This Memorial Day Weekend as we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, please also remember those who have served but may continue to fight their own personal battle.  The following organizations work to pair Veterans with companion or service dogs, and would greatly appreciate your support.

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,  Chris’ Pets for Vets pays 100% of the adoption fee.  Chris’ Pets for Vets was created in honor of Christopher Journeau for PTSD awareness.  Chris served with the US Army, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team while fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom.  At the age of 23 and six months after his return home to Stratham, NH, he took his own life.  The end result was he had been suffering from PTSD and nobody knew it until it was too late.

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 will pair Veterans with a service dog that will walk the path of healing beside them at no cost to the Veteran.

Operation Delta Dog is a nonprofit with a mission to rescue homeless dogs and train them to be assistance dogs for Veterans who are suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and related challenges.  They are based out of Chelmsford, MA and have a training facility in Hollis, NH.  Dogs get the home they need, and veterans get the help they deserve!

Portland Maine’s chapter of Pets for Vets 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.  Bringing together man’s best friend and returning Soldiers; showing them both that we have not forgotten. It’s a win, win for both.