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Veterans Day is approaching, and one way we can honor our veterans is by supporting them post-service. Research shows that veterans experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD can gain a new lease on life through the help of specially trained service dogs. Joining us are two experts Dr. Ruthann Lobos, Purina Veterinarian and Nicole Lanahan, Executive director for Got Your Six Support Dogs. They are teaming up with Purina Dog Chow to discuss the Dog Chow Service Dog Salute Program that’s raising awareness of the need for service dogs for veterans.
Did you know that every day, roughly 20 Military Veterans will take their own life in part, due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? Which means that Veterans are 14 times more likely to die from suicide here at home than in combat. “PTSD service dogs have been proven to reduce suicidal ideations and PTSD symptom severity in Military Veterans” says Dr. Lobos. “These life-saving dogs play an important role in reducing the stress and anxiety experienced by military veterans” says Lanahan. Lanahan continues “research shows that veterans with service dogs display significantly better mental health & function.”
Research also shows that service dogs can reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms and suicidal behaviors, but only 1% of veterans who seek a service dog will receive one each year. “It takes about a 1- 2 years to train a service dog and about $25,000” says Lanahan.
Additionally, the need for these highly trained dogs greatly outpaces what our country’s non-profit training organizations are currently able to supply. Dog Chow is on a mission to change that with its Service Dog Salute Program. Dog Chow and The Service Dog Salute program are committed to supporting the care and training of more service dogs for veterans — so that every military hero in need can find a canine hero of their own. Purina Dog Chow also given near 1.4 million dollars to non-profit programs like Got Your Six Support Dogs – an organization that trains service dogs.
The Service Dog Salute Program will help you learn about the effects of PTSD and its’ impact, as well as introduce you to a NEW short film that won the ‘SERVICE DOG SALUTE’ category at the NY Dog Film Festival. “The films in the category highlight heartwarming stories of PTSD service dogs and the veterans they serve” says Dr. Lobos . Dr. Lobos adds “as we approach Veterans Day, Dog Chow will donate $5 for every view of the winning film at youtube.com/DogChow, up to $75,000, to the Association of Service Dog Providers to help train more PTSD service dogs.” “Let’s help our pets to live longer and get the care they need so they can continue to help protect, assist and serve the veterans experiencing PTSD.” For more information visit www.DogChow.com/service.
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