Healing First Responders with Canine Companions

This article was originally posted on: https://iheartdogs.com

Lorie’s journey to founding Phoenix Farms Animal Sanctuary is a powerful testament to the incredible bond between dogs and those who serve and protect us. With almost a decade of law enforcement experience, Lorie knows firsthand the toll that the job can take, leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After a deeply personal struggle with PTSD, she discovered the remarkable healing power of dogs, particularly one special corgi named Beavis. This experience inspired her to create Phoenix Farms, where stray dogs are given a second chance as service dogs, offering hope and support to first responders coping with PTSD.

This extraordinary mission is driven by a carefully selected process that seeks dogs with mellow dispositions, intelligence, and a unique ability to sense and redirect anxiety in their human companions. Lorie and her dedicated team focus on trust-building, positive reinforcement, and understanding human energy in their training approach. The success stories emerging from Phoenix Farms are heartwarming, with dogs like German Shepherd Xara and Golden Retriever Leia showing tremendous promise as PTSD service dogs.

Despite the challenges, like unknown histories and the time required to identify a dog’s talent for PTSD work, Phoenix Farms is bringing hope to both rescue dogs and first responders. While still in its early stages, this sanctuary offers a lifeline to those struggling with PTSD, demonstrating that a furry friend’s support can be life-changing. The journey to healing is a shared one, reminding us all of the profound connection between humans and their loyal canine companions. You too can be a part of this transformation by donating to Phoenix Farms Animal Sanctuary or volunteering to help these remarkable dogs find their forever homes with first responders in need. As Lorie beautifully sums it up;

“The dogs recognize when you have dark thoughts and intervene. There is no greater joy for me than matching someone with a dog that will help them in such a personal way.”

In a world often weighed down by the challenges of PTSD, Phoenix Farms brings a ray of hope, a source of healing, and a tribute to the incredible bond between people and their four-legged friends.

Original Article:
https://iheartdogs.com/from-strays-to-service-how-phoenix-farms-transforms-first-responders-lives-through-dogs/