For veterans struggling to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, trained canine companions can help them better manage stress and better adjust to civilian life. Now, there’s an easy way for supporters to help veterans get service dogs.
The “Dog Bless USA” campaign is rallying Americans to help provide much-needed service dogs — all by just clicking “like” on the Facebook page.
For veterans with PTSD, social interactions and returning to civilian jobs can be difficult. Recovering from the trauma of war, being approached by strangers, especially unexpectedly, can be scary.
Service dogs are trained to watch their owners’ backs, warn them of people coming up to them and physically help them maintain distance from strangers.
These tactics help the veterans feel safer and calmer.
For Paul Gernert, a postal worker in Colorado Springs, Colorado, a service dog named Bertha helps him as he goes about his daily route.
Gernert says, “these dogs are life-changing.”
The campaign is organized by Explore.org and the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
For every 5,000 people who click “like” on the page between May 27 and July 4, one dog will be given to a veteran with PTSD. They hope to reach 500,000 new “likes” on Facebook to meet their goal of providing 100 service dogs to returning veterans.
Supporters can get involved by going to Facebook.com/exploredogs.
Wonderful idea! LIKE this, everyone!
My Dad trained war dogs for WW II & I can understand how our returning soldiers could use these dogs get through life.
A great way to pay it forward to our military hero’s, so deserving of the only the best of the best. What better gift then an unconditional loving heart on 4 legs.
AWESOME that they help veterans with dogs! Horses work too! It really is amazing what an animal can do for people! It works so well they are great companions, buddies, help with things like picking up the paper, or for many many other things to numerous to type here! Thanks for ALL you do for the veterans. MORE organizations should help these people after ALL they gave/give us our FREEDOM every single day! Even to type this info here or to speak our mind! Thanks for listening! ! !