War Vets Heal With the Help of Shelter Dogs

As the holiday season approaches, finding the perfect gift for friends and family can become a chore. Most all of us have plenty of "stuff", this year give something meaningful, make a major difference in the life of a veteran suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. A gift of unconditional love, companionship, life, the gift of a companion dog. You will also be saving the life of a dog close to seeing their final days at an animal shelter for no reason other than they ended up in a crowded shelter.

Starting November 23rd and ending December 31st, Global Giving donors can make a donation to this project as a gift to friends and family? GlobalGiving will send the gift recipient an email, print-at-home, or physical tribute card.
This holiday season, they’re giving away $10,000 in bonus awards to the top 15 projects with the most donors who make donations as gifts.

Please let people know how much you care, give them a gift that will let them know they're making a difference.

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catchers mitt on both hands.  You need to be able to throw something back."  - Maya Angelou

Happy Holidays!

Cathy King

Links:

• Canines With a Cause Website

Just weeks after bringing home his dog, Brandon Allen, an Iraq war veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), was able to cut in half his dose of anxiety and sleep medications. The terrible dreams at night and suicidal thoughts that filled his brain ended, he finally felt safe and at peace with himself. 

This is a story we often hear, vets who can finally go back into a grocery store for the first time in years, ride the bus and start working on a new life. The dogs that give them this gift are not just pets; they are lifesaving emotional support animals trained to help their people leave the battlefield behind.

Up to 31% of soldiers returning from combat in Iraq and Afghanistan experience depression or PTSD that can affect their jobs, relationships and daily lives according to a new study by Army researchers. For as many as 14% of these veterans, the depression or PTSD causes major problems in their daily lives including alcohol abuse and aggressive behavior.

Canines With a Cause will continue to expand our programs for veterans and their families, we will continue to rescue healthy, adoptable dogs from death row in shelters and train them for their new homes, we will also continue to be grateful for your ongoing financial support to continue our important work.

We ask that you take the time on Veterans Day to thank any veterans you know and maybe even some you don't. Make a phone call, send an email, stop someone in uniform on the street and let them know how much you appreciate the sacrifice they have made for our country.

Thank You,

Cathy King

As I walked the shelter looking at dogs for the "Canines With a Cause" program, I noticed a medium sized white dog who did not take his eyes off of me. He was smiling and wagging his tail, asking me to come over and say "hello".

Knowing this shelter kills over 18,000 companion animals per year, this is a very difficult task, making a choice on who will live or die is not an easy one. I knew this guy had to come with me. We had very little room left at the facility for big dogs, we just had to make this work somehow. He went into boarding for a few weeks, was neutered and vaccinated. He arrived at the facility dirty, stinky and happy as ever.

We had a veteran looking for a new service dog, his dog had recently passed away and he was ready for a new companion. Dennis had lost a leg from the knee down in Vietnam, he was a dog trainer in the army and had quite a bit of experience training dogs, a star student! Dennis asked to see the new dog I had spoke to him about, the young one with the big smile. We knew little about him with the exception of his amazing temperament.

The dog showed no fear of the wheelchair or Dennis, he kissed and leaned up against him. He was very attentive in class and did well for his first day. We knew it was a match! Ranger is now living with Dennis who welcomed him home with the much needed bath. They will begin formal training this Thursday and we're sure they will achieve service dog status in no time. 

This is just one of many stories made possible by your contributions. The medical expenses to get these dogs ready their new homes is high, as are the ongoing issues we assist the veterans with for their important companions. On October 19, GlobalGiving.org is matching at 30% all online donations up to $1,000 per donor per project!  There is $100,000 available in matching funds starting at 12:01 am EDT. They will match until 11:59pm EDT or until matching funds run out.  This is a great way for you to help us continue our "Happy Tails" and grow your generous donations. 

Thank you for your ongoing support, from Dennis, Ranger and all of those who have a better quality of life (two and four legged) because of you.

Best Wishes,

Cathy King