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10 Best Dog Breeds for Veterans with PTSD

For veterans coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the companionship of a dog can be a crucial element of their support system. The right dog breed can provide comfort, a sense of security, and emotional support, helping to ease the symptoms of PTSD. Certain species, known for their calm demeanor, empathy, and trainability, are particularly well-suited to assist veterans in managing the challenges of PTSD. Here are 10 dog breeds that are excellent for veterans with PTSD. 1. Labrador Retriever … Read more

Former Marine Travels Cross-Country On Horseback To Help Veterans And Shelter Dogs

If you see a man, horse, and dog going on an adventure across the United States, it’s likely Matt Perella and his two furry friends. Perella is a former U.S. Marine who’s continuing to save lives in a unique way. His horse named Buck and his dog named Raffe are the perfect companions for his journey. The “Three Amigos” are walking over 4,000 miles together as a way to raise money to help veterans with PTSD, dogs in high-kill shelters, … Read more

US Department Of Veteran Affairs Will Pay For Service Dogs For Veterans With PTSD

For the first time in American history, the US Department of Veteran Affairs will pay for service dogs for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The PAWS ACT, or “Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers for Veterans Therapy Act,” will authorize the VA to create a pilot program on dog training therapy. It will provide dog training skills and service dogs to veterans with mental illnesses beginning January 1, 2022. The act was signed into law on August 25 — and … Read more

Retired Racing Dog Supports Veterans Throughout The Pandemic & Beyond

Lou Lewis is an expert on two things: dogs and military service. As a retiree of the US Army and dog mom to five greyhounds, she decided to combine her knowledge and give back to veterans in need. Lewis and 9-year-old Petey are a popular pair among the veterans of Nashville, Tennessee. When the Covid-19 pandemic put a halt to their in-person visits, the duo went virtual to ensure Petey could still see his pals. They hope to return to … Read more

Flight Attendant Helps Reunite Veterans With Their Retired Service Dogs

When dogs who serve in the armed forces complete their military service, they’re often given up for adoption. Sometimes the soldiers they worked with and grew close to are given first priority, but it’s not quite that simple. Bringing a dog back to their handlers overseas costs thousands of dollars. Luckily, there’s Molli Oliver. Oliver works as a flight attendant for United Air, but her real passion is reuniting these brave dogs with their partners. She’s already brought four dogs … Read more

Congress May Help More Veterans With PTSD Get Service Dogs

We’ve all seen videos of ecstatic, crying pups welcoming their service-member-humans back home. And it’s okay; we get a little teary-eyed too. So it seems obvious that our wounded and disabled veterans should naturally have unparalleled access to medical and therapeutic treatment. Sadly, that isn’t always the case, particularly when it comes to service and support animals. The PAWS Act But a bill currently in the Senate called Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers, or PAWS, would make access to K-9 therapeutic … Read more

Marine Trains Rescue Dogs To Support All Veterans

It can be pricey for veterans to find the perfect service dog, and even then, that dog isn’t always what they expect. Marine veteran B.J. Ganem from Wisconsin saw far too many downsides to service dogs for veterans. But he knew he could make a change for the better. So, he founded Sierra Delta. Instead of charging veterans thousands of dollars for a specially bred service dog, Sierra Delta lets them choose a rescue dog. The organization will train that … Read more

Study Finds Walking Shelter Dogs Improves PTSD Symptoms In Veterans

We all know that dogs can improve our mood, offer companionship, and show us love when we need it most. What I’m about to say next probably shouldn’t come as any surprise to you. A recent study found that spending time with shelter dogs can significantly improve PTSD symptoms in military veterans. Who doesn’t love dogs or veterans? They’re a match made in Heaven! 21 Million Veterans and Nearly 4 Million Shelter Dogs Could Benefit Specifically, the study found that … Read more

House Passes Bill To Give PTSD Service Dogs To Veterans

For years, the community has worked hard to raise money to help veterans get service dogs. The cost of a service dog is expensive, so many people in need cannot afford to have one by their side. Currently, Veterans Affairs supports veterans that need a service dog for mobility issues, but they don’t cover costs for those with mental health problems. However, a new bill could change this completely. This new bill is called the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act … Read more

Adoption Fees Will Be Waived For California Veterans

All shelter dogs need a loving home, and most veterans need a furry friend by their side. So, it is important that these dogs and humans can be brought together to make each other happy from now on. To make this dream become a reality, California animal shelters will be allowing veterans to adopt dogs for free once 2020 rolls around. It’s the perfect way to make lives better both for veterans and dogs all at the same time. State … Read more

Puppy Pilates Class Will Help Raise Money For Veterans In Need Of Service Dogs

What better way to exercise than to be surrounded by adorable dogs? Precision Pilates and NASM Personal Training in New York is hosting a special pilates event on October 27th. This pilates class allows you to play with puppies during your session. While that alone might sound exciting for animal lovers, the class is actually for a good cause as well. All earnings are donated to veterans that can’t afford to train a service dog. Puppies and pilates are two … Read more

You Funded 48 Pet Adoptions For Veterans Last Year!

