American Humane Seeks Veterans in Need of Service Dogs

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane, the country's first national humane organization, is seeking veteran applicants for its Shelter to Service program, which provides military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with specialized service dogs. The dogs, which are rescued from animal shelters across the country, undergo extensive training before they are paired with a veteran in need, at no cost to the recipient.

The Shelter to Service program harnesses the healing powers of the human-animal bond to help our nation's veterans, many of whom struggle with invisible wounds of war after returning home as civilians. PTS and TBI can cause debilitating symptoms in affected veterans, leading to depression, social isolation, and, far too often, suicide. Vast anecdotal evidence and a growing body of scientific research show that specialized PTS and TBI service dogs can offer life-changing—and often lifesaving—support to affected veterans.

Veterans with a Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury diagnosis related to his or her military service are eligible for the Shelter to Service program, and are encouraged to complete an application online at AmericanHumane.org/STS-Application. 

"Specially trained service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort, and restore confidence in affected veterans," said President and CEO of American Humane, Dr. Robin Ganzert. "We're honored to help save more lives on both ends of leash, and we encourage any veteran in need of a service dog to apply to the Shelter to Service program."

To apply to the Shelter to Service program, please visit AmericanHumane.org/STS-Application. The deadline for applications is January 15, 2018.

About American Humane
American Humane is the country's first national humane organization, founded in 1877. Today, through its Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs, the organization works to help active-duty members of the military, military families, and military animals. For more information, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org.

SOURCE American Humane

Related Links

http://www.americanhumane.org