A Peaceful Farewell
  • Home
  • The Decision
  • What to Expect
  • Services & Fees
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Additional Services
  • Pet Loss Support
  • Pet Memorials
  • Testimonials
  • The PAW Blog
  • Home
  • The Decision
  • What to Expect
  • Services & Fees
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Additional Services
  • Pet Loss Support
  • Pet Memorials
  • Testimonials
  • The PAW Blog

War Veterans' Emotional Wounds Heal Better With Service Dogs 

3/21/2014

0 Comments

 
If you have ever petted a dog, ridden a horse, or had a purring cat asleep on your lap, you know the tremendous sense of well-being that accompanies such interactions. You also know what good social catalysts animals can be — try walking a dog around the block without someone wanting to stop and say hello and give her a pat.

To no one's surprise, we are finding that animals work wonders when they are paired with wounded warriors. We have long known the benefits of dogs who help individuals with physical disabilities. But we are now seeing the transformative effects specially trained dogs can have on members of the military with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), or other mental health issues arising from their military experiences. It is also the case that the benefits of these pairings are not a one-way street. There is a strong mutual bond of affection and trust between the military members and their canine partners, and many groups that train them rely on dogs rescued from shelters, thus giving both human and animal a new lease on life.

The need for such dogs is growing and the expense associated with their care and training is substantial. Introduced by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA), H.R. 2847, the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Act of 2013, directs the Secretaries of Defense and Veterans Affairs to establish a program to award competitive grants to organizations that train and place service dogs with members of the military and veterans with certain physical and mental health needs, including PTSD. Among other things, the application for a grant must state "the commitment of the organization to humane standards for the animals." This legislation responds to the growing demand for such service dogs amidst mounting evidence of the tremendous benefits — whether increased mobility and independence or improved social interactions, less panic, and reduced stress — experienced by service members who have been partnered with them.

If you need more evidence in support of the beneficial bond that can develop between war veterans and their service dogs, watch episode one of the PBS documentary Shelter Me (now available on Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, etc.). The program looks at how shelter pets are helping returning war veterans cope with PTSD. One of the veterans says knowing that his dog has had troubles in her past just like he has makes their relationship even stronger. They are true partners in making better lives for each other.

Please contact your U.S. representative and ask that he/she cosponsor H.R. 2847 so that legitimate service dog training programs committed to humane standards will be better able to meet the needs of the many service members and veterans who can benefit from these amazing canine partnerships.

0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    The PAW Blog...
    For the LOVE of Pets
    The goal of this blog is to help educate pet owners by sharing pet health facts and pet news articles...and ... sometimes put a smile on your face with a cute or funny pet story! 

    Categories

    All
    Animal World Records
    Behavior
    Cat FAQ
    Cat Health
    Celebrity Pets
    Cute Pet Pics
    Cute Pet Stories
    Dog Health
    Dogs FAQ
    Dogs - FAQ
    Farm Animals
    Featured Breeds
    Fish And Exotic Pets
    Funny Pet Pictures
    Funny Pet Stuff
    Gift Ideas
    Health Alerts
    Holistic Pet Care
    Lost And Found AZ Pets
    Nutrition
    People & Pets
    Pet Adoption
    Pet Books
    Pet Facts
    Pet Gadgets & Supplies
    Pet Loss
    Pet Names
    Pet News
    Pet Nutrition
    Pet Of The Week
    Pet Poisons FAQ
    Pet Polls
    Pet Recipes
    Pet Rescue
    Pets With Cancer
    Pet Technology
    Pet Training
    Pet Travel
    Pet Trivia
    Pet Videos
    Pocket Pets
    Poisonous Plants
    Quick Tips
    Rainbow Bridge
    Recalls
    Research News
    Upcoming Local Pet Events
    Veterinary FAQ
    Weird Pet Stuff
    Wildlife

    Archives

    September 2019
    August 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    August 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    February 2018
    September 2017
    July 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014

    Search for any topic...

    RSS Feed

Providing compassionate in-home pet euthanasia to fellow pet owners in Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, Scottsdale, and most of the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area
(480) 760-5896
email: apeacefulfarewell@gmail.com
Picture


Proud Member of the American Veterinary Medical Association

Picture


Proud Member of the AZ Pet Professionals