On a sunny day in early June, Eryn Redmond enjoyed the company of Annie, a black Labrador she had nurtured since puppyhood, in her North Reno backyard. Annie, now a year old, remained loyally by Redmond’s side, a testament to the bond they had formed.
Having served nearly 25 years in the Marine Corps, Redmond settled in Reno to be close to family, facing the challenges of PTSD, chronic pain, and adapting to civilian life. Her introduction to Liberty Dogs, a nonprofit dedicated to pairing veterans with service dogs, offered a lifeline. Embracing the role of a puppy raiser, Redmond discovered that Annie became an essential companion, even if not officially a therapy animal.
“There are days where I can’t get out of bed, whereas she will put her paws up on the bed, and she gives me purpose and reason to get out of bed,” Redmond shared.
Liberty Dogs’ puppy raisers undertake a commitment of approximately 18 months. This involves attending weekly classes and adhering to a structured home routine to ready the dogs for further training. Despite forming close bonds, volunteers are aware that their canine companions will eventually move on.
The dogs proceed to advanced training before being matched with a veteran, and Redmond’s slated farewell to Annie is on August 15. Preparing for this transition, she relies on therapy to cope with the emotional changes.
Redmond remarked, “I like to say it’s better to have loved and lost than to never have loved at all. I would rather have spent the last 18 months with her than not, because she’s been really important in my life.”
Liberty Dogs is committed to veteran support, particularly those wrestling with PTSD and similar conditions. Cameron Peters, the organization’s director of veteran services, emphasizes the urgent need for their services, stating, “If you’re a veteran out there and you are struggling, Liberty Dogs wants to absolutely help you any way that we can.”
Research underscores the positive effects of service dogs on PTSD, as evidenced by a study led by Maggie O’Haire from the University of Arizona. The findings revealed that service dog recipients had significantly lower PTSD symptoms, reduced depression and anxiety, and enhanced mental health overall.
O’Haire explained, “We found that the group with the service dog had significantly lower PTSD symptomology, they actually had 66% lower odds of even meeting the diagnostic criteria for PTSD after three months. They also had lower depression, lower anxiety, higher quality of life, and more social engagement.”
As of May, Liberty Dogs had 10 dogs undergoing advanced training, with plans to place them with veterans by August. The organization anticipates its campus opening in September. While Redmond prepares to part ways with Annie, she awaits the arrival of a fully trained service dog to assist her with PTSD, pain, and anxiety.
