Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush announced that the General Land Office’s Veterans Land Board (VLB) is collaborating with Ranch Hand Rescue (RHR) Counseling Center and Animal Sanctuary to offer animal therapy for residents of the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS). The collaboration offers groups of five veterans with an opportunity to travel from the Clyde W. Cosper Texas State Veterans Home in Bonham to the RHR facility in Argyle, Texas. During the ongoing sessions, the veterans work with the rescued animals and trauma counselors to address PTS symptoms relating to survivors’ guilt, moral injury, intrusive memories and end of life issues.
“Post-traumatic stress is a very real and serious issue that many of my fellow veterans face every day,” said Commissioner Bush. “Like other wounds of war, PTS is an injury – one that can be treated, allowing those who suffer to return to their lives. These invisible wounds often remain hidden, or unspoken, for years. At the VLB, we work every day to help veterans find the help they need and know that they aren’t alone. We are so proud of this wonderful collaboration with Ranch Hand Rescue and looking forward to offering healing and recovery for some of our veterans who have dealt with PTS for decades.”
Having seen the devastating effect of post-traumatic stress on our veterans, Commissioner Bush initiated a first-of-its-kind program in all eight of the Texas State Veterans Homes to better identify and treat PTS, ensuring that Texas will be serving the next generation of men and women who have fought for this country. Commissioner Bush believes prioritizing veterans services and outreach will help Texas continue to be the best state in the nation not just for current veterans, but also for the next generation of soldier, sailor, airman and marine.
The Veterans Land Board clinical team proclaimed Ranch Hands Rescue’s service to nursing home veterans the flagship program for PTSD and Trauma in the state of Texas, and asked that they expand statewide.