Sunday was graduation day for a group of very special dogs. The highly trained K9s will help veterans cope with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.
Nonprofit group 4 Paws 2 Freedom is service dog training group that pairs veterans and dogs together.
The group helps train dogs on how to recognize and de-stress veterans with PTSD.
Veterans spend eight weeks with their dogs, while the pups learn how to recognize emotions, turn on lights, guide humans to a safe place and alert their owner of people around them.
Marine Corp Veteran Richard Schmitz and his dog Roanne were one of the graduates today. He was a member of the 2/7 Fox Company in 2008. He says lost friends to suicide related PTSD.
"I don't think I would be around without her," Schmitz said. "After our tour to Afghanistan we have had 14 suicides. That is a lot for one unit to go through."
A total of six dogs graduated the 4 Paws 2 Freedom Training program.
If your are interested in a PTSD service dog log onto www.4pas2freedom.org or call the organization 916-966-6758.