Bill Creates Therapy Dog Program for Veterans

Politics, politics, politics! It seems that just about every time I turn on the TV or radio, I am totally inundated with political "doublespeak" that drives me up the wall, grating on my ears like chalk squeaking on a blackboard. Sometimes enough is enough! That's why I much prefer going online to catch up on any breaking news, at my leisure, where I can easily pick and choose items that catch my fancy.

And while a recent article I ran across on Michael Markarian’s fascinating blog, “Animals and Politics” obviously delves into a world I often want to scream about, I felt that his featured article about a bi-partisan bill recently passed in Congress concerning veterans and their pets was definitely  well worth sharing with our readers. I feel strongly that it’s about time a bill of this magnitude was finally passed.

H.R.2074, a package of veteran's health care legislation, was unanimously passed by the House October 10. Included in the final bill was the Veteran's Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R.198), which was introduced by N.Y. Rep. Michael Grimm, -R. This bill will greatly facilitate the pairing of vets with pets and is exemplary for both soldiers and canines.

What this writer considers an exciting pilot program for training dogs was created by this legislation. These dogs will ultimately provide therapy to assist veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues from post-deployment. After training, these program dogs, who come from shelters, will then become service dogs to help disabled veterans.

Animal lovers have experienced the powerful and healing bonds that are formed between people and their pets. Simply put, pets enhance our lives in so many ways. Studies have shown animals lower our blood pressure, elevate our emotions, and become our best friends. Caring for them can enhance our feeling of self-worth and lessen isolation and loneliness.

So you can imagine how greatly service dogs can contribute to the lives of wounded soldiers. These dogs can lessen depression and stress veterans often experience upon re-entering society. They can alert veterans when it's time to take medication, use “scent” to ward off panic attacks, awaken them from frightening nightmares and reduce their rate of suicide, thereby reducing the number of hospitalizations and lower the cost of human care and medications. But most of all they are a close and trusted friend to these “wounded warriors."

In a press release, Marine combat veteran from Operation Desert Storm Rep. Grimm said, "As a veteran and an American, I am thrilled that this legislation passed the House, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass it without delay, so that it can be signed into law and allow us to begin providing assistance to our returning veterans."

With the bill now in the hands of the Senate, it is crucial they take positive action. We can help by contacting our Senators to take action. Not only do the courageous men and women who have served our country deserve this opportunity, but it also gives dogs who have been surrendered to shelters a second chance for a meaningful life.

What are your opinions about the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act? Share them in a comment.