As anxiety around developing COVID variants continues, we can all use some happy news, especially when it’s centered around hope and love. Today, we are thrilled to bring you the joyful update that U.S. Air Force veteran Diana and her service dog, Sam, have recently graduated from our Pups4Patriots program! Congratulations to both Diana and Sam on this momentous occasion!
For many brave members of the Armed Forces, coming home as a civilian is only the beginning of another daunting battle. The debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury can lead to depression, social isolation and, far too often, suicide.
American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program trains carefully selected dogs and pairs them with veterans in need, at no cost to the veteran. These specially trained service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, and provide comfort and restore confidence in affected veterans. There are many obstacles standing in the way of veterans in need of service dogs, however, including long waiting lists and exorbitant costs, reaching upwards of $30,000 per service dog.
Service dogs are invaluable assets to veterans with trauma – saving lives and providing hope for a better future. As we continue to face uncertain times, we are honored to provide veterans in need with the healing power of our furry friends, and we are so excited Diana now has Sam by her side.
Diana noted the following:
I just want to thank all the amazing people working with American Humane and all the donors for bringing Sam into my life. Having a service dog that I have truly bonded with made me come back out into the world. The rough days when I couldn’t get myself up and moving don’t happen anymore with Sam always there to help me through it. I know that there are lots of other veterans out there that would benefit from having a service dog and having a dog placed in a loving home.
To learn more about the program and to apply for your own service dog, visit www.AmericanHumane.org/Pups4Patriots.
