By Janet F Wenholz | Sr. Assistant to the Executive Director
At Operation Freedom Paws, we get to see miracles nearly every day. Most applicants tell us that submitting their paperwork to us was their last hope---it was a final gesture before they made the ultimate decision to end lives that had become joyless cycles of pain, flashbacks, depression, nightmares and medicated fog.
Most clients are introduced to a dog that has been rescued from a shelter. Some come with a pet dog they are bonded with that is already helping them. The dogs don’t ask how they’re feeling or expect them to talk about their issues; they just want to connect and be petted and given treats. They aren’t put off by injuries or sadness. They won’t be denied. They lean in and give kisses---an amazing gift…clients feel a new connection…is that hope?
There are challenges and doubts during the first weeks of training as they get to know us and our training methods, but those glimmers of hope experienced on day one become sparks. After clients are allowed to take their dogs home they MUST get out of bed, leave the house, create a new daily routine. Other clients and trainers greet them at class and they feel compelled to answer. They experience crises but they feel less alone than before. Now they have two “safe places”: home and OFP. They begin to smile. As the months continue, they become more confident in public. They make eye contact. They marvel at how the dogs have helped them through situations that would have been devastating only weeks earlier. They speak about these triumphs out loud with the class.
Yes, there are still bad days, but the dogs won’t let them dwell on them. The dogs alert to mood swings, pain, anger, etc., and their handlers learn to recognize alerts and learn to know what they must do. They begin to laugh occasionally. They go to a restaurant. They buy groceries. They reach out to friends and family. They sign up for a class. They take a trip they’ve dreamed about. They work. They volunteer. They live.
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