Helping out wounded soldiers.

**98MustGT** · 02-02-2009, 08:30 AM

My wife has volunteered to help wounded soldiers here at Balboa Naval Hospital. She has gone to several preliminary events and interviews.

On Thursday Lyle the guide dog needs to pass his test.

The PAWS That Heal program pairs the blind, their dog and wounded soldiers. My wife has Retinitis Pigmentosa and has lost most of her vision.

Here is how the program started....

A profoundly stuttering beneficiary on Med-Hold requested permission to pet a staff member's Seeing Eye Dog. His stutter ceased when he began petting the dog and requested the dog to spend time with others on Med-Hold. Paws that Heal was born! Pet Therapy, Therapeutic Outing and Reintegration activities independently facilitate healing. This is the first time ever in the military or civilian world that the three have been combined. STEP 1 ~ Health and Wellness staffer with Seeing Eye Dog attend Formations (based on availability) STEP 2 ~ Guide Dog Day Out: 12 blind people, 12 guide dogs and 4-5 Medical Hold Marines go to a dog park (including barbecue lunch). STEP 3 ~ Guide Dog Day Inside Out: 3 blind people/Seeing Eye Dogs, Health and Wellness Staffer and two Armed Services YMCA volunteers spend one hour weekly on combat casualty unit Solarium with people who independently transport to Solarium (Med/Surg and Mental Health units). Staff, family members and observers are NOT allowed. For more information, contact program manager at 619.532.5449

here is the link if interested
http://www-nmcsd.med.navy.mil/servic...se.cfm?hcid=60

Picture of wife and dog....