Courageous Companions - Assist/Assister/caBack in November (2010) myself and one other member of the Canadian Forces (CF), who had also been diagnosed with chronic pain and an Operational Stress Injury (OSI), embarked on a "pilot project" sponsored by WoundedWarriors.ca and, in cooperation with Assit/Assister.ca entitled Courageous Companions. The purpose of this project was to ascertain the effects of training service animals as a means of therapy for other members of the CF and the positive effects that these animals have on the individuals in their daily routines
All animals were rescued from various shelters and were at one point facing the risk of euthanasia for whatever reason. In essence these wonderful animals were given a second chance on life in order to provide comfort and love to an individual who could truly use it. Both myself and the other participant within the Ottawa area, have noted and logged a marked change in our moods, and social interactivity since the inception of the program. More so than words can properly describe. Working with these animals has been a life altering experience, much like the events which cause OSI's can be.
The pilot project for Courageous Companions has officially come to a close, and funding has been cut, now the real work begins. Increased advocacy, as much media exposure as we can muster, and involving and educating as many Members of Parliament that we can in a short time frame. We are continuing to train the animals as per normal, ...while the powers that be decide on whether or not the financial aspects meet the means of the injured soldiers and veterans. Bottom line is that it seems to be the a case of the almighty dollar Vs the needs of the troops and their best interests, and, realistically, we all know how that turns out. (Don't get me started on the F-35 purchase - that'll be the topic of another blog)
Our concerns right now are two fold; for the animals, which were rescued and, are now only half trained, as well as for the troops that volunteered for the project. All participants throughout Canada are troops that have been diagnosed with PTSD in order to record the positive effects that a program such as this is capable of as a means of therapy. To cease half way through the training cycle, could have some potential negative effects on the psychological condition of those troops, therefore, negating any gains made. Should the project be dropped all together, suitable homes will have to be found for these wonderful animals. Maggie the rottweiler, has a place within our home, regardless, however, I am concerned for the others. Some links of interest and information are:
