In addition to their efforts to support retired military working dogs, Paws of War is also celebrating a milestone in their support for animals in need. The US War Dogs Association, a nonprofit organization, has successfully implemented a new program that covers the cost of emergency treatments for retired military working dogs. Through their Emergency Care program, the organization has already provided $50,000 worth of treatments, relieving the financial burden from handlers and families [0995b5da].
The US War Dogs Association also offers an Rx program that covers the cost of medications for over 1,100 retired military working dogs each month. This program ensures that these loyal and dedicated animals receive the necessary medications without placing a financial strain on their families [0995b5da].
Chris Willingham, the president of the US War Dogs Association, expressed the importance of the organization's support for the families of retired military working dogs, stating that their assistance is often priceless. The US War Dogs Association relies on the generosity of donors to continue their vital work in supporting these retired heroes [0995b5da].
In a recent study funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in JAMA Network Open, it was found that specially trained service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in U.S. military veterans. The study compared 81 veterans who received service dogs with 75 veterans on the waiting list for a trained dog. After three months, PTSD symptoms improved in both groups, but the veterans with dogs saw a bigger improvement on average than the veterans on the waiting list. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides talk therapy and medications to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and runs a pilot program involving service dogs. The study highlights the potential benefits of service dogs as a complementary therapy for veterans with PTSD [34c86db1].
The 'Wounded Warrior Project' is using art therapy, music, and cooking programs to help veterans cope with PTSD. The American charity and veterans service organization aims to unlock new ways of healing through creativity. FOX's Tonya J. Powers speaks with Sal Gonzalez, a veteran and country singer, and Dr. Erin Fletcher, Director of the Wounded Warrior Network, about the benefits of different forms of art in PTSD treatment [b728da05].
Meanwhile, in Denver, the nonprofit Peace, Love and Paws is facing the risk of shutting down its free vet clinic due to a location issue. The clinic, which is currently located inside St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, provides free veterinary services for people experiencing homelessness and living below the poverty line. However, the church will begin using the space for other programs in August, leaving the clinic without a location. The last day for the clinic is set for July 11, and the nonprofit has not yet found a new location. Dr. Carolyn Karrh, the executive director, is actively searching for a permanent or temporary location to continue running the monthly clinics [baac7b1f].