CHITTENANGO, N.Y. (NCC News) – Ryan Woodruff, a Marina Corps veteran, couldn’t cope with people after he left the service. It wasn’t until a furry little friend became a part of his life that Woodruff was able to be more comfortable and confident. The veteran is a former member of the canine program at Clear Path for Veterans. The dog he was paired with gave him the best advice possible- be outgoing and take chances.
“A dog can be a great medium to facilitating social interaction, decreasing isolation, and reducing symptoms,” Woodruff said.
The canine program allows veterans who have a service-related disability, such as PTSD or military sexual trauma, to form a close bond with a dog. These dogs are trained to be companions for the veterans.
“An important concept to remember is feelings run down the leash,” Woodruff said. “Everything that the veteran might be feeling, the dog feels as well.” This idea shows just how close these dogs and veterans become during the program.
Woodruff is now the director of canine programming at Clear Path for Veterans and believes he would not be doing this if it wasn’t for the time he spent with his dog.
“That’s what broke me out of my shell and helped me progress to a point where right now I’m the director of this program that’s becoming so outwardly focused and national,” Woodruff said.
The program has matched 60 dogs with veterans. Bill Smullen, the chief executive officer at Clear Path for Veterans, says the goal is to facilitate the healing power of animal training.
“It does change a life and it changes it in a positive way,” Smullen said. “It draws them out of their shell. It makes them more socially engaged.”
If you are a veteran suffering from a disability and want more information on how to become a part of the canine program visit their website.
