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Paws for Purple Hearts

A new program uses a canine connection to help service members with post-traumatic stress disorder and others with physical handicaps.

"He will train you to pet him," says dog owner Rick Yount, a canine therapy specialist who works with his 15-year-old golden retriever, Gabe, to help service members overcome post-traumatic stress order. Yount works at the Palo Alto Health Care System's Healing Garden.

Nov. 8, 2010

"He will train you to pet him," says dog owner Rick Yount, a canine therapy specialist who works with his 15-year-old golden retriever, Gabe, to help service members overcome post-traumatic stress order. Yount works at the Palo Alto Health Care System's Healing Garden.

Lianne Milton for The Washington Post

Gabe is now grandfather and father to Yount's therapy dogs.

Nov. 8, 2010

Gabe is now grandfather and father to Yount's therapy dogs.

Lianne Milton for The Washington Post

Yount's program Paws for Purple Hearts trains Labradors and golden retrievers - including many offspring of Yount's dog Gabe - as lifelong service dogs and companions for wheelchair-bound veterans.

Nov. 8, 2010

Yount's program Paws for Purple Hearts trains Labradors and golden retrievers - including many offspring of Yount's dog Gabe - as lifelong service dogs and companions for wheelchair-bound veterans.

Lianne Milton for The Washington Post

For many of these psychologically damaged warriors, this human-canine connection provides an emotional sustenance, a mission and important lessons in patience that help them get on with their lives.

Nov. 8, 2010

For many of these psychologically damaged warriors, this human-canine connection provides an emotional sustenance, a mission and important lessons in patience that help them get on with their lives.

Lianne Milton for The Washington Post

Amanda Heidenreiter holds service dog White, who is trained to reach up to people who might be in a wheelchair for comfort or to bring them an item such as a water bottle.

Nov. 8, 2010

Amanda Heidenreiter holds service dog White, who is trained to reach up to people who might be in a wheelchair for comfort or to bring them an item such as a water bottle.

Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post

The service dogs have special badges that let people know that the dog is in training.

Nov. 8, 2010

The service dogs have special badges that let people know that the dog is in training.

Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post

Service dog White knows how to bring his leash to a person in a wheelchair.

Nov. 8, 2010

Service dog White knows how to bring his leash to a person in a wheelchair.

Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post

Carolyn Ford, left, and Amanda Heidenreiter walk with service dogs Nathan, Niles and White in Silver Spring.

Nov. 8, 2010

Carolyn Ford, left, and Amanda Heidenreiter walk with service dogs Nathan, Niles and White in Silver Spring.

Michael S. Williamson-The Washington Post

Gallery Credits:
Photo Editor, Producer Allison Slomowitz

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