Iraq War veteran Erick Scott has first-hand experience with what it’s like to experience PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder – a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or seeing a terrifying event). PTSD, commonly referred to as shell shock or combat stress, develops after a traumatic or potentially fatal experience.
Too many soldiers struggle to reintegrate into civilian life or become plagued by bad memories and experiences. Erick was no different. He was matched with Gumbo, a particular service dog, to assist him in managing his anxieties. Gumbo’s primary responsibility was to alert him whenever he began to experience PTSD symptoms.
At first, Erick was hesitant to accept his doctor’s diagnosis of PTSD. He was paired with Gumbo by K9s for Warriors, a non-profit organization that seeks to train service dogs for veterans with diagnoses like PTSD, TBI (traumatic brain injury), and MST. Still, he was continuously faced with his own demons after returning home (military sexual trauma). Veterans from all across the nation travel to Florida to meet their service dogs.
Here is a video of Erick Scott, a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), being comforted by Gumbo, his service dog, while being interviewed. He was astounded by Gumbo’s response to his becoming irritated. It is really moving to witness.