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Finding Solace In Chickens: One Veteran’s Fight To Save His Flock and Mental Health

By Stephen Starr· The War Horse ·Thursday, January 29, 2026 ·1 min read

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Finding Solace In Chickens: One Veteran’s Fight To Save His Flock and Mental Health

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Todd Combs holds one of his pet chickens Sunday, July 13, 2025, in the backyard of his Kenosha Road home in Kettering. JEN BALDUF/STAFF "...

Our analysis

Todd Combs' experience with chickens as a means to cope with depression, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts highlights the importance of alternative forms of therapy for veterans. The fact that Combs found solace in chickens, rather than traditional pets like cats or dogs, due to his family's allergy issues, demonstrates the need for flexibility in addressing mental health needs. This approach can be particularly relevant for veterans who may face unique challenges in accessing traditional forms of therapy or support. As the Veterans Crisis Line, accessible by calling 988 then Press 1, or texting 838255, provides critical support for veterans in crisis, stories like Combs' underscore the value of innovative and personalized approaches to mental health care. By exploring unconventional forms of therapy, such as animal-assisted therapy, veterans and their families may find new paths to healing and recovery.

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