Dogs play a vital role in helping our veterans recover from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)…
America’s true heroes have endured too much just to protect our country. It has even caused the decline of their mental health.
- According to National Veteran Suicide Prevention, nearly 90,000 veterans committed suicide from 2005 to 2018
- National Center for PTSD reported that around 11-20% of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffered from PTSD
This urged the director of Legislative Affairs Bill McCabe to address this issue. He said in a press release, “Veterans suffering from invisible wounds of war… are now one step closer to seek this unique and scientifically proven treatment.”
This year, a new law was created that provides service dogs for veteran soldiers with PTSD… to aid with their rehabilitation process.
The law is named, The Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act (PAWS). Its goal is to help veterans suffering from PTSD who have returned from war.
Dogs can provide a sense of security and companionship that many veterans with PTSD need. These furry creatures can provide support… and also be helpful in their rehabilitation process.
Rep. Elissa Slotkin believes that dogs can help our veterans enjoy living their lives again. She said, “I’ve had the chance to visit with veterans and their service dogs in my district. It couldn’t be clearer how service dogs make life better for our veterans. From waking them, from PTSD-related nightmares, helping them open doors… or finding an exit in a crowded space. It can be transformational.”
Executive director of Blue Star Service Dogs Christine Myran also thinks that the law can give back to America’s heroes. She said, “The research is detailed on the range of details a service dog can provide for veterans experiencing those kinds of symptoms.”
Then she added, “Providing support to our veterans is essential for helping with their transition back to civilian life. This law will make a real difference for those making that journey.”
Sponsors of the PAWS also believe that this law could help reduce veteran suicides. Our heroes deserve this after all their sacrifices for America!
Republican Senator Kevin Cramer, one of the law’s cosponsors, showed his support for this advocacy. He said, “Many veterans with mobility impairments have had their lives changed… in some cases, saved… by service dogs. Our bill would expand this treatment by launching a pilot program… to make veterans with mental health issues such as depression eligible to receive service dogs.”
Today, veterans with PTSD can now enjoy service dogs provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Defense.
These dogs will provide our brave veterans a sense of security and purpose… helping them heal mentally and physically.
