SUPPORT OUR VETERANS
Healing Through Companionship
NSD is proudly partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command to provide life-changing canine partnerships for those living with PTSD.
This Remembrance Day, make a donation to support Veterans with PTSD.
Sponsor a Service Dog
A pilot study by Veterans Affairs Canada reported positive impacts for Veterans with PTSD after acquiring a service dog.
Benefits
How PTSD Service Dogs Help Veterans
Easing Chronic Stress & Paranoia
Service dogs are trained to create a physical barrier for veterans experiencing PTSD-related tension and hyper vigilance.
Supporting Present-Moment Awareness
PTSD dogs are trained to calmly and persistently ground Veterans during and after anxiety, nightmares, or flashbacks.
Promoting Healthy Activity & Routine
NSD companion dogs need consistent feeding and outdoor exercise, helps Veterans ground themselves in routine and responsibility.
SUCCESS STORIES
He Keeps Me Grounded.
NSD graduates Sean and Neville have embarked on a healing journey together since 2018; shortly after they were matched, Sean felt ready enough to take a vacation in Newfoundland. Many Veterans find it hard to travel, as new experiences outside of a controlled environment can trigger their PTSD.
According to Sean, “The main thing is, he keeps me grounded.” If Neville sees Sean leaning over with his elbows on his knees, Neville will come over and give him a nudge, helping to keep him grounded in reality and redirecting him to more positive thoughts and activities.
Nightmare interruption is an integral part of his role and he gently wakes Sean when he’s having a bad dream or provides deep pressure and a reassuring presence if Sean is restless at night.
Sean & Neville
SUCCESS STORIES
I now live with PTSD, not suffer from it.
To say that NSD Lynx has been a life saver seems like a tremendous understatement; my life and my whole family’s life has changed so much.
I have a new, manageable life with my wife and my son that I never dreamed would be possible, let alone dared to imagine, before receiving this wonderful gift. Today with the help of NSD Lynx, my family and I “LIVE” with PTSD, we no longer “SUFFER” from it.
Lawrence & Lynx
Veterans Affairs Canada Study
The Effectiveness of PTSD Service Dogs
Reported impacts for 18 veterans with PTSD after acquiring a service dog, include:
Improved Sleep Quality
Veterans reported decreased nightmares and improved sleep quality with a Service Dog present.
Depression Reduction
Participants reported moderate but long-lasting reduction in PTSD-related depressive symptoms.
Better Quality of Life
Participants reported improved quality of life and more social integration to their communities.
Increased Activity
Veterans reported that caring for their Service Dog led to an increase in their overall physical activity.
Veterans Affairs Canada. (2024, April 13). Service Dogs. Government of Canada. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/research/info-briefs/service-dogs
See the Study
This Rememberance Day
Help a Hero Heal
Designed for practical support and unwavering companionship, our Certified PTSD Service Dog program is offered to Veterans and First Responders across Canada. Each dog is provided to those in need, free of charge.
Sponsor a Service Dog