An abandoned 5-year-old cocker spaniel has found a new home and a new purpose in life helping military combat veterans recover from post traumatic stress disorder.
Laddie was adopted recently out of the Santa Cruz SPCA to serve as the house therapy dog at the Paget Center. The 12-bed residential facility helps homeless vets recover from their traumas and transition back into civilian life after serving on the battle field. The gentle, people-pleasing pooch immediately had a positive impact on residents.
"The mood in the house is lighter," said Lino Montes, the manager at Paget Center. "People who were withdrawn are coming out of their shells. They're taking an interest in walking and feeding him. It's amazing to see the transformation."
"If he sees you're upset, he puts his head on your lap," Montes said.
The Paget Center is staffed by veterans who have been affected with PTSD, and understand the many challenges combat vets face.
Funded by the Veteran's Administration, the house operates under the auspices of Front Street Inc., a behavioral health agency, and provides 90 days of emergency shelter for homeless vets and a host of services. Along with individual counseling and group therapy, the Paget Center also helps veterans find jobs, housing and provides other services to help them re-engage with society.
The residential facility, which has been operating for 17 months, has a 98 percent success rate in helping veterans get their lives back on track, Montes said. As manager, Montes has the authority to provide any services his residents need.
NEW LEASE ON LIFE
When he realized the residents would benefit from a house dog,
he contacted Mandi Hart, the assistant manager for the Santa Cruz SPCA and asked
her to help. Hart recommended Laddie, who had become a staff and volunteer
favorite at the shelter for his people skills, and brought him to the Paget
Center for a visit.
Instantly popular, Laddie was adopted a few days later.
"I can't thank Ms. Hart for all the help and support she gave us," Montes said. "Laddie gets all the attention he wants and has a big house to run around in."
With a dozen different beds to sleep on, Laddie also seems to know who needs his company most. One of the residents who has struggled with severe insomnia brought on by PTSD said he was able to sleep through the night for the first time in years after Laddie arrived.
"It's awesome," said Anthony Uzzi. "The first night he was here he slept on my bed. It was the best sleep I've had in years. Having the dog in the room does help me because I'm not constantly listening to sounds. With Laddie, it's an extra set of ears that lets me stay asleep. He's got my back."
Like other residents, Uzzi said just petting Laddie helps reduce his stress. The dog also provides another set of ears for veterans to talk to about their experiences. While there is a 1 to 2 ratio of counselors to residents at the center, and staff members on site 24 hours a day, sometimes the men are more comfortable confiding in the dog.
"You can tell him anything and he's just going to give you that unconditional love," Uzzi said. "It really does help us heal."
Laddie also helps add a homey touch to the residential house.
"This place is about giving back the gift of life," said Kendra Cooley, the center's outreach coordinator. "It's a home, it's a family, it's a safe place and a springboard to the next path."
For a formerly homeless vet who struggled with chronic pain and depression after a traumatic brain injury he incurred while in the military, the center helped him heal, then hired him to help others.
"This place was a Godsend to me," said Ernie Soto. "It gave me back my drive, my desire and a purpose in life."
