At some point in their life, 7% of veterans will experience PTSD, also known as post-traumatic stress syndrome. PTSD can be a debilitating experience. Symptoms can involve intrusive thoughts, night terrors, panic attacks, depression, and more. This is why Holzerland Protection Dogs wants to award a Belgian Malinois puppy to a veteran with PTSD who would benefit from owning a companion dog.
Dogs and veterans
“Our country was founded on our freedom and without our veterans, this would not be possible. We have found that donating dogs to veterans has made a massive positive impact on their mental health. A dog gives us a level of therapy that is not obtainable through modern medicine,” said Brianna Holzerland. She’s the owner of Holzerland Protection Dogs.
Dog ownership can often help combat PTSD, according to the American Psychological Association. “These important findings highlight the efficacy of service dogs as a complementary treatment for PTSD, which adversely affects over 30 percent of post 9/11 war veterans, with an alarming 22 suicides per day,” wrote Steven Feldman in a Mental Health America article about a recent study.
A PAWS (Pairing Assistance-Dogs with Soldiers) study indicated that service dogs can reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and depression in veterans. Veterans paired with service dogs had reported lower symptoms of PTSD and depression related functioning. The study also established that service dogs contributed to better interpersonal relationships, less substance abuse, and fewer psychotic symptoms than veterans without dogs.
While Holzerland Protection Dogs is not giving away trained service dogs, research suggests that even dogs without training can act as emotional support dogs and positively benefit our veterans.
Hozerland Protection Dogs giveaway requirements
To nominate a veteran, email a video or written description explaining why this candidate would be the best choice. Send this to HolzerlandProtectionDogs@gmail.com.
The deadline for submissions is May 8. The recipient will be unaware of the surprise until awarded the canine, with friends and/or family members present.
Requirements include the recipient be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, suffer from PTSD, and have prior experience with a Belgian Malinois. This does not include Doberman, Rottweilers or German Shepherds. “Belgian Malinois are working dogs, and so we require previous experience with the breed prior to releasing one of our puppies to their new owner,” Holzerland said. The puppy will be carefully selected to be a perfect fit with the winner.
Related: Operation Helping Hand Aids Injured Veterans and Their Families
Holzerland Protection Dogs specializes in breeding and training Belgian Malinois dogs, carefully ensuring that all are health tested. Holzerland Protection Dogs strives to give away roughly three puppies per year to veterans suffering from PTSD. The company started participating in giveaways due to the overwhelming amount of veterans that end up taking their lives. While the VA does offer mental health treatment with clinically trained psychologists and psychiatrists, a living animal provides emotional support in a different way.
More about the Belgian Malinois
The Belgian Malinois is a breed of dog known for its intelligence, athleticism, and high energy levels. These dogs were originally bred for herding and guarding livestock. Now they are now widely used in various capacities such as police and military work, search and rescue missions, and as service animals. Belgian Malinois are known for their loyalty and their strong protective instincts, making them excellent family pets as well. With proper training and socialization, the Belgian Malinois can make a wonderful companion for active individuals or families.
