KUNR Public Radio
A Reno nonprofit is training service dogs for veterans living with PTSD, as it finishes construction on a 27-acre campus in South Reno. One retired Marine has been part of the program through its early stages.
In early June, Eryn Redmon Steed was in her backyard in North Reno with Annie, a black Labrador she had been raising since the dog was eight weeks old.
Annie, now just over a year old, stayed close to Redmon Steed and followed her movements throughout the yard.
Redmon Steed is a retired Marine who served nearly 25 years. After leaving the military, she moved to Reno to be near family. She said she struggled with PTSD, chronic pain, and adjusting to everyday life.
She later learned about Liberty Dogs, a nonprofit that trains service dogs and places them with veterans. She signed up to be a puppy raiser.
She said Annie has helped her manage symptoms, even though she doesn’t consider the dog a therapy animal.
“There are days where I can’t get out of bed, whereas she will put her paws up on the bed, and she gives me purpose and reason to get out of bed,” Redmon Steed said.
