Despite what your political slant is, it is commendable when anyone donates to worthy veteran organizations. Three of the 22 veteran related groups slated to receive part of the $6 million raised during his counter-debate event at Drake University in Iowa are service animal related.
The first is K9s For Warriors. The group’s mission is dedicated to “providing service canines to warriors suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post 9/11. Our goal is to empower them to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.”
Second is Partners For Patriots. They obtain, train, and provide service dogs to disabled veterans. Of note, the group mentions they seek to obtain dogs from shelters and rescues when possible to help two lives. Serve dogs provide several vital methods of assistance to returning veterans including support through PTSD trauima, physical assistance opening doors and retrieving items; and to alert others in case of emergency.
From their site: “We rescue dogs from shelters and rescue groups whenever possible so we are changing two lives for the better. The dogs go through medical and temperament test to assure they are sound in body and mind. These dogs are put through training in many situations so they can accompany the Veteran anywhere they have to go whether it is to a doctors appointment or just out to eat with the family.”
Finally, Puppy Jake Foundation was named as a recipient. The Foundation Puppy Jake is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to help wounded military veterans with the assistance of well-bred and professionally trained service dogs. Veterans’ injuries may be invisible such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical mobility impairments. The Foundation advocates for increased awareness and accessibility for those accompanied by a service dog in everyday situations.
Puppy Jake has 32 dogs in various stages of training and has 10 scheduled to be matched with veterans in 2016.
Watch the video from CNN for more details on the Drake University event.
photo credit: K9sForWarriors.org
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