You may have heard the term PTSD, but not fully understand what it is. But a new documentary, featuring a Putnam County paramedic, openly talks about the issue and how a dog can be truly a veteran's best friend.
The movie is called "A New Leash on Life: the K9s for Warriors Story" and it features Louis Belluomini and his service dog Star. The movie was screened at Lima Memorial on Monday night for fellow EMS and hospital personnel because how first responders and veterans can be struck with PTSD with the situations they are dealing with. The documentary tells Belluomini and two other veterans' stories of the crippling effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how their service dogs they got through the "K9s for Warriors" program has helped them cope with the disorder. 22 veterans a day commit suicide, and Belluomini hopes this documentary will show the importance of the K9s for Warriors program.
“You know I think all veterans or first responders have some type of PTSD that they battle. Whether it be a nightmare here or there or every minute of the day they are having issues. So I hope that it raises awareness to that situation and people are more respectful of it,” said Louis Belluomini, Local Paramedic featured in “A New Leash on Life”.
The documentary can be seen on Amazon Prime. 500 people have received a dog, most of them rescued from shelters, through the program. Lima Memorial Health System is trying to raise $15,000 to help get a dog to people suffering from PTSD.
You can find out more by visiting these links:
http://support.k9sforwarriors.org/goto/ANewLeashOnLifeLimaMemorialScreening2018
