Drug-Free Wellness: Chiropractic Care and K9s for Warriors

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Heather Zielinski

At The Joint Chiropractic, we are proud supporters of our military and believe in promoting wellness through drug-free approaches. That's why we're thrilled to partner with K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans face service-connected traumas by sponsoring a future service dog for a warrior in need.

About K9s For Warriors

K9 For Warriors is a beacon of hope for many veterans who struggle with PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma (MST). By providing highly-trained service dogs, K9s For Warriors offers a lifeline that helps Veterans reclaim their lives. With most dogs being rescues, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.

K9s For Warriors has paired more than 1,000 Veterans with service dogs since opening in 2011. The journey of each dog in the K9s For Warriors program is rigorous and rewarding. Prior to being paired with their Warrior, these dogs undergo extensive training to learn tasks such as waking Veterans from nightmares, retrieving items, and providing a physical buffer in crowded spaces. This training ensures that the service dogs can meet the specific needs of their Warrior, facilitating a profound bond that aids in the collective healing and recovery of both the dog and the Veteran.

During the 21-day Warrior/K9 portion of the training program at the campuses in Florida and Texas, Warriors learn and practice skills with their new trained service dogs that allow them to regain their independence. The K9s For Warriors program goes further than handing over a leash and sending Warrior/K9 team on their way. K9s For Warriors' staff provides resources to Veterans long before they walk through the doors, and the relationships formed during their stay remain long after they return home.

K9s For Warriors has a remarkable success rate, with many Veterans reporting significant reductions in medication and PTSD symptoms after being paired with their service dogs. The companionship and unconditional love provided by these dogs often result in improved mental health, increased independence, and a renewed sense of purpose for the veterans. Study conducted by Flagler College, St. Augustine, Florida, 92 percent of Veterans with service dogs reported a reduction in medication, while 82 percent reported a decrease in suicidal thoughts.

Mission alignment: A shared commitment

Our partnership with K9s For Warriors is rooted in two shared fundamental beliefs.

Supporting our military

We recognize and honor the sacrifices our active duty military, veterans, and military families have made for our country. We are dedicated to supporting them through discounted care at our clinics and partnerships like the one with K9s For Warriors. By offering these discounts, we aim to make high-quality chiropractic care accessible and affordable for those who have given so much in service to our nation.

Promoting drug-free wellness

We believe in promoting wellness through drug-free approaches, aligning perfectly with K9s For Warriors' mission of reducing pain and promoting wellness through the companionship and support of service dogs.

Regular chiropractic care offers numerous benefits that complement this mission, including effective stress relief and pain management. Chiropractic adjustments can help alleviate chronic pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being without the need for medications.

By supporting K9s For Warriors, we provide our nation's heroes with the companionship of a service dog while emphasizing the importance of holistic, drug-free health solutions.

Our commitment to this cause highlights the synergy between chiropractic care and the life-changing benefits these service dogs bring to veterans.

A Pup-date on Atlas

Earlier this year, we introduced our sponsored service dog, Atlas. Atlas has been undergoing skills training for several months. While he won't be continuing as a service dog, his friendly and outwardly focused nature makes him a perfect candidate for other rewarding roles, such as a station dog. These dogs provide comfort and support in places like police stations, fire stations, and national parks.

Introducing the new Atlas

Our new Atlas, a German Shepherd mix from Clay County, is on his way to becoming a future service dog. Under the guidance of Veteran trainer Kendrick, Atlas is progressing quickly and is projected to graduate later this summer.

Recently, Atlas participated in more advanced public access exposure training, including a fascinating visit to Ripley's Believe It or Not. There, he encountered shrunken heads, a mummy cat, and even a screaming treasure chest. While he may not understand everything, the sights and smells were mind-boggling to him.

Stay connected with us on social media for updates on Atlas' journey to becoming a service dog. You'll also get to see his upcoming graduation and meet his Warrior.

Join us in supporting K9s For Warriors

We are honored to support K9s For Warriors and their mission to improve the lives of our veterans. Through our partnership, we are helping to provide much-needed support to our military heroes outside of our clinic doors. We encourage you to support K9s For Warriors. We are thrilled to be part of such a meaningful partnership.

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