How Wolves can Help Heal Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Now an animal sanctuary in California has developed a program to help military veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after a person is exposed to one or more traumatic events, such as sexual assault, warfare, traffic collisions or other threats on a person's life.

Now an animal sanctuary in California has developed a program to help military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The treatment uses some of nature's most mysterious animals.

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Lockwood Rescue Animal Rescue Center in California has developed a program to help military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

A total of 40 wolves live at the Lockwood Rescue Animal Rescue Center, some saved from lives chained up in Alaska, others bought as pets.

Matt Simmons, a US Navy veteran, and Dr Lorin Lindner, a psychologist, say the animals are unique in the relationship they can offer those suffering from PTSD.

"These are wild animals who are choosing to make a relationship with you and that is profoundly important for someone suffering a traumatic stress disorder. One of the main symptoms of those disorders is the inability to trust, to build relationships, to feel like you're safe. These animals we are rescuing also have traumatic stress disorders, are also shy and have difficulty developing relationships and trusting again," said Dr. Lindner.

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Dr. Lindner says the struggles of the Department of Veterans Affairs to help those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan inspired them to take action.

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