The U.S Army recently announced that not only is it employing man’s best friend to help veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, but horses as well.

Colonel Elspeth Cameron Ritchie announced at the annual convention of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, “Animals are not just cute, they provide support.”

One size doesn’t always fit all and the U.S Army is attempting to accommodate and help all the soldiers individually.

The U.S Army is now using more dogs than ever before to help soldiers recovering from PTSD, as well as equine therapy.

A National Alliance on Mental Illness report, “Depression: Gaps and Guideposts,” found about 20 percent of people living with depression have used animal therapy in treatment, with 54 percent finding it “extremely” or “quite a bit” helpful.

The idea of using horses to help the healing process is not a new one; in fact many horses and ponies are used to help service the blind as well as people with special needs.

Have you ever used animal therapy for the healing process? If so please share with us your experiences to help encourage others to do the same.

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