On Veteran’s Day, we are often reminded to thank a veteran for their service to the country. The animal community is saying a special thank you to veterans now with a special program called Pets for Patriots.
1 in 5 veterans from Iraq or Afghanistan suffers from major depression. Science has begun to recognize what may people who live with pets have known for years: animal-assisted intervention can help people suffering from depression.
The benefits of living with pets aren’t just psychological ones! Just the presence of pets reduces human stress levels and blood pressure.
While the love and acceptance a veteran receives from a pet can make a huge difference to the veteran, the adoption helps animals, too. The Pets for Patriots program adopts from shelters, and it focuses on animals most likely to spend extended time in shelters and possibly not be adopted at all:
- Cats (or dogs), two years or older
- Special needs cats (or dogs) with birth defects, disabilities, or chronic medical conditions, regardless or their age
- Large 40+ lb dogs
Pets for Patriots also helps veterans with keeping their pets when they suffer short-term financial hardship. Instead of sending pets back to shelters, the organization provides aid to keep veterans and their pets together where they belong.
Additionally, the organization educates the military community and the public about the plight of animals surrendered to shelters. They promote adopting shelter pets as the only alternative to buying or breeding.
So a big thank you to veterans everywhere today and also to everyone who makes it possible for cats (and dogs) to make a difference for veterans.
Research and further reading:
Journal for Vascular and Inverventional Neurology, Cat ownership and the Risk of Fatal Cardiovascular Diseases, Results from the Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Study Mortality Follow-up Study
Human-Animal Bond Research Initiative Foundation, Animal-Assisted Intervention for People with Depression
Photo credits:
depoitphotos/stokkete
depositphotos/belchonock
This is SO awesome! These veterans deserve full time therapy pets. Not only did they earn them, they need them.
Summer said it all there. And I wanted to say that this is a wonderful and valuable blog.
Totall feel da same as Miss Summer.
This is so cool program !
Thanks for sharing, It’s really good to know
=^x^=
we hear stories over and over about how pets help veterans heal….we don’t know any personally, but we are glad there are organizations like this helping those that need it most
I agree 100%. Mom often says, “Madi you are the best medicine in the world”!
Hugs madi your bfff
guys….high paws times 984 two all de vetz; ther servizz iz appreciated e menz lee….we haz several in trout townez hiss tree ♥♥♥♥♥
heerz two a pacific albacore kinda week oh end ~~♥♥♥
We love that this program is available and love the heartwarming website.
That is a seriously wonderful program!
What a great program ! That’s a wonderful way to help both veterans and pets in need, it’s a win-win ! Purrs
That is a great service!
That is a wonderful programme.
Pets for Patriots sounds like a wonderful program. Thank you for sharing this. And a big thank you to all of the veterans who have served our country.
What a fantastic program! A total win/win for everyone involved.
What a great program! Thanks for telling us about it.
What a great program!
Have a super weekend…
Noodle and crew
What a super program!
The Florida Furkids
What a great program! It’s time we gave something back to those men and women who served. And, just for the record, TW’s BP has actually risen quite a bit since they adopted me. Heh heh.
We are so grateful for veterans and their service to our country. This is such a wonderful program! I love that they only consider adoption for this and how it’s specifically for servicemen and women. Great post!
We LOVE this program, and are so happy local shelters participate, too!
Thanks for telling us about this…a win/win for vets and pets! XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo