Dual purpose: Explosives dogs work as Therapy Dogs

[AbbyK9]

http://www.balad.afcent.af.mil/news/...3151091&page=3

Quote:Trained in explosives detection, narcotics detection and more, military working dogs here are now assisting in a different type of fight: the fight to rehabilitate patients at the Air Force Theater Hospital.

Members of the AFTH medical staff here held the first session of the K-9 Visitation Program, May 15, a program that works to further patient recovery after injury or illness through animal-assisted therapy.

The "pet project" of Staff Sgt. Janice Shipman, 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group intensive care unit aerospace medical technician, the program brings members of the 332nd Expeditionary Security Forces Group's K-9 unit and the medical staff together with one goal in mind: patient recovery.

"We are working together to make (the patients) feel good about themselves and about healing," said Sergeant Shipman, who is deployed here from Travis Air Force Base, Calif.

[BJDimock]

This is so awesome! What better animal to really understand our troops then one who has lived through it, with the same training and structure.
I bet everyone connects beautifully!
Sending my love to those who defend us!