When you think of a service dog, chances are it’s a Lab or Golden Retriever wagging its tail in your mind. They are the breed you most often see when assisting others because their temperament is good to help people. High-energy breeds like Huskies don’t get cut very often. But as we all dog lovers know, every puppy is different.
That’s why Luna, a three-and-a-half year old purebred Husky, can be such a successful PTSD service dog! This is not something that requires a specific breed but rather a close association and spending time together in training. Being a successful service dog all comes down to how well dogs understand their humans, and Luna is the perfect fit for her best friend.
OneAfter serving in the military for 19 years, Shawn found himself suffering from symptoms of PTSD, so he began looking for a companion to train with. Then, at just 5 weeks old, Luna the Husky chose him to be her new dog dad.
“She chose me at the ranch house, there’s no denying that. She picked me up at 5 weeks old; At 8 weeks old I was able to bring her home, and at 9 weeks old I put on a little ‘training’ vest for her and took her around from the beginning,” Shawn shared.
Shawn knew he wanted Luna to be his service dog as soon as he saw her. But because of Huskies’ famously high energy and tendency to chase, not many people believe that Luna would make a great PTSD service dog.
Someone even said that they would be happy to train Luna, but they would lose her because she is a Husky, and “there is no way a Husky will become a service dog”.
But that didn’t stop Shawn from pursuing his plan to get Luna trained and certified. He reviewed the rules and regulations of the self-training process, and together they set to work. For socializing, he visits Walmart several times a day and introduces her to as many children as he can.
He later pursued certifications such as the American Kennel Club’s STAR Puppy and the Canine Good Citizen certification, which is recognized by the AKC as the gold standard for doggie behavior.
Luna comes across with flying colors and even finds a way to tell Shawn to take her potion.
“As soon as I took the medicine, she jumped on the hospital chair with me and pushed me back and once I was reclined she put her snout right on my chest, and boom, I was out. . That’s the last thing I remember,” he said.
The impact a service dog can have on the life of a veteran with PTSD can mean the difference between life and death. In fact, the statistics on the number of suicides among veterans are surprisingly high. But service dogs give veterans a sense of security. They help ease anxiety and other PTSD symptoms, along with providing a sense of security in knowing that someone has helped them. Plus, they’re good listeners and experts.
We are hardest to love when we need it most, and who is better at giving unconditional love than our furry best friends?
Featured pictures: Facebook
