About 18 percent of Americans suffer from some type of anxiety-related mental illness.
For troops coming home from war, that number is even higher. One in three Iraq and Afghanistan veterans struggles with such challenges as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Paws for Heroes, a Veteran Energy Affinity Partner, wants to help. It pairs companion dogs and cats with soldiers dealing with anxiety-related disorders.
The group rescues these emotional support animals from shelters, where many are euthanized if they cannot be placed into homes. Paws for Heroes vaccinates the animals and trains them in basic obedience. Then they’re paired with veterans according to each veteran’s personality and lifestyle.
Once there’s a match, these pets sometimes get additional training. Dogs can be taught how to work around wheelchairs or coached to help with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries.
Studies show such animals have a positive effect on physical and emotional well-being. Dogs, in particular, have been used for years in clinical settings for this very reason.
Blood pressure goes down around these animals. Stress and anxiety diminish, and feel-good hormones like oxytocin get released into the brain.
As full-time companions, these animals become even more effective. Owners often develop deep connections with their pets. And overall health, life span and quality of life increase.
Owners of Paws for Heroes animals are sometimes granted special permissions, too. They differ from animals like service dogs, which help disabled owners with tasks and can go almost anywhere a handler goes. But they can live in a home where dogs and cats are not usually allowed. And they can even fly together on planes with their owners.
Veteran Energy thinks this is a great way to give back to the men and women of this country who put it all on the line. We’re pleased to have Paws for Heroes as one of our partners.
