SARASOTA – Veterans suffering from PTSD are seeking help from a nonprofit on the Suncoast to train their service dog. “We’re not a pill, we’re not a nurse, we’re a furry ball of fun,” said Sandra Laflamme.
Laflamme co-founded the National PTSD Association in 2016 to help veterans suffering from PTSD get back on their feet.
“We pair them up early, match them to a family put them through a training program, and in doing so give them a dog for life and we’re 100% successful,” said Laflamme.
John Marr served in the air force is partnered up with Vinca Van Hartwin, a German Shepard training to become his personal service dog. “So far it’s been a complete blessing, she does wonders for me,” said Marr.
Marr says Vinca helps him snap him back to reality whenever his mind wonders. “She forces me to be in the present here and now, so if I start to get into my head she pulls me right back out and I have to focus on her,”said Marr.
But Marr is not the only one getting acquainted with Vinca, so is the family. “We want the entire family to be part of the process so the dog can also be handled by the rest of the family,” said Diane Coles.
Coles, a former Michigan police chief, says she’s been training service dogs for seven years. She say you can clearly see the difference these dogs make when they’re assigned to a veteran. Marr credits Vinca for saying his life and restoring his family.
“She’s brought the smile back to my face, the light is back in my eyes, and we’re doing things once again as a family,” said Marr.
Marr says getting a service dog is a big commitment and recommends anyone to The National PTSD Service Association to find their new member of the family.
