Veterans show off service dogs at Peninsula Humane Society

BURLINGAME, Calif. (KGO) -- Military veterans are turning to a very special companion to help them fight post-traumatic stress disorder.

ABC7 News was at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA in Burlingame on Monday as veterans showed off their service dogs.

They say the animals help them reduce anxiety and other symptoms of PTSD.

Government statistics show that every day, 22 veterans kill themselves.

"He's helped reduce my anxiety," said Operation Desert Storm veteran David Jennelle. "I'm a lot more relaxed than I was, been able to do things that I would do but reluctantly."

Congresswoman Jackie Speier organized the event. She wants more funding for programs that train and give service dogs to veterans who are suffering from PTSD.