Why Shelter Dogs are Good for Veterans

Why Shelter Dogs are Good for Veterans

The general health benefits of spending time with dogs, has been well documented through scientific research. Canine companions can lower our blood pressure and stress levels as well as assist with pain management. They decrease feelings of social isolation and depression as well as offer the motivation many need to stay more active.

As Military-Civilian recently reported, Service Dogs have been improving the quality of life for many vets returning to civilian life with PTSD. These dogs help to break through social barriers, offer unconditional love, and foster feelings of safety for their veteran companions.

Beyond improving physical and mental health, shelter dogs in particular offer several benefits for veterans returning to civilian life:

 

Sense of Purpose
Our canine friends are social animals. Like humans, social isolation is painful and traumatic for them to endure. Dogs waiting for a second chance at shelters across the nation are hungry for attention and companionship. Volunteering to take them for a walk or play some fetch is a low commitment way for veterans to enjoy a sense of purpose by providing a vital support structure for these abandoned dogs.

 

Second Chances

It is not a coincidence that so many returning veterans find a special bond with shelter dogs. Many vets find a kinship with canines who, like them, are looking for a second chance to thrive in life. When veterans adopt or foster shelter dogs, they can experience giving the love, support and guidance that enables those dogs that may have experienced neglect and abuse to “fit” in a world that has been a traumatic place.

Being patient with second chance dogs can remind returning vets to be patient with themselves as they take on the sometimes difficult transition back to civilian life.

 

In the Moment

Dogs live in the present. Veterans struggling with anxiety or depression can get fixated on memories or worries that are a distraction from the joy available to us in each moment. Dogs offer a chance to focus on something safe and enjoyable, right now. They can give vets an easy way to access fun and joy, critical for creating balanced perspective that includes gratitude for the simple pleasures in life.

 

Organizations Devoted to Pairing Vets and Shelter Dogs

The impact of shelter dogs on the lives of veterans has been so profound that several organizations offer programs to help vets find the right dog for their lifestyle and needs. Here are just a few:

Pets for Vets

This organization has nearly 30 local chapters across the nation to help pair veterans with shelter dogs in their area. They use a detailed application process to get a good picture of the lifestyle, needs and desires of applicants in order to find a strong match.

Dogs undergo in home training with a professional trainer before being placed in their new homes as Companion Animals. The special needs of each individual vet are taken into account when designing a training program for each dog. The costs of adoption fees, initial vaccines and spay/neuter procedures are covered thanks to donations from sponsors.

Pets for Patriots 

There are three factors that make this organization unique:

·       They focus on placing the most overlooked shelter animals who are at a high risk for euthanasia due to breed, age or special needs.

·       They provide generous financial support with food and veterinary care to make pet ownership more affordable for veterans.

·        They work with all vets, including those on active duty and those that served as far back as WWII.

K9s for Warriors 

The focus of this organization is to train rescued shelter dogs to be full-fledged Service Animals for vets with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or those who experienced sexual trauma during their military service.

Not only is this organization run by vets, they include each veteran applicant in the process of training their own Service Animals. The extensive program is designed to get vets actively engaged in their own recovery. In addition, helping to train their own service animal fosters a tremendous bond with these second chance canines.

Due to an extensive wait list, the focus of K9s for Warriors is on post 9/11 veterans.

 

Volunteering and Fostering

Veterans that are not ready for the commitment of full time dog ownership can still reap the benefits that shelter dogs offer. All of the programs mentioned above offer volunteer opportunities for vets that want to learn more about dog training or just want to spend some time with rescued dogs. In fact, most shelters also make room for volunteers to help provide the dogs in their care with much needed socialization.

Another excellent opportunity to get a dog in your life is to consider fostering a second chance dog to give them a temporary safe home while they wait for their forever family. Fostering is a great way to learn if having a dog fits your lifestyle as well as getting to know more about the canine personality that is the best fit for your needs. Many shelters and local foster groups offer services such as pet sitting and financial assistance for foster parents.

 

Author Bio:

Mathew has worked with dogs for just under a decade and is the founder of wileypup.com, a dog lover’s website that provides great tips and advice for paw parents everywhere.