Friday, May 29, 2015

Purple Hearts for Paws

While touring  Washington, DC,  I felt  there was a voiceless  group that  had not garnered  recognition for its accomplishments.   With Memorial Day approaching and my  discovery of  an organization that helps  retired veterans called Paws for Purple Hearts, I couldn't be in denial about  the  myriad contributions made to humans by canines.
     Paws is for Purple Hearts began in 2006 as a program at Bergen University in their division of Canine Studies in California. This program offers therapeutic intervention for veterans suffering from post dramatic stress disorder known as PTSD and other combat related injuries.  Service dogs are trained by veterans for other veterans which creates a win-win situation for everyone involved, both humans and canines alike!    Specifically bred Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers  undergo a thorough 18 to 24 months service dog training regimen which involves learning over 90 commands.  Service men and women are trained so that they are able to teach the service dogs all the useful commands they need to know.  Upon completion of this program the dogs or given to veterans who have sustained mobility limiting injuries.  For those men and women suffering from PTSD,  training these animals gives them a sense of purpose, increased patience, and a greater opportunity for social interaction which reduces their stress, anxiety, depression and the need for various medications.  For those who receive the service dogs,  these dogs provide forever companionship and a sense of independence.  The service dog  gladly performs daily tasks not easily performed by the veteran. The service dog accompanies the airport everywhere- home, work, doctor visits and vacations.  All tasks previously performed by an attendant or a family member is now performed by the service dog,  reducing the vets dependence on other people.  Both trainers and receivers of service dog experience unconditional love and support provided by the service dogs.  This goes beyond what most human beings can do for one another.
      Dogs have been used in warfare by many civilizations and for various purposes. In more modern times, canines  have been used protect soldiers, send messages, locate bombs and enemy forces, transport supplies and wounded soldiers.  I was horrified to discover that some were deployed with explosives and others were used for experimentation to save human lives! Many millions of canines have lost their short lives in pursuit of their function in war.  Of those that did not perish, some were unable to return to civilian life and were either euthanized or left behind as unneeded equipment.
     Is this how we humans reward dogs who serve alongside soldiers, helping to protect lives?  When I began this blog my goal was to applaud the efforts of canines in war times and not to uncover the abuses they have suffered and the complete indifference to the plight of these four legged heroes afterwards.  Do they not suffer the ills effects of combat as we do?  Are they not entitled to the same respect as our two-legged veterans? Why are they not returned to the United States to receive proper medical and psychological treatment?
     The following is a shamefully  short list of the kind of  support offered  to our canine war heroes in the United States:  (Side-Note:  Nothing officially from our government) 

  1. Petition2Congress is a website which you may sign your name and add a personal note to your elected officials in congress about how you feel about the  abominable treatment received by our military war dogs.  No soldier should be left behind and each one is entitled  health care benefits. 
  2. Senate National Defense Authorization Act involves Senator Charles Shumer of New York who wants to make a provision in this act to guarantee the return of all military dogs to the U.S. with their handlers.  As yet, this proposal is still pending.
  3. Save-A-Vet.Org is a website that welcomes donations.  They save dogs that can not be adopted.  At the present time they need more political support to allow them to use the space in military bases that have been shut down or are being closed.
  4. Dog Center Europe is a clinic headed by Michigan State alumnus Major Kent Vince in Germany which is the first stop for dogs evacuated from combat zones throughout Europe, Africa and Afghaststan.  Major Kent believes when these 4 legged soldiers are injured, we owe it to them to do everything possible to save that dog's life.
  5. K9 Pride offers to send Kevlar vets, equipment, supplies and toys to help our current military working dogs. 
  6. U.S. War Dog Associates Chapter1 allows those interested to fill out an application to adopt a retired military working dog (i.e. MWD).  Upon adoption, you will sign papers that make you responsible financially for all expenses including medical treatments and equipment.  As yet, government support has yet to be approved.
  7. Paws Of War claims to match dogs often left behind from war torn area with military vets suffering from PTSD.
     It is my intention to make those in the United States and elsewhere aware of the selfless contributions that dogs make in our lives. They are more than just an antidote for depression and deserve  our respect and every consideration for all they do in times of war and peace.   Please acknowledge their efforts by writing to your elected officials, donate your time as a volunteer, make financial contributions, adopt a MWD and let their voice be heard through your own.  They deserve do much and they have gotten too little.


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