Wolves have positively changed Yellowstone Park's ecosystem and they have another talent, healing combat war veterans.
Dr. Lorin Lindner, a clinical psychologist and Director of Operations Matt Simmons, a US Navy veteran, are the founders of Lockwood Animal Rescue Center (LARC) in
California. Their nonprofit group’s mission is helping save wolves/wolfdogs while rehabilitating and employing veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
www.Lockwoodarc.org
Today, they are "in the big time" after a miracle meeting with a photographer and his nephew, a budding TV producer who promised, "We are going to get you a
TV show". They did and now their show airs around the world (Malaysia, Brazil, U.K., Canada, Taiwan etc.).
LARC’s therapy program is modeled after Dr. Lindner observations of veterans receiving hope "through the healing power of animals". "Both have similarities," said Dr. Lindner. "They protect the land, lay down their lives for their country, and they both need healing."
A wolf traumatized by a human takes time to trust. Same as a
veteran who does not trust, who is weary and distant, and not socially inclined. They both learn patience and trust as they establish a relationship. Wolves bond for life and it is life changing when one chooses you as part of their pack, which is similar to a veteran's camaraderie with their band of brothers and sisters. Like wolves, veterans miss this bond, both are social sentient beings, they need to be part of a pack and through their own traumas they can relate to each other. It
takes a long time to develop healthy relationships and with wild animals you need to earn their trust. They don't just come sit by your side."
"Our work helps the wounded," said Matt. "When veterans see emotionally injured animals begin to trust humans, then the men follow the animal's lead forgiving and forgetting which helps them let go of trauma. Our program has employed/helped 80 veterans for six months to a year at a time.
They know about walking into
brutal situations. Several helped us shut down an illegal wolf breeding fur farm. It was like putting Cruella de Vil out of business. The inhumane operators sold the bred wolves’ body parts and fur in gift shops.
Wolves/wolfdogs are not good pets. Shelters immediately euthanized them, so breeding them is ridiculous. They are more aggressive than domestic dogs and they damage homes, yards, and pets. They can jump/climb a ten-foot fence and dig six feet
in the ground overnight. Keeping them in backyards is a challenge and not humane. My wife and I are developing laws to protect unsuspecting dog lovers who think owning a wolfdog is a good idea.
Veterans heal from the inside out. Daily, 22 lose their lives from depression and trauma. Donations to our nonprofit saves lives with 98 cents of every dollar employing a veteran or paying veterinary bills. When a veteran goes back to his family a better man, husband,
brother or son, it is worth every long hour, day and headache. My wife and I have the greatest job in the world."
"The TV series introduces our mission into many homes," said Dr. Lindner. "The results are that we receive additional wolfdogs, much appreciated funding, or more veterans asking to join us. The show educates viewers to the plight of wolves in the wild and domestically."
Each day, LARC feeds 39 wolves and five
coyotes 3-8 pounds of raw meat. The founders, being vegetarians, sought out a way to feed their carnivores without killing a single animal. They do this via a national program that enlists supermarkets to help feed zoos and sanctuaries with sell-by-date or overstocked meat that would otherwise get thrown out.
www.Lockwoodarc.org
The TV show "Wolves and Warriors" teaches us that if wolves and veterans can heal, then there is hope for
all.
