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:
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.
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.
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.
