Sit & Stay: 2023 Veterans Day Edition + New Recalls

In this issue:

• 🪖 K9 Programs for U.S. Veterans

• ❓Poll

• 😁 Smile Section

• 🍬 Treats

For most of our nation’s veterans, their battles don’t end. Being a hero comes at a cost, and many struggle with life-changing injuries and/or PTSD. Perhaps unsurprising to our readers, dogs are often the ones that come to the rescue.

Instead of our usual training tips issue, we’d like to take this opportunity to thank our veterans and highlight some amazing organizations that are using dogs to help soldiers transition to—and survive—civilian life.

1. Canine Companions

   Since 1975, this organization has been helping adults and children in need of service dogs. In 2007, they launched the Wounded Veterans Initiative, which provides dogs to assist with everyday tasks for U.S. military veterans. In 2018, they began serving veterans with PTSD, and they do it all free of charge.

   For a limited time, all donations to this organization are being matched up to $65,000. Click here to learn more.

2. Pups4Patriots

   This initiative by the American Humane Society takes eligible shelter dogs and trains them to assist veterans with PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). They are provided at no cost to the veteran, helping pups find a home as well as offering valued veterans a helping paw.

   We’d also like to highlight another military initiative by AHS: Military Dog Team Reunifications. This program works to reunite U.S. military veterans with their retired canine counterparts.

   Learn more about helping the AHS’s military initiatives here.

3. K9s for Veterans

   Based in Illinois, this organization trains rescue dogs to assist military veterans dealing with PTSD. Not only do they provide trained service dogs, but they also pay for the service dog’s food and basic medical care during their lifetime.

   To learn how you can help with this valuable program, click here.

According to a 2021 article by the AVMA, 11-20% of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are diagnosed with PTSD each year. Service dogs are saving veterans’ lives, and thanks to the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act, organizations like the ones listed above, and those who donate, these programs are becoming more widespread and accessible.