Michael Kidd, now 84 years old, fought in the Korean War. His young German shepherd Millie helps calm him down when things start to swirl, usually at night.

Harry Stolberg — a 42-year-old former Marine — has a chocolate Labrador named Rocky who wakes him up from his troubled dreams.

The U.S. veterans suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and have sought solace through pet therapy — namely, a loyal dog to keep them company.

The shelter animals are either trained or being trained to help them through difficult times by Paws of War, an association funded entirely by private donations that then provides the service dogs free of charge.

“The biggest thing is he wakes me up from nightmares,” Mr. Stolberg said of three-year-old Rocky. “He can open the door, come in my room, turn on the lights, take my blinders off me... and lick my hands so I wake up.”

Mr. Kidd, who suffers from severe PTSD, has been able to reduce his intake of medication thanks to Millie.