There’s a special program that is helping veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) heal in a way no other therapy does – by introducing them to wolves.
Called Warriors and Wolves, the program is held at the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in Frazier Park, California. The facility is home to 40 wolves that have been rescued from all kinds of situations. Much like the wounded veterans they meet, the wolves also have past traumas.
It’s unconventional therapy, but for veterans meeting with the wolves, it worked when other more conventional treatments weren’t. “They kind of teach you how to be calm and confident,” says one veteran, Jim Minick. “It’s got some deeper meaning when they accept you.”
“There’s something about being part of nature. There’s something about being around these animals,” cofounder/veteran Matthew Simmons told a Great Big Story. “To even the most wounded veteran, they feel different. It keeps them a part of something greater than themselves.”
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Called Warriors and Wolves, the program is held at the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in Frazier Park, California. The facility is home to 40 wolves that have been rescued from all kinds of situations. Much like the wounded veterans they meet, the wolves also have past traumas.
It’s unconventional therapy, but for veterans meeting with the wolves, it worked when other more conventional treatments weren’t. “They kind of teach you how to be calm and confident,” says one veteran, Jim Minick. “It’s got some deeper meaning when they accept you.”
“There’s something about being part of nature. There’s something about being around these animals,” cofounder/veteran Matthew Simmons told a Great Big Story. “To even the most wounded veteran, they feel different. It keeps them a part of something greater than themselves.”
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How might an undiagnosed 100% service connected Vet living in AR set up a session with his brother wolves?!?
This is a fantastic story. Yet, we have people who want to kill these animals. It time, we stop and listen to the animals. We can learn a lot from them. One of my greatest thrills was communication with a great husky. Sorry to say, he has cross over the bridge.
that is so amazing i have PTSD i never knew wolves could help u heal
Love the work you guys are doing. Bless you and your program. You help both the wolves and the veterans. You guys are Awesome.
Great job guys. They deserve the chance to live. Thank God that there are people like you. God bless you
makes so much sense to engage with wolves in this way. They are natural-born healers.
Wonderful idea! People out of our fears damage other living beings unnecessarily. Wolf are great animals that have been targeted because of fears and misinformation. So in this sense what better way to put fears, misinformed beings into rest by bringing unity together by a representitive of strength who will choose another of strength to be it's pack. Wonderful idea and should be all over the country. Wolves are so misunderstood, as well as this dibilitating disease and our servers of this great country who are diagnoised. This is how we all were meant to live in this world. Sick or not. Be at peace.
This is great news. I've seen a while ago a documentary about how wolfs reinstalled the natural balance in a hazardous forest. They are so important for our nature, but we don't realise that. Good luck !
I've seen that thig too. It was all over facebook. I agree with you full. Great job Guys !
I never imagined wolfs living like that with humans. My image of them was so...wild ! Great job guys! God bless
How can i get into this program?