"Joaquin takes a complex subject, and explains, through examples, the journey many Veterans are embarking on, and the hurdles they face. A soft voice, and hard examples create vivid pictures, easy for the reader to understand. Direct references to the applicable laws are given throughout the text, making it a great reference book for both experienced and novice Service Dog handlers. It will also add to a greater understanding from the general public. Written by a Veteran, and while focusing on Veterans experiences, a must read for anyone, military, veteran, or civilian, who is considering a PTSD Service Dog."
From Mark Zen, editor, and U.S. Navy Veteran
Within the first 60 pages of "PTSDog", I learned more about post-traumatic stress disorder and service dogs than I did during more than 20 years of service in the Army. As we say in the military, I "didn't know what I didn't know" about the mental and physical challenges PTSD victims endure, and the unnecessary, often ridiculous obstacles they encounter while attempting to overcome those challenges with the help of their faithful service dogs. In a gripping, semi-memoir style, Juatai shares his personal transformation from a withdrawn, minimally functioning shadow of his former self to an outgoing, healthy, fully functioning and outspoken standard-bearer for the cause of service dogs. The book is also a valuable legal and regulatory resource, thanks to Juatai's many technical references and thorough footnotes. "PTSDog" should be required reading for every business owner, retail manager and employee who interacts with the public; it would also be a terrific tool to raise the cultural awareness and empathy of service members, medical professionals, young people, and anyone who knows and cares for a person afflicted with PTSD. Master Sgt. Gail Braymen, U.S. Army (Ret.)
I just finished reading Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the Service Dog by Joaquin Juatai and it's FANTASTIC! The amount of information about service dog training and the laws associated with the legal and responsible handling of them is very impressive. The stories of disabled veterans and their journeys out of the dark and back into the light are awe-inspiring. The training information is extremely helpful and what these incredible dogs are capable of is amazing. While I've been a service dog handler for many years, I learned even more about what that means and is possible. I wish this book had been around back when I was struggling and stumbling through training my first service dog (and myself) during those first confusing days. As a disabled vet, I have multiple disabilities including PTSD and my dog, Danu, is seldom more than a few feet away from me but when we are outside she is usually free to just be a dog and do dog stuff. As I finished the book, I called Danu and she just looked at me. I stood and she moved until she was about 10 feet away and stopped. So I stumped stiffly over to her, grumbling about making me move when I was hurting and stiff. Then it dawned on me, Danu was forcing me to perform physical therapy. Once again, she was using INTELLIGENT DISOBEDIENCE to do what I needed even, or perhaps especially, when I didn't know I needed it. Had I not just finished Joaquin's book I may never have put it all together. Now, I can start working with her on another task with which she can help me to live a better life. As "the good book" said, the training never really ends for a service dog team. Thanks to Joaquin and Skeeter for teaching this old dog a new trick.
Rebecca Lysaght, Disabled Veteran and PTSDog handler
