It’s National Service Dog Month, and we’re honoring the dogs from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD). On this week's Eye on Veterans podcast, we talked with two veterans whose stories demonstrate how these dogs truly save lives.
We begin with a look at the military service of Marine Corps Sgt. Major John Ploskonka and Army Cavalry veteran and Purple Heart recipient Phil Bauer.
Bauer shared memories of the Chinook helicopter crash, which resulted in the loss of his leg, and Ploskonka shares how life became challenging after the military as he grappled with suppressed childhood trauma.
Both offered a glimpse of what it’s like living with anger, paranoia and constant anxiety. Until the dogs entered their life.
They describe how the dogs respond to their unique needs and the astounding ways they can read their minds. We also hear a fascinating scientific theory about they’re capable of doing it.
Check out more from Educated Canines Assisting With Disabilities and donate to support programs like Project HEAL here.
Contact Phil Briggs, the host of CBS Eye on Veterans at phil@connectingvets.com.