A WARRIOR, A DOG, AND YOGA
"A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself." - Unknown.
Image Source: Tim Grutzius
Once a month, I have the honor and privilege of leading a service dog yoga class—a collaboration between Warriors at Ease (I am an instructor) and Warrior Canine Connection. These 501 (c)(3) charitable organizations serve the mental and physical health needs of active duty and veteran military communities. In a future post, I will cover my connection with Warriors at Ease (WAE). Today's musings will be about the warriors, service dogs in training, and the shared yoga experience.
As found on their website, the mission of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is as follows:
"Warrior Canine Connection utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to help Warriors recovering from the stress of combat reconnect with their families, communities, and life."
"By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with disabilities receive the finest in trained service dogs."
Image Source: Tim Grutzius
Last year, I attended a workshop presented by WCC at the Veteran's Healing Farm in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Other veterans and I received hands-on instruction working with service dogs in training. It was a fantastic four-week experience - bonding with the dogs while learning what WCC is all about. At the end of the workshop, I approached Amy (the director of WCC-Asheville) to offer my services as a WAE yoga instructor. Amy obliged, and we discussed the details via a Zoom conference between WAE and WCC representatives in Maryland (home base for both organizations).
The first time I visited the Asheville facility, veterans worked with several dogs in training. I jokingly told Amy, "I don't know how this yoga class is going to work out because my doggy ADD will kick in real fast." We laughed, and the WAE and WCC North Carolina collaboration moved forward.
A service dog yoga class is different from your typical format. The design of a WAE class assists the veteran in downregulating the stress response (fight or flight) by creating a safe container within which to work. I will cover this topic in the coming weeks. If a veteran becomes triggered during the class, my role as an instructor becomes supportive. Here is where the most transformative experience begins.
Image Source: Tim Grutzius
During the class, I have heightened situational awareness to ensure the safe container remains safe. The beauty part is that I have the assistance of these trained dogs, who will detect the trigger long before it catches my eye. I observe how a dog will lay beside or on top of a veteran soothingly, and the class moves forward. Sometimes, a dog will also pick up on my stuff and sit near me for a while - I love these pups.
I have led several classes since and am beginning to see familiar faces return for this experience. We bond, share our stories, and even joke around. During class, I will sneak some photos of the pups doing their job. A couple of months ago, WCC Asheville received three pups (two are 19 weeks old) to begin their basic training. Watching these young dogs grow into their role as service dogs, should they choose that path, will be a privilege.
Dogs assisting veterans in healing from the silent wounds of war - no other words need to be said. Until next time-
Namaste,
Tim
Image Source: Tim Grutzius