This Memorial Day Weekend due to the restrictions on gatherings many of the traditional ways we honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country cannot be observed. However there is a way to honor their memory by helping those who served and may continue to be fighting their own personal battle. Every day 22 Veterans take their own lives in the United States. These Veterans served our country and then came home to face the even greater challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and related challenges that can leave them debilitated, sleepless, and unable to cope. A specially trained PTSD service dog can help save a Veteran’s life by neutralizing negative emotions and providing a sense of security. The following nonprofit organizations work to pair Veterans with companion or service dogs, and would greatly appreciate your support during this difficult economic time.
Chris’ Pets for Vets is a program of Annie’s Angels Memorial Fund, created to help raise awareness about PTSD, while honoring the memory of Christopher Journeau, who served with the US Army, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team while fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. The love of a companion animal can make a tremendous difference in the life of a Veteran, especially one who is suffering from PTSD. Chris’ Pets for Vets will sponsor part or all of the adoption cost to provide companion pets to current Military and Veterans at no charge to the family, by paying 100% of the adoption fee.
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. Working with experienced trainers and positive-reinforcement methods, Operation Delta Dog rescues homeless dogs from shelters and breed-rescue groups, and trains them to work as service dogs with local Veterans. Veterans can participate in training without leaving their jobs or families and find relief from the debilitating symptoms of PTSD, TBI, and MST. 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.
