stewardship giving
Man's best friend,
saving the lives of American veterans.
Service Peace Warriors | Washington
almost immediately with her," said Board President
Steve Cooper. "Violet changed my life from the first
day she entered it. We have a bond that I never knew
could exist. Without Service Peace Warriors, I am
confident that I would not be here today. I owe my
life to them."
Service dogs are trained to help alleviate symptoms by
providing safety and security, companionship, physical
exercise and other tasks. Through tasks specific to the
handler's situation, the service dog can reduce anxiety
and depression, increase serotonin, lower blood
pressure and more.
Though not a veteran, founder Mary Mattox lives
with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and
has experienced firsthand the great benefits animal
companionship provides. This, along with over 30
years of dog training experience and a drive to help
others, led her to start Service Peace Warriors. Based
in Eltopia, Washington, they train services dogs for
American soldiers in Washington, Idaho and Oregon
coping with service-related PTSD and other disabilities.
"I struggled with PTSD and consistently experienced
night terrors. I was referred to Service Peace Warriors
in 2018 where I met my dog, Violet. I began training
For many veterans, post-service life can be difficult. Some veterans are afraid to
leave their homes, fearing loud noises like the backfire of a car or other events may
trigger traumatic flashbacks. But Service Peace Warriors knows service dogs have
the power to change veteran's lives and Northwest Farm Credit is proud to support
them in their mission.
5 Northwest FCS
