Program Uses Wolves To Treat PTSD In Veterans

The Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in Frazier Park, California, has a unique way of helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress:...

By James Clark | Published Nov 23, 2015 2:29 PM EST

Military Life

Program Uses Wolves To Treat PTSD In Veterans

The Lockwood Animal Rescue Center in Frazier Park, California, has a unique way of helping veterans cope with post-traumatic stress: They do it with wolves. The park’s 40 wolves were rescued and each deals with a trauma of their own. By pairing a veteran with a wolf, the Warriors With Wolves program attempts to forge a bond between the two that helps participants feel relaxed and safe.

“They kind of teach you to be calm and confident,” said veteran Jim Minick. “It's got some deeper meaning when they accept you…into part of the pack.

James Clark

James Clark is the former Deputy Editor of Task & Purpose. He is an Afghanistan War veteran and served in the Marine Corps as a combat correspondent. Contact the author here.