American Humane has been first to serve with the U.S. military for more than a century. We provide meaningful support to our Armed Forces with two key areas of focus: first, providing lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury; second, protecting America’s courageous military dogs and recognizing their heroic contributions to our country – both on and off the battlefield. It is because of our generous donors that we are able to provide care for our military heroes, and today, we thank Home Care Angels, a medical home service agency, for their $10,000 gift to our Military program.
For some veterans, coming home as a civilian is only the beginning of another daunting battle. The invisible wounds of war, including PTS and TBI, can cause debilitating symptoms in veterans, leading to depression, social isolation, and, far too often, suicide. Through our Pups4Patriots™ program, we harness the healing powers of the human-animal bond to save lives. We train dogs in search of forever homes to be specialized service dogs and pair them with veterans in need, at no cost to the veteran. In 2021 alone, we graduated 18 teams from this program. That is 18 veterans who found a new best friend, and who’s lives were changed for the better.
We also support our brave military dogs. The bond that military working dogs have with their military handlers is like nothing you can imagine. They must protect each other, trust each other and depend on one another to survive dangerous situations while serving our country. Unfortunately, these courageous K-9s usually become separated from their human counterparts, who cared for and fought alongside them on the battlefield. We work to bring retired military dogs back home to the United States to be reunited them with their former handlers. In this way, we can make sure that the K-9 veterans who served our country receive the hero’s welcome, dignified retirement, and loving, forever home they so richly deserve. In 2021, we brought home seven military working dogs.
Our military program honors both human and K-9 veterans, helping to improve and save lives. We are so grateful to the gift from Home Care Angels that will help us continue this lifesaving work in 2022 and beyond. Thank you.
