SPRING HILL — K9 Partners for Patriots is an non-profit organization that teaches veterans with PTSD how to train and care for their own service dog.
Mary Peter, the founder of K9 Partners for Patriots, has trained dogs professionally since 1987 and has earned the respect of the public, law enforcement and the veterinary community. The mission of the group is to reduce the amount of stress and suicide seen among those struggling with PTSD.
“The data is incredible. Every veteran has improved in every category, in a five month period of time,” said Peter. “If they have a flashback, the dog is going to immediately redirect their attention.”
Floyd Wheetley, a US Army veteran, worked on clearing IEDs in Iraq. Wheetley is a member of K9 Partners for Patriots and has been going every month to train Axel, his dog. Wheetley emphasizes how important it is for him to have a service animal.
“He’s the guardian while I’m sleeping,” said Wheetley. “It takes a lot of stress off you, it’s dramatic. And he knows by sense of adrenaline, when my adrenaline comes up he can put his face right on my knee.”
K9 Partners for Patriots continues to operate throughout COVID-19 in order to help in the fight against PTSD.
