On Veterans Day, we honor the bravery of those who have served our country and recognize the invisible wounds that many veterans carry after service. At American Humane Society, we are committed to offering hope for heroes on both ends of the leash by pairing service dogs with veterans and reuniting America’s retiring military working dogs with their former handlers.
The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Bond
Studies continue to show that service dogs can make a profound difference in the lives of veterans. They help reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort and restore confidence in affected veterans and first responders. However, veterans can face significant barriers to acquiring these service dogs due to high costs and long waiting lists.
Through our Pups4Patriots™ program, we break down these barriers by providing specially trained service dogs at no cost to veterans and retired first responders with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI). Each pairing is made through a careful process that ensures the veterans and dogs are ready to take on the journey together. The results speak for themselves; every match tells a story of renewed purpose, comfort, and connection.
Andrew + Apollo
Major Andrew was a transportation officer and served in the United States Army for 26 years, including overseas deployments to Iraq and Kuwait.
“Before Apollo, I was relying on my wife or son to come out to places with me, but having a dog provides much more freedom.”
“The Pups4Patriots program and Apollo have truly saved my life.”
Rose + Tiny Tim
Rose served in the U.S. Army for 20 years including two deployments to Iraq. She lives in Florida and was paired with Tiny Tim, a male Labrador Retriever.
“My story is familiar to most war veterans. Days are filled with defeat, misery, loneliness, depression, no worth, no sleep, nightmares, and a complete loss of purpose.”
“My last attempt to find some type of stability was reaching out to my fellow wounded warriors. They led me to the Pups4Patriots program, and I was offered an opportunity to welcome Tiny Tim into my world.”
“Tiny reminds me every day that I am enough, and I belong right here with him. My life has purpose again because of Tiny, my service dog. Never in a million years could I have known a hug of paws would save my life.”
Denise + Dom
Denise is a U.S. Army veteran who served from 1992 – 2010. During her service, she served as an intelligence analyst and was deployed to Iraq. She lives in North Carolina and was paired with Dom, a Labrador Retriever.
“Dom is my everything. When I start to feel anxious, it’s like he feels it too. He comes and lies across my feet and just that little gesture from him starts to make me feel better. I rub/pet him and before I know it, the anxiety goes away”.
“His love for me is unconditional, which means a lot to me. I would give up my life to protect him from anything bad….that’s how much I love and care for him.”
Honoring the Service of Military Working Dogs
Military working dogs (MWDs) serve bravely alongside our troops, often forming deep, unbreakable bonds with their handlers. When an MWD retires, their handler is often eager to bring them home to give them the peaceful retirement they deserve.
Unfortunately, reunification tends to be a difficult process due to high costs and the logistics of transportation. That’s where American Humane Society steps in, escorting the dog from their military base to their forever home, covering the transportation expenses as well as veterinary costs for the rest of the dog’s life.
Reuniting MWDs with their handlers is a powerful act of healing and respect. These reunions honor a relationship forged in service and sacrifice.
Supporting Our Heroes on Capitol Hill
For years, military working dogs were classified as “equipment,” often left overseas or disposed of after their service. But thanks to American Humane Society’s advocacy, Congress now requires that these loyal canine heroes be brought back to U.S. soil upon retirement, with their handlers and families given the first opportunity to adopt them.
Today, we are advocating for legislation that expands access to service dog support to veterans. One big step in the right direction is the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, which would expand funding and support for reputable service dog programs. If passed, the SAVES Act would open the door for more veterans to have access to life-saving service dogs.
Veterans Day is more than a date; it’s a call to action. It’s a moment to honor not only the courage of those who served, but also the healing journeys they continue after returning home. Through our Pups4Patriots and Military Working Dog Reunification programs, we see the power of the human-animal bond in action.
On this Veteran’s Day, American Humane Society would like to thank every veteran and retired MWD for their service. Learn more about our life-changing programs for veterans and military working dogs at www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/care-for-our-heroes.
