Event highlights vets’ best friend

When vets come home from war some return with visible wounds, but there are some wounds just under the surface, not visible to the naked eye.  In Millsboro Saturday, one organization was working to help heal those wounds by pairing up vets with man's best friend.

For vets returning home and suffering from PTSD, these dogs can be the most important aspect of recovering and returning to civilian life.

"They are supposed to have a very therapeutic effect on them," said Karli Crenshaw, with Grass Roots Rescue.  "They can lower the heart rate, if they're trained properly they are able to sense when anxiety is starting or when they're about to have a flashback or episode."

These dogs are trained for a year, or more, to develop the skill set needed, including obedience and the manners needed to blend into society.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 20 percent of Iraqi vets, and over 30 percent of Vietnam veterans suffer from the effects.

"A lot of times they don't have a desire to get out of bed in the morning. With a dog it's a responsibility. They have to get up to take the dog out, they have to get up to feed the dog. So that there gives them a reason to get up and their day started," said Nelson Miller, a service dog trainer.

And according to professionals, the impact these dogs have can mean a return to normalcy.

"Once they receive the dog it's like a kid at Christmas time.  And you see them everyday change, it's like they become a different person," said Miller.

Joe Startt, President of 850 Vietnam Vets, shares a story of one man in particular who received a support dog.

"The fellow was blind, he'd come home and stayed in his room he never come out of his room."

Thanks to the dog, the man was able to return to college and earn his degree.

"It's just a wonderful program and we just hope and pray that people step up and help us get these service dogs for veterans that need it," said Sartt.