KANSAS CITY, Kan. — After experiencing the chaos and peril of an internment camp in Iraq, Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather O’Brien returned home grappling with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, a lively labradoodle and a supportive program in the Kansas City area have helped her find her way back to a more stable life.
Dogs 4 Valor is an initiative offered by The Battle Within, an organization based in Olathe, Kansas, designed to assist veterans and first responders in utilizing their service dogs to combat challenges like depression and anxiety. According to Sandra Sindeldecker, the program manager, many veterans suffering from intense PTSD often find themselves isolated at home, hesitant to engage with the outside world, and reluctant to make eye contact. Some may avoid leaving their homes entirely.
The program incorporates both group and individual training sessions, focusing on fostering comfort and understanding between the veteran and their canine companion. Participants frequently take trips to public venues, including airports, as a way to reintegrate into everyday life. Additionally, complimentary mental health therapy is provided to the participants.
The bonding process between veterans and their dogs typically lasts six to nine months, but participants continue to connect through group gatherings even after they complete the program.
O’Brien, now 40, shared that while working in Iraq, she was stationed at a camp that often held more than 20,000 detainees, a situation that frequently escalated into violence and turmoil, leaving her with lasting anxiety. “Upon leaving the military, I thought it was normal to always feel on edge,” she recounted.
Her mother discovered a spirited lab-poodle mix available for adoption on Facebook and encouraged O’Brien to welcome the dog, whom she named Albus, into her life. Just months after bringing Albus home, O’Brien learned about Dogs 4 Valor and began participating in the program in October 2023.
Now, O’Brien has regained the confidence to venture into the world, even going on a vacation to Branson, Missouri—something she never thought she would do again.
Mark Atkinson, 38, served in Afghanistan as a Marine Corps corporal and returned home facing PTSD and major depressive disorder, which led to insomnia and anxiety. He adopted Lexi, a cane corso, in 2020. Like O’Brien’s experience, Lexi has proven to be just as beneficial for Atkinson as he is for her. Previously kept on chains, Lexi needed care and a stable environment, which she has found with Atkinson. Through Dogs 4 Valor, they’ve been able to explore life together again.
“I tend to avoid leaving the house because it feels safe, but Lexi has helped me socialize more,” Atkinson remarked. He has also enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow veterans within the program, noting the understanding they share due to their similar experiences with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. “There’s definitely a sense of acceptance among us without any judgment,” he added.
O’Brien likened her bond with Albus to that of a best friend who constantly encourages her to step out of her comfort zone. “It feels like a pushy best friend always trying to drag you out,” she joked, though she admitted that ultimately, it’s her responsibility to confront her fears. “I have to choose to face life, and that can be challenging, but it’s becoming more manageable,” she explained.
Many veterans in the program have noted improvements in their family dynamics since joining Dogs 4 Valor. “I find I’m able to communicate better, to stay calm rather than lash out, which significantly reduces my anxiety levels,” Atkinson stated, adding that Lexi is always there by his side to offer support.
Timothy Siebenmorgen, 61, another program participant, mentioned that he has also experienced positive changes in his relationships thanks to assistance from his 1-year-old American bulldog, Rosie, and the resources he has accessed since joining Dogs 4 Valor in July. With a military background that includes 18 deployments across both the Marines and Army, he acknowledges the challenge many veterans face in admitting their vulnerabilities. “You learn to believe you must handle everything solo, but the truth is, you can’t manage it all alone,” Siebenmorgen said.
For these veterans, the companionship of their dogs and the support offered by the program has instilled a renewed hope and a path forward. “I feel like I got my life back,” O’Brien reflected, echoing the sentiments of many who have participated in this transformative initiative.