Service Dogs for Veterans

Memorial Day is a day off work for most people.  Let us not forget it is an actual holiday meant to honor the men and women who died in service to this country.

Regardless of your opinions about the conflicts of the last ten years, there is no denying that men and women have fought hard on behalf of this country.  Some return home in body bags.  Others return with serious physical and mental injuries that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

In recent months, a few news articles have appeared stating a shocking fact.  The Department of Veteran’s Affairs does not provide assistance animals for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  They will only provide assistance animals for veterans who are physically disabled.  While the VA planned to study the impact assistance animals made on veterans with PTSD, the study has been halted. 

Furthermore, the ADA rules were recently tightened so that emotional support animals do not qualify as service animals.  An establishment could legally refuse to allow an assistance animal on the premises unless it helped someone with a physical disability. 

Anecdotal evidence alone shows that veterans suffering from PTSD benefit tremendously from their dogs.  Several organizations are trying to provide veterans with the dogs they need since the government is not going to help.  I have links at the end of this post that provide you with more information about the topic as well as a couple of organizations that assist.

This is a tragedy.  I urge you to contact your Congress person and tell him or her that the VA study should resume as quickly as possible.  They should also reconsider the ADA rules.  Emotional support animals are valuable and should have the same status that is provided to assistance animals for people with physical disabilities. 

Given Congress’ track record, please consider supporting organizations that train service dogs for veterans.  While we are waiting for Congress and the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to do SOMETHING, veterans can get the help they need from private sources.

Have a safe Memorial Day.

Rescue Mommy

Reference links:

http://www.prosthetics.va.gov/index.asp

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/1/prweb10377254.htm

http://www.puppiesbehindbars.com/about.asp

http://www.cnn.com/2012/06/07/us/cnnheroes-cortani-veterans-dogs/index.html

http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/09/us/cnnheroes-ptsd-service-dogs/index.html?iid=article_sidebar