For many veterans, there is another type of battle awaiting them when they return home from a war zone—reintegrating into civilian life. The wounds of war can remain long after the immediate threat of battle is over. Unfortunately, many of these wounds are invisible and are not immediately apparent to a veteran’s friends or family members.

Some veterans begin to experience depression, social isolation, and flashback episodes, which can culminate in a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).

American Humane is committed to employing the healing powers of the human-animal bond to help our nation’s veterans, particularly those struggling with PTS. Specially trained PTS service dogs can serve as a lifeline to affected veterans, helping to alleviate the physical and mental symptoms of PTS that may make adjusting to life back home difficult.

Research shows that specially trained PTS service dogs can ease social reintegration, reduce levels of stress and anxiety, and provide comfort to their human companions. These four-legged heroes have the ability to help veterans live the lives they did before war, which is a crucial component to the healing process.

At a time when veteran suicide rates are at an all-time high, the benefits that service dogs can provide can truly be the difference between life and death.

This Veterans Day, please join our efforts to putting healing leashes into the hands of veterans who so desperately need them. To learn more about our programs that help military heroes, please visit www.americanhumane.org/military.