Diesel, once a throw-away dog in Arenas Valley, finds new life serving a veteran in Las Cruces
Pit bulls can help vets who suffer from PTSD
By Susan Dunlap
sdunlap@scsun-news.com on Twitter @SCSunNews
Posted: 10/27/2014 06:15:10 PM MDT
SILVER CITY >> Laurie West, owner of the nonprofit no-kill shelter Puppy Dog Ranch, found a young and neglected pit bull tied up to the gate of her ranch in December 2011. The dog that somebody threw away now has a home with Sgt. Darrell Malone in Las Cruces. A U.S. Army veteran of several combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Malone suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The dog, now named Diesel, has been trained to work as Malone's service dog.
"We like using mastiffs and pit bulls for our PTSD vets," Jared Latham, lead trainer and facility manager at American Service Dogs said. "Our veterans want more of a masculine dog. There's a stigma attached to these breeds. It causes people to stay away, and that's what the vet wants. Deisel is the sweetest dog in the world, but just because he's a pit bull, people give him a wide berth."
American Service Dogs is the organization in Las Cruces that connected Malone with Diesel.
Latham knows first hand the good a specially trained dog can do for veterans suffering from PTSD. He, too, is a combat veteran. Latham got his start working with dogs professionally while he served working with mine detection dogs during his years in the military. Latham also suffers from PTSD and has a service dog himself. He calls his work his passion.
"We're big, macho guys," Latham said. "We don't like admitting our problems. We want that battle buddy there."
Malone said he's very happy with his "battle buddy," Diesel. Malone, who now works as a promoter, DJ and photographer in Las Cruces, says he hasn't had to take medicine for depression or anxiety since he got Diesel. He said he sleeps better and is calmer. He said his kids love Diesel, too.
Diesel, once a throw-away dog in Arenas Valley, finds new life serving a veteran in Las Cruces - Silver City Sun-News
Pit bulls can help vets who suffer from PTSD
By Susan Dunlap
sdunlap@scsun-news.com on Twitter @SCSunNews
Posted: 10/27/2014 06:15:10 PM MDT
SILVER CITY >> Laurie West, owner of the nonprofit no-kill shelter Puppy Dog Ranch, found a young and neglected pit bull tied up to the gate of her ranch in December 2011. The dog that somebody threw away now has a home with Sgt. Darrell Malone in Las Cruces. A U.S. Army veteran of several combat missions in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Malone suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The dog, now named Diesel, has been trained to work as Malone's service dog.
"We like using mastiffs and pit bulls for our PTSD vets," Jared Latham, lead trainer and facility manager at American Service Dogs said. "Our veterans want more of a masculine dog. There's a stigma attached to these breeds. It causes people to stay away, and that's what the vet wants. Deisel is the sweetest dog in the world, but just because he's a pit bull, people give him a wide berth."
American Service Dogs is the organization in Las Cruces that connected Malone with Diesel.
Latham knows first hand the good a specially trained dog can do for veterans suffering from PTSD. He, too, is a combat veteran. Latham got his start working with dogs professionally while he served working with mine detection dogs during his years in the military. Latham also suffers from PTSD and has a service dog himself. He calls his work his passion.
"We're big, macho guys," Latham said. "We don't like admitting our problems. We want that battle buddy there."
Malone said he's very happy with his "battle buddy," Diesel. Malone, who now works as a promoter, DJ and photographer in Las Cruces, says he hasn't had to take medicine for depression or anxiety since he got Diesel. He said he sleeps better and is calmer. He said his kids love Diesel, too.
Diesel, once a throw-away dog in Arenas Valley, finds new life serving a veteran in Las Cruces - Silver City Sun-News
Mexico - Pit bulls can help vets who suffer from PTSD
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