Operation Atlas, a subsidiary of Military Veterans of Georgia, Inc., is the only local 501(c)3 actively training and placing PTSD dogs. Formed in 2014, Operation Atlas is based in Auburn, GA. A disheartening statistic: 22 veterans are lost every day to su***de - mainly attributed to undiagnosed or untreated PTSD. Studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy with PTSD patients brings significan
t results. In one study of the effect of dogs with patients, psychologists noted that in one case that interacting with a dog for as little as one week enabled a patient to decrease the amount of anxiety and sleep medications by half. Studies by the VA are currently being undertaken to confirm what many veterans already know - a dog can literally save a veteran. In researching the possibility of the program, Operation Atlas found that there can be a 2-3 year waiting period for a trained PTSD dog. Not only that, but a trained dog can cost from $7,500 to $25,000 or more. Reaching out to local trainers, Operation Atlas volunteers found that they could train dogs locally at a greatly reduced cost. Foster families for the dogs were found, a training regimen formed and Operation Atlas was off and running. Designed to assist individuals who suffer from PTSD live a more full life, Operation Atlas uses only local rescued dogs. In one case, “Scout,” an 8 month old black lab - border collie mix, was saved from euthanasia scheduled for the day he was adopted. Partnering with Pup & Cat Co. and other rescue organizations to find suitable dogs, Operation Atlas Dogs are selected based on personality, empathy and trainability. After undergoing a basic training program, the dogs are introduced to veterans. When the dog “picks” a veteran, the comprehensive training begins and a service dog team is born. Based on the needs of the veteran, dogs can be trained to “post” - to sit behind the veteran and alert them to anyone approaching behind, or to “brace” if the veteran becomes unsteady on their feet. Not all behaviors are trained though. Empathy to their veteran is key to a good working team. If the veteran becomes stressed or overwhelmed, their dog senses it and works to calm them down or remove them from the stressful situation. If a veteran has nightmares, the dog instinctively wakes them up with love and cuddles. Operation Atlas dogs have gone to local Combat Veterans from the Army, Marine Corps and Air Force. With tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Egypt, the veterans are affected in very different ways by PTSD. Several of the veterans also sustained traumatic brain injuries, adding to the PTSD symptoms from combat. A marked improvement in the anxiety and other symptoms of PTSD has been observed as soon as the veteran and dog team up. Operation Atlas team Murphy and Faith made regional news over the Independence Day holiday discussing the issues with the effect of fireworks on combat veterans. Veterans remain part of the Operation Atlas family after they become a team. Their “pay it forward” attitude has resulted in offering advice and assistance to the newest members of Operation Atlas to sharing VA contacts to organizations that assist with veteran’s needs. Operation Atlas also works with veterans who already have a dog that they need trained to be their service dog.
