Therapy dogs deployed to Iraq

Sergeants First Class Budge and Boe don't have last names and no one has to salute them. They’re dogs. And they are headed to Iraq as the Army’s first therapy dogs for soldiers in combat.

They have a higher rank than that of their human handlers because the army wants to make sure they get the respect due to their higher ranking. Budge and Boe have an important new duty in the army. They are the army's first therapy dogs for soldiers in combat.

The two black Labrador Retrievers will be assigned to the army's combat stress units to help soldiers deal with the stress of fighting overseas.

Sergeant Mike Calaway, an occupational therapist stationed in Tikrit, said, "Our hope is that it brings some normalcy to the soldiers. The human-animal bond will help relax them."

According to Maj. Arthur Yeager, an occupational therapist based at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, therapy dogs have been used successfully to help wounded soldiers deal with treatment and recovery. Now it is expected to work on the battlefield as well.

When soldiers in Iraq become overwhelmed, they are encouraged to visit the combat stress unit, but many soldiers have difficulty asking for help, according to Yeager. That’s where Budge and Boe come in.

"To have a dog come up and nudge your hand -- I have yet to see even the hardest soldier refuse that," Yeager said. There is no stress sponge like a friendly dog.

Unlike bomb sniffing dogs, usually German Shepherds who are trained to obey commands only from the handlers, therapy dogs will be a friend to everyone who needs a little doggy love.

"Dogs are not going to be the sole answer, but they certainly will be an icebreaker," according to Mike Sergeant, chief training officer.

more of the story

Comments

[George Roach]

Good ol' Budge and Boe. I would let them nudge my hand any day. Good job editing these pages. You are the super blogger in my opinion.

[Simply Jenn]

I am so glad the government is doing this. It can only boost the morale.

[lora]

This is a fantastic article. I have 4 therapy dogs - 2 saints and 2 labs. We visit the local nursing home and children's hospital. The dogs love the attention and to see the smiles on the residents' faces is soo rewarding.

I am so glad the military has gotten with the times and has implemented such fantastic healing tools.

[Lonie Polony]

That's nice...but also kinda sad.

[Jimmy]

Dogs are my therapy, period!
Gotta love em!

[Rosemary]

Everybody who needs a little doggy love...who doesn't?

[Tracey]

What a wonderful idea, and such a great story. I think the amazing role that animals play in the world of humans is only just beginning to be realised.

[Matt]

That's a great story. Therapy dogs work wonders.

[schnoodlepooh]

Being a therapy dog is what most dogs do best. It's why we love them so much. They give us so much love and that's just what most people need, especially in a war.

[CuriosityKiller]

"Stress sponge" is so dead-on. I think you probably know this -- retirement homes started bringing in dogs to assist the older retirees to "stick around"... and they do. It's such a beautiful thing.

I would love to invite you to come over and help me naming my new online character - she's my new baby, and I'll love to just introduce you to her! Come on by!

p.s. Happy New Year!

[Corry]

I so enjoy your blog and will visit more often.

I have linked to you and a link back would be highly appreciated.

Have a very Happy New Year!

url: http://corryc.weblog.com
name blog: All Over The Map

Thanks.:-)
God's Grace.

[threecollie]

That is an absolutely great idea and I am glad you told us about it.
Happy New Year to you and yours.

[Gus and Louie]

That is just the coolest thing I have ever heard! Budge and Boe are true hero's!!
Good luck over there..

[jackie]

it's a wonderful idea, but if they really want to ease the soldiers stress....bring them the fuck home

[Janey Loree]

This is great! Happy New Year Jan!!

[YorkiesGalore]

Judging by the last person I met that came from Iraq, they could definitely use the therapy. It's rough over there.