For many of our nation’s brave veterans, coming home is only the beginning of another daunting battle. The invisible wounds of war, including Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, can cause debilitating symptoms in veterans, leading to depression, social isolation and, far too often, suicide. American Humane is devoted to harnessing the healing powers of the human-animal bond to help veterans today and every day.
Research shows that specially trained service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort and restore confidence in affected veterans. However, there are many obstacles standing in the way of veterans in need of service dogs including long waiting lists and exorbitant costs, reaching upwards of $30,000 per service dog.
To help, American Humane’s Pups4Patriots™ program pairs dogs in search of forever homes with veterans in need. The two are trained together at no cost to the veteran. Today, on Veteran’s Day, we are thrilled to congratulate two new graduates from our program – Bobby and his service dog, Chance, and Jordan and his service dog, Zeke!
Bobby served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2005 to 2021. During his service, he was deployed three times to Iraq and Afghanistan and retired as a Second Lieutenant. He lives in Missouri and is paired with Chance, a male Labrador Retriever.
Bobby said, “Chance is my dude. While battling through some serious physical and mental health issues, we found each other. Working everyday with him has given me a positive outlet and a best friend. It wasn’t just training him, it was training me. I take him everywhere and we do everything together. He has now flown with me eight times and we have gone to six states together. I am so thankful to all those that helped with this journey and made it possible. Thank you!!!”
Jordan served as a corpsman in the U.S. Navy from 2012 to 2018. He lives in Florida and is paired with Zeke, a male Standard Poodle. The training of Zeke was sponsored by Coleman.
Jordan noted, “Zeke helps me do everyday tasks, picks things up for me, and makes my life 1000% better. Thank you, American Humane, from the bottom of my heart for helping train Zeke and make us a better bonded team!”
Service Dogs, including Chance and Zeke, help mitigate symptoms associated with trauma and empower veterans to live healthy, happy lives. We are honored we could help Bobby and Jordan find their new best buddy.
American Humane is committed to putting healing leashes into the hands of more veterans in need. Today and every day, we honor all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and thank you for your heroic contributions to our country – both on and off the battlefield.