In recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) took to the House floor yesterday to recognize the work of K9s on the Front Line, an innovative organization based in Maine that helps veterans with PTSD train their own service dogs.
Because June is PTSD Awareness Month, I rise today to recognize an organization in my district that is making an extraordinary impact on the lives of Maine veterans managing this challenging condition.
Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve paid close attention to effective alternative therapies for the symptoms of PTSD—from service dogs to equine therapy, from book and writing groups to yoga and acupuncture.
A group in my home state of Maine, K9s on the Front Line, has created an extraordinary model. At no cost to the veteran, volunteer police dog handlers teach participants to train their own dogs—or dogs selected from shelters—to be PTSD service dogs.
Many of these veterans have had years of therapy or drug treatment with limited success. Yet, in so many instances, the impact of these service dogs on both veterans and their families has been nothing short of miraculous.
I am proud to honor my constituents at K-9s on the Front Line for improving the lives of Maine veterans with PTSD.
