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Service Dog Helps Vet Overcome PTSD

Service Dog Helps Vet Overcome PTSD

admin 1 July 27, 2017
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It’s not easy for any military vet to switch successfully from a life in Afghanistan, centered on a war, to small town life in Texas, centered around a wife and two kids. For one who deals with the debilitating effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be unworkable.

That was the difficult situation facing McLean Raybon. After he returned home, he struggled to deal with flashbacks, mood swings, nightmares and avoidance–symptoms of PTSD. Between feelings of terror at night and fears of leaving the house during the day, he couldn’t fit into his pre-war life.

Enter Merrick 

On a visit to the Veterans Affairs office in his hometown, he found out about service dogs from a local member of the K9 for Warriors nonprofit group. He decided it was worth a try and filled an application.

Months later, Raybon was introduced to his service dog Merrick, a rescue. The dog got his name from the pet car company that sponsored him.

Merrick and Raybon bonded. Together they went through the specialized training required for all service dogs. Merrick learned obedience and how to perform particular tasks that make his owner’s life easier.

“A Second Chance” 

Kerrin, Raybon’s wife, said simply, “He was tired of being a zombie.” In a video for the dog’s sponsor, he explained, “I was looking for a second chance.” That was Merrick.

With the service dog by his side, the effect has been life-changing. “I don’t have to watch my own back, he’s got me.” Knowing that, Raybon now confidently navigates the grocery store, family events and other daily encounters.

Merrick fits in seamlessly with the family. His son and daughter play with him, and the dog loves it. His daughter even plays dress up with Merrick, who handles it with aplomb.

The Value of a Service Dog 

Raybon said he had never even considered getting a service dog after his return from Afghanistan. He thought they were strictly for people with vision problems. The fact is, these dogs help people suffering from PTSD, like Raybon, vets with brain injury, and those dealing with military sexual trauma.

He is now spreading the word to other vets. He wants them to know that a service dog is a viable alternative, or addition, to medication when it comes to treating PTSD. He cites study in progress at Purdue University that shows the powerful and positive effects of a service dog for a military veteran.

Support from USA Service Dog Registration 

USA Service Dog Registration fully supports service dogs for vets and others. We see how essential these animals are to their owners, helping them participate once again in life and function effectively.

That’s why our website offers a simple, 3-step registration. And it’s totally free! People can also register therapy dogs and emotional support animals.

As the experts here at USA Service Dog Registration point out, not all disabilities are apparent. For people fighting PTSD but determined to create a productive life, a service dog can be the critical link. These animals are also trained to help with hearing problems, seizure conditions and other life-restricting afflictions.

Beside registering these animals, USA Service Dog Registration also works to educate owners and the general public about them. The website offers a wide variety of resources, from news about state laws to airline requirements.

The site has a store with a wide range of tools to make life easier for dogs and owners. It stocks individual items and packages that include leashes, harnesses, tags, patches and vests.

Time to register your dog? Looking for service dog equipment? Want more information about legal guidelines? Stop by USA Service Animal Registration, your source for easy, free registration, as well as tools and information.

One Reply to “Service Dog Helps Vet Overcome PTSD”

  1. I am a Vietnam veteran and Suffers from PTSD. Even after 47 years I still carry the symptoms. For years I couldn’t sleep more then a few hours a day, mostly in the daytime when someone was around and has my back. Two years ago I got 2 German Shepherds and my life has completely turned around. They have an intuition when I’m stressed out or suffering from high anxiety and bad dreams. They never leave my side day or night. So I know how much your dog means to you and I am extremely happy that you found an answer to help you with your PTSD. Keep the faith.

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SERVICE DOG ID CARD USA Service Animal Registration Your Service Dog ID card will include our convenient QR Code for a quick scan link to our registry lookup. By simply entering your dog\'s registration number your official registered profile will be accessible for quick verification in the event the validity of your service dog is ever questioned. 2054
$29.99
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5 12634
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Horrible. My letter wasn't accepted and I am forced to live somewhere else now. Never again.
Great experience - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Overall easy to purchase and register.
One more step - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I will be satisfied when I get a fax number to send my apartment complex paperwork to be filled out
Did not receive order - by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
I made a purchase on 3/9/2023 and it is now 3/23/2023 and I have yet to receive my package in the mail. I also can not get ahold of anyone at the company to check on my order.
Very thin - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
The vest is thin, not sure how long it will hold up. Love the cards tho they are nice and help show registration
Housing Letter - by , March 25, 2011
3/ 3stars
Well, they did email my letter, although my understanding was to also send a hardcopy in the mail. I never received this. I paid serious money, with a budget of disability so no choice but to send this disgruntled review
Dog tags - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great I love how fast you receive service
- by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I did not see a place to unload my photo
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Excellent and gentle people. Caring and Loving Staff
amazing great nice perfect - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Perfect service awesome experience
Teronica - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
It was nothing less than amazing. Very sweet therapist , very kind & understanding
Excellent Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
You were very helpful as I worked on the registration and determined what to order. Thank you very much to Carolyn and Lori for their email and phone assistance.
Great experiences - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
The vest is very lightweight and fits my dog perfectly. Thank you for helping in this process
Exceptional Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great, thorough
Great Customer Service - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great customer service. expedient process, easy to access resources
USA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
USA SDR ia a wonderful company. They're quick to respond and make purchases easy, quick . The instructions and explanation are to the letter. This is the third time I have used them. If in the future I need a new dog registered I will only use them.
Easy to complete - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
Great ! This site made it so easy to complete
UsA Service Dog Registration - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
What a great experience. Everything was straight forward and easy to use. Got my card within 3 days of ordering
Order Correction - by , March 25, 2011
5/ 5stars
I made a mistake and ordered the Deluxe ESA package and included the letter I didn't need. With a Very quickly returned - Super friendly, helpful and Honest phone call, the matter was resolved and my order was edited and will be out to me ASAP. Please thank her for me on behalf of me and my partner Blue! The speed of everything was great, but the Kindness of my agent- I can't remember her name! - was Unreal.
- by , March 25, 2011
1/ 1stars
Good have not. Received card yet