Rescue Dogs Unleashing Healing: How Troops and Tails Embraces Animal Therapy for Veterans

As an animal lover, I'm always on the lookout for innovative ways that our furry friends can make a difference in people's lives. Recently, I had the pleasure of catching up with Connor Long from Marley's Mutts, and I'm thrilled to share an incredible new program they've launched called Troops and Tails. This initiative is bridging the gap between rescue dogs and veterans, offering a unique form of therapy that's changing lives one paw at a time.

The Power of Animal-Assisted Therapy

Connor's journey into animal-assisted therapy began with his own experiences as a Navy veteran. After discharge, he discovered the transformative power of equine therapy, which helped him navigate the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. This experience sparked a passion for using animals to support veterans' mental health and well-being.

From Horses to Hounds: The Birth of Troops and Tails

Inspired by his own healing journey, Connor recognized a gap in services for veterans at Marley's Mutts. While the organization already had programs like Miracle Mutts and Positive Change, there wasn't anything specifically tailored to veterans. That's when the idea for Troops and Tails was born.

"In Kern county, we have 46,000 veterans. When you call the VA clinic and you say, I'm in a mental health crisis, you're either given the crisis line or told, oh, well, we can do a telehealth visit in about a month or you can see our therapist in about three. Well, when you're in a mental health crisis, that doesn't do anything that doesn't help."

This stark reality highlighted the urgent need for accessible mental health support for veterans. Troops and Tails aims to fill this gap by offering immediate, hands-on therapy with rescue dogs.

How Troops and Tails Works

The program is designed with flexibility and privacy in mind. Here's what makes it special:

• Safe Space: Sessions take place in a private, fenced area at the Marley's Mutts ranch, away from the daily hustle and bustle.
• Qualified Therapists: A team of experienced therapists, specializing in veteran and first responder trauma, are on hand to guide the sessions.
• Tailored Approach: Veterans can choose between individual or group sessions, depending on their comfort level.
• Diverse Activities: From simple companionship to problem-solving exercises with the dogs, the program offers various ways to engage and heal.

The Healing Power of Canine Companions

What sets Troops and Tails apart is its use of rescue dogs. These animals, many of whom have faced their own traumas, provide a non-judgmental presence that can be incredibly comforting for veterans struggling with mental health issues.

Connor explains, "If you just want to go sit with the dog and not say a single word to a person, do what you got to do. If that's going to help you today, if that's going to allow you to catch your breath, to decompress a little bit before you go back out into the world, if that's what you need, that's what you'll get from us."

Building Community and Breaking Stigma

Beyond individual therapy sessions, Troops and Tails is also focused on rebuilding a sense of community among veterans. Quarterly workshops on topics like journaling provide opportunities for veterans to connect, share experiences, and learn new coping strategies.

How You Can Help

If you're inspired by this program (and how could you not be?), here are ways you can support Troops and Tails:

• Spread the word: Share information about the program on social media or distribute flyers in your community.
• Volunteer: There may be future opportunities to help with transportation for veterans attending sessions.
• Donate: Financial support helps keep programs like this running and expanding to reach more veterans in need.

As someone who's seen firsthand the incredible bond between humans and animals, I'm in awe of what Troops and Tails is accomplishing. It's a beautiful reminder of how our rescue dogs, often in need of love and care themselves, can become powerful healers for those who've served our country.

If you're a veteran interested in the program or know someone who might benefit, don't hesitate to reach out. Sometimes, the path to healing is paved with paw prints, and Troops and Tails is leading the way.

To hear my full conversation with Connor Long, listen to episode 3 of Season 4 now! Marley's Mutts Launches New Program for Veterans: Using Shelter Dogs to Heal