The service dogs help veterans who are suffering from post-traumatic  stress  disorder,  traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma.

PASCO COUNTY – This county’s animal services department has teamed up with a local nonprofit to help veterans find service dogs.

The dogs, from Pasco’s animal shelter, will be specially trained to help vets who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. So far, Pasco Animal Services has placed more than 15 dogs with the program.

K9 Partners for Patriots is a Brooksville nonprofit that helps veterans by training them and their dogs together through a 19-week program that helps veterans cope with stress and anxiety.

To qualify, the dog must be able to pick up on the scent of adrenaline, a hormone secreted during times of stress. Those dogs are then assessed on temperament and their potential as service dogs.

The dog is paired up with a veteran. Sometimes, officials say, the dog chooses the vet. Then the two work together in the 19-week program, which helps solidify the bond between the two.

The service dogs, training and equipment are supplied at no cost to the veterans.

The adoption center at Pasco County Animal Services, 19640 Dogpatch Lane in Land O’ Lakes, is open noon to 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. For information, including volunteer opportunities, go to pascocountyfl.net.

For information about K9 Partners for Patriots, go to k9partnersforpatriots.com.

Photo of dogs and veterans in training courtesy of Pasco Animal Services and K9 Partners for Patriots.

Pasco Animal Services | K9 Partners for Patriots | Service Dogs | Dogs | Pets | Tampabay News

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