This Veterans Day, November 11, 2017, thank our service men and women by supporting these Dogs for Veterans programs.  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects one in five combat veterans and not only contributes to more than 22 suicides per day in this population, but prevents many of them from leading successful civilian lives.  Medical studies show that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety.  At the same time, local animal shelters are filled with pets.  By pairing a homeless pet with a veteran these nonprofit organizations not only save the life of an animal, but may also save the recipient’s as well.  The following programs raise money to pair veterans with companion animals.  But they need your support!

5th Annual Walk & Wag for Veterans

Taking place at Great Brook Farm State Park (984 Lowell Street, Carlisle, MA) on November 11, 2017, the 5th Annual Walk & Wag for Veterans is fun filled day of music, food, family friendly events, silent auction and raffles, culminating in a tail wagging trail walk.  All proceeds will benefit Operation Delta Dog, a nonprofit organization with a mission to rescue shelter dogs and train them to work as service dogs for disabled veterans who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  The dogs get the homes they need, and the veterans get the help they deserve!  The event is FREE, and walkers are asked to make a donation to help make a difference in the lives of veterans.  To register and learn more, please visit wagandwalkforveterans.org. 

Veterans Day Concert for Pets for Vets Portland Maine 

Also on November 11, 207 there will be a benefit concert for Pets for Vets Portland Maine.  Hosted by Geno’s Rock Club (625 Congress Street, Portland, ME) the music begins at 9:00 PM with Portland’s own country/rock garage band Riverton Diesel, the Maine power trio Battery Steele, and the heavy rock/avant-garde music of Retro Grave.  Admission is just $7.00 with all proceeds to benefit Portland Maine’s chapter of Pets of Vets.  The Pets for Vets program is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal.  Sorry dogs, you’ll have to sit out this concert.   It for Humans age 21+ only.  For more information about this event and their important work helping veterans, visit Pets for Vets Portland Maine.

Additional Ways to Thank Veterans with a Tail Wag 

Chris’ Pets for Vets is a program of Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund that partners with local animal rescue shelters to provide companion pets to current military and veterans at no charge to the family.  Working with the Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH and the Salem Animal Rescue League in Salem, NH, Chris’ Pets for Vets pays 100% of the adoption fee.  Companion animals can make a tremendous difference in the life of a veteran, especially one who is suffering from PTSD.  Chris’ Pets for Vets was created in honor of Christopher Journeau for PTSD awareness.  Chris’ Pets for Vets works with local animal shelters to pair veterans with a free pet, so they can more easily deal with PTSD, helping to heal the deep emotional scars, and possibly save their lives.  To learn more and to make a donation, visit Chris’ Pets for Vets.

Based in Portland, Maine, K9s on the Front Line supplies fully trained PTSD service dogs at no cost to veterans.  Their team of experts work with veterans to pair them with an appropriate service dog, whether it is evaluating and training the person’s pet, or finding and identifying the best possible match for that individual’s needs.  Through an extensive training program with experienced police K9 handlers, K9s on the Front Line pairs veterans with a service dog that will walk the path of healing beside them at no cost to the veteran.  To learn more and to make a donation, please visit K9sonthefrontline.org.