For Veterans Day, Buy a Vet a Dog Companion

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In September, K9s for Warriors launched a new initiative that makes a difference in the lives of veterans, and dogs, too.

The new sustainer initiative, the Guard Dog Program, allows the public to contribute $22 or more a month to K9s For Warriors, giving donors an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of veterans.

Some 22 veterans commit suicide each day, according to statistics, and the Guard Dog program was put into effect to help combat this. K9s For Warriors is on a mission to eliminate this ghastly statistic by pairing veterans struggling with PTSD with highly trained service dogs as a form of therapy. The Guard Dog program will sustain K9s For Warriors’ ability to serve those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, said the announcement.

“The unfortunate, staggering fact is, everyday 22 veterans returning from combat take their own lives,” said Rory Diamond, K9s For Warriors executive director, in a statement. “The training K9s For Warriors provides our soldiers with is not only a life-saving gift on Veteran’s Day, but each and every day of the year.”

K9s For Warriors primarily uses rescue dogs in its program, giving a “new leash on life” to both the veterans it serves and the dogs it trains.

The program helps veterans who suffer from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injuries, or military sexual trauma as a result of post-9/11 military service. Warrior-service dog teams complete a 21-day, live-in program in Nocatee, Florida. The curriculum consists of more than 120 training hours and service dog education, at no cost to the veteran.

“One day after beginning the program, I realized I had missed a dose of medication,” said Keith Reinert, a K9s For Warriors graduate, in a statement. “The thing is, I couldn’t even tell because I was so focused on bonding with my service dog, Vulcan. K9s For Warriors really gave me my life back, and I will be forever grateful for that.”

Go here for more information.