The University of Missouri is beginning a study on a new way to treat post traumatic stress syndrome.
The program in the long run could end up being a win-win for vets and dogs now in animal shelters.
The Missouri National Guard recently hosted a presentation by Doctor Rebecca Johnson, the Director of the Research Center for Human and Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri.
Doctor Johnson is conducting a new study, titled: Mutual Enrichment: Veterans Training Shelter Dogs.
"Our purpose, in this study, is to see how we can get shelter dog walking and training for our service members to help them manage any PTSD symptoms they maybe have in varying degrees," Johnson said.
"Soldiers, airmen diagnosed or at least exhibiting the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can be paired with dogs that would ordinarily be euthanized," said Lt. Col. Mike Fayette, Office of Policy and Strategic Initiative.
"We think that by doing a healthy, healing activity of helping these dogs we're going to help the service members readjust to family life by doing something very meaningful, that's rewarding, that helps them feel good about themselves and have positive interactions,"Johnson said.
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