might provoke a panic attack ; wake them from nightmares ; even help them regulate pain management by forcing them to take breaks rather than push through the pain . But perhaps the most important part , Cortani said , “ The dogs stop them from isolating . They have to get the dog out , and engage with the public .”
The Healing Power of Training Dogs
As part of the 48-week training program contract , every client must commit to spend two hours out of the house , and doing more than just normal routines . They must also spend a minimum of two hours per week at the center , in group classes or individual sessions . The program is not just about training dogs , it ’ s about teaching veterans to heal .
They also partner with therapists from a program called Dream Power Horsemanship , an equine therapy program , so a therapist is always on site in case a veteran is having a hard time . Likewise , clients can call the center almost 24 hours a day and find a helpful person on the other end willing to offer comfort , connection or resources . The center has become a safe place for clients , both currently enrolled as well as graduates , to hang out and feel included . “ They ’ ll come hours before class just to talk ,” Cortani said . Indeed , there were more than a handful of folks lingering with their dogs in the hour before class began .
One such client was Esmat Abdul , a young Army veteran who served in Korea and Kuwait before retiring to become a full-time student . Abdul was born and raised in Taliban-terrorized Afghanistan , where he suffered trauma as young as the age of five . “ I ’ m always on alert . I saw people die in front of me . I lost my biological dad , then my stepdad , and saw my mom get abused by the Taliban ,” he said .
His dog , a German Shepherd named Argot sat close to his leg , nudging Abdul when he grew emotional ..
His family came to the U . S . as refugees , and he became a citizen in 2007 . In 2011 he joined the Army . “ That provoked some things ,” he said with a deep sigh . His psychologist recommended he get a companion , which brought him to Operation Freedom Paws . Only a week into training , he was already feeling better . “ I wake up and I want to come see him ,” he said of his dog . “ I go to stores and I ’ m thinking about what I need to buy for him to make him happy because he makes me so happy .”
Rewarding Transformations
Transformations are the most rewarding part of the work , Cortani said . “ The dog helps to rebuild the connection to caring , compassion and love without judgment ,” she explained . Through learning to communicate with the animals , veterans learn to reconnect with family members and friends . “ Once communication starts flowing , it also allows for opening up , talking to therapists and letting go of some of those things you ’ ve been holding onto .”
She shared a story of a couple , both graduates , who came in to introduce their baby boy to her . “[ The wife said ] if not for the program they probably wouldn ’ t be together or have a family together . What greater gift is there ?”
When the staff feels the client is ready , the dog goes home with its new owner , which can take weeks or months , depending . In the meantime the dogs live in the kennels on site . Taking home the dog can be a bit like taking a baby home from the hospital for many of these veterans . “ It ’ s very scary ,” Cortani acknowledged . “ They want this , but they ’ re afraid of the responsibility . We work with them to show them that caring for the dog is going to help them care for themselves .”
At the end of the 48 weeks , nearly a year later , owner and dog must go through a six-hour public access test out in the community . “ Our reward is we get to see them grow and change ,” Cortani said .
Operation Freedom Paws fills a gap for veterans , who are often underserved in their mental health treatment . Statistics suggest that approximately 22 veterans take their own lives every
day , and Cortani feels this number is actually lower than the reality . Having served her time , Cortani understands why . “ When we raise our right hand to take the oath , it is up to and including your life . You ’ re writing a blank check . They can do with you what they want .”
Operation Freedom Paws is completely funded by donations and grants , and Cortani said , “ Every day is a struggle ” to get more funds . It costs approximately $ 15,000 per dog team , per client , to run , which pays for veterinary costs kennel lodging and training costs . The service is completely free of charge to the veteran . They hold annual fundraisers to try and cover the costs for her staff , which includes her assistant , Janet Wenholz , five mentor trainers , and kennel staff . To offset some of the costs , she has opened the kennel to day care and boarding for dogs owned
by civilians , and offers general obedience training for their dogs , as well .
“ The dog is the key and it unlocks the lock for a better tomorrow ,” Cortani said . She is grateful to the communities of San Martin , Gilroy and Morgan Hill . “ I feel so blessed to even be here and know that there are people out there that care . For the veterans , it means the world to them .”
Operation Freedom Paws will host its Annual “ Paws for Patriots ” Dinner Gala , Saturday August 12 , 5 pm , with special guest , actress Jane Lynch of “ Glee ” fame .
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN JULY / AUGUST 2017 gmhtoday . com
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