterans and first responders manage PTSD, anxiety, and depression with the assistance of service dogs. The program pairs veterans with their dogs for training that lasts about six to nine months, with the goal of building a deep bond between the two, while helping the veteran feel more comfortable in public spaces. Outings to locations like airports are part of the training, helping veterans regain confidence in social settings. Participants also receive free mental health therapy through the program. For veterans who struggle with severe PTSD, Dogs 4 Valor is a lifeline that combats isolation and fear, encouraging them to engage with the world again.
The program has proven benefits, as research, including a study published in JAMA Network Open, shows that service dogs can help veterans recognize and respond to physical signs of distress, like panic attacks or nightmares. In a comparison of veterans with service dogs and those on a waiting list, those with dogs showed more significant improvement in PTSD symptoms after just three months.
O’Brien joined Dogs 4 Valor with Albus in October 2023. She now feels able to do things she once thought were impossible, such as going on vacation to Branson, Missouri. She described her relationship with Albus as similar to that of a “pushy best friend,” who encourages her to step out of her comfort zone, even when she’s feeling nervous. Although it’s still a challenge at times, O’Brien acknowledges that having Albus has made it much more manageable.
Mark Atkinson, a 38-year-old veteran who served in Afghanistan as a Marine, also found healing through Dogs 4 Valor. Atkinson struggles with PTSD and major depressive disorder, leading to sleeplessness and social anxiety. In 2020, he adopted Lexi, a Cane Corso breed, who had been kept in chains by her previous owner before being surrendered. Lexi and Atkinson share a mutual healing journey. Atkinson now finds it easier to leave the house and be more social, thanks to Lexi’s companionship. He also appreciates the supportive group of fellow veterans in the program, all of whom understand the challenges of PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
For Atkinson, the program has improved not just his social interactions, but also his relationships with his family. He’s less prone to anger and anxiety, and Lexi provides emotional support when he does feel overwhelmed. “Having Lexi has just made me get out to be more social,” he said.
Timothy Siebenmorgen, 61, who served in both the Marines and Army with 18 deployments, also shared how Dogs 4 Valor and his American bulldog, Rosie, have helped improve his life. Siebenmorgen recalled that in the military, showing weakness was discouraged, leading him to believe he could handle everything on his own. However, he now realizes that he needed help. The program has given him new hope, and he has a renewed sense of purpose, thanks to Rosie’s companionship and the support of fellow veterans.
For many veterans, the dogs and the Dogs 4 Valor program have become life-changing, offering not just practical help with PTSD but also emotional support and a sense of community. As O’Brien put it, “I got my life back.” The bond she shares with Albus has been central to her healing process, allowing her to face the world once again, with hope for the future.
