TRU Fraternity helps war veterans suffering from PTSD

Apr 7, 2016 | 4:35 PM

KAMLOOPS — Coming home to a pet at the end of a long day can be a simple thing that ignites happiness in someone. 

For a veteran suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or Depression, a canine companion can be life-changing. 

A Fraternity at Thompson Rivers University is raising money to bring pets into the lives of former soldiers. 
 

WATCH: Full story by Reporter Tanya Cronin

An animal can bring positive power to the life of a veteran facing an internal battle, after returning home from conflict.    

It’s important to understand the relationship between a human and his pet.

Even more so, the bond between a veteran and their animal. For Jim Collins, TJ the German Shephard, is his guardian angel.

“Just completely calms me down, I have something else to focus on if something triggers, I have a dog to focus on, it’s just amazing that a dog can have so much of an impact on your life,” says Jim Collins, Former Canadian Soldier.

As a Sergeant with the Canadian Forces, Jim Collins spent years in the military, with two tours in Afghanistan. What he witnessed in the war-torn country, unimaginable. When Collins returned from duty, he was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Operation Stress Injury.

“I see veterans from World War 2 that have gone through PTSD and talking to them, a lot of them say I treated it with alcohol or other ways,” says Justin Bourke, Philanthropy Chair, Kappa Sigma Fraternity at TRU.

A Kamloops Fraternity is teaming up with the Royal Canadian Legion and BC SPCA, to help veterans who have gone through tough times. Kappa Sigma at Thompson Rivers University, is raising money through the Pets for Vets campaign, to pair animals who need a home, with veterans suffering from PTSD.

“I know what it’s like having a pet and going through depression myself, that was the only thing that really helped me get through depression, was having that constant there.”

The brave actions of our men and women who serve, all too often leave them with physical and emotional scars, making it difficult to transition back to civilian life. Pets for Vets is helping to heal those wounds. Kappa Sigma’s goal is to raise $800, to cover one year’s worth of food and vet costs for a dog or cat.

“We have over $500 raised, we’re hoping to get more by the end of our donation period,” says Daniel Jewison, Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

“We want somebody that would benefit from having the companionship of the pet, we don’t want to put either at more risk, but we think it would be a great combination,” says Bourke.

When Jim Collins’ mind wanders back to the terrors of war in Afghanistan, he has a way out. 

“She’ll nudge up to me with her shoulder, so I’ll look at the dog and say hey what’s wrong pooch, and give the dog a pat, as soon as I shift my focus to the dog, make sure the dogs okay, stress level disipates,” says Collins.   

With one simple cue, TJ the service dog can break the former soldier’s descent into darkness. The bond they share, unbreakable and one he says, saved his life.

“Having this little pooch has made me a better person which is, what else can you say.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up, for more information and to donate click here