Your purchases through iHeartDogs and iHeartCats made a $12,000 grant possible to Pets for Patriots. This grant fully funded 48 veteran-pet adoptions. One such veteran funded through this grant was Raymond. Raymond is an elderly Army veteran living in Florida. With the help of a supportive neighbor – who herself hails from a military family – he decided to adopt a companion pet not only to save an animal in need, but to help him cope with the day-to-day challenges … Read more

Your Purchases Are Funding Much-Needed Service Dogs for Veterans

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good, which helps support various charities. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. Our veterans are in crisis. Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day. Patriot PAWS Service Dogs receives over 140 calls each week from veterans inquiring about a service dog and that number continues to rise. As Patriot PAWS Service Dogs continues to grow due to the great need for service dogs, they have increased … Read more

Greater Good Works Hard To Help Feed America’s Veterans

Feed our Vets is an incredible program that is affiliated with GreaterGood.org. Their mission is to ensure that the brave men and women who serve their country never have to experience the pain and shame of hunger. Marcenia, a former Airforce Personnel Programs Officer, contacted Feed our Vets for emergency food assistance after an unexpected incident drained her bank account. The organization received the following statement from Marcenia: “On 5 Aug 2017, my car was caught in a hail of gunfire with … Read more

Southwest Airlines Connects Dogs With Veterans Who Need Them

While more and more American soldiers are struggling to cope with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety after returning home from service, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with a non-profit determined to help. Freedom Fur was founded with the objective to give back to the veterans who are winning the war overseas but at a disadvantage on the homefront. Returning soldiers cope with physical injuries, disabilities, and mental disorders, and Freedom Fur recognizes their need for loyal, caring support. https://www.facebook.com/161109787265421/photos/a.655611217815273.1073741826.161109787265421/800726396637087/?type=3 Dogs … Read more

This State’s Shelters Will Waive Adoption Fees For Veterans On Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2017 will mark the 99th anniversary of the American holiday known as Veteran’s Day, which was originally set to commemorate the end of World War I. This week, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza announced that animal shelters across the state will honor their veterans by waiving adoption fees on all available dogs and cats for servicemen and women on Saturday, November 11. Congratulations to this special senior pup on finding a home today! We couldn’t be happier for you … Read more

How This Bracelet Raised Over $400,000 To Provide Veterans with Service Dogs

As many of you know, iHeartDogs is a veteran owned company with a passion for supporting our troops, especially those deeply affected physically and emotionally by war. In November of 2020, we launched a new product, our Never Forgotten USA Flag Bracelet. Each purchase of this bracelet provided funds to help GreaterGood provide service dogs and shelter dogs to US veterans. Little did we know how popular it would become, and one year later we’re incredibly humbled to announce that … Read more

Surfing Therapy Dog Helps Heal Veterans & People With Disabilities

Not every dog has a mission the moment she is born, but Ricochet did. She was born into the “Puppy Prodigies Neo-natal & Early Learning Program” with the intentions of becoming a service dog for a person with a disability. Incredibly smart, Ricochet advanced through her training with ease. But, she had one tiny flaw…her love for chasing birds, which could be a risk to a person with a disability. The team made the difficult decision to withdraw her from the … Read more

11 Dog Charities And Nonprofits That Help K9s And Veterans

If you’re seeking dog charities in need of your help as well as looking for a way to say thank you to the humans and canines who have sacrificed everything protecting our freedom, then you may want to check out these organizations. From reuniting retired dogs with their handlers to providing service dogs to veterans and active-duty military, they all help with veterans and K9s. Some of these groups even adopt out Military Working Dogs once they’ve retired and also … Read more

10 Dog Breeds That Excel in Therapeutic Settings: Hospitals, Schools, and More

Therapy dogs play an invaluable role in various therapeutic settings, offering comfort, joy, and emotional support to individuals in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and more. The presence of a therapy dog can significantly alleviate stress, reduce feelings of loneliness, and even improve physical health outcomes among patients and students. While many dog breeds can be trained for therapy work, certain breeds naturally excel due to their temperament, trainability, and empathetic nature. This article highlights ten dog breeds known for their … Read more

8 Best Dog Breeds for Assisting in Therapy and Mental Health Support

The therapeutic impact of dogs on human mental health is both profound and well-documented. Dogs not only provide companionship and unconditional love, but they can also play a crucial role in therapeutic settings, helping individuals manage mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Certain dog breeds excel in these roles due to their temperament, intelligence, and empathetic nature. These breeds are particularly adept at sensing emotional changes and providing comfort. They are often used in various therapy settings, … Read more

11 Best Invisible Dog Fences

Finding the perfect solution to keep your furry friend safe while allowing them the freedom to explore can be a challenge, but the quest for the Best Invisible Dog Fence is a vital step towards achieving this balance. In this comprehensive round-up, we delve into the top contenders in the market, evaluating their features, effectiveness, and user feedback to guide you through the maze of options available. Whether you’re dealing with a spirited jumper, a curious wanderer, or a vast … Read more

8 Best GPS Dog Collars

iHeartDogs is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives to provide convenience, security, and peace of mind, the advent of the GPS dog collar has revolutionized pet ownership and care. Imagine a scenario where your beloved furry friend decides to embark on an unexpected adventure beyond the confines of your backyard. The anxiety and distress … Read more

Veteran Takes His Service Dog To Prison, And It Takes Off Running Toward An Inmate

Military veterans who grapple with PTSD, stemming from the physical and psychological toll of their service, often find solace and support in the form of service dogs. These canine companions are groomed for their important roles through specialized service dog training programs, many of which operate within correctional facilities. In a unique and mutually beneficial arrangement, inmates are given the opportunity to contribute positively to society by participating in these programs. They play an essential role in training service dogs … Read more

You Helped Provide Life-Changing Dog Food To Families In Need

Whenever you shop at the iHeartDogs store, part of that profit goes to Greater Good Charities. Greater Good Charities helps lots of animals in need through its GOODS Program, which donates food and other essential supplies to shelters and rescues. Those donations can be life-saving for many animals in need. Plus, the donations can also help families keep their furry friends healthy during tough times. San Diego Humane Society is one of the many organizations that benefit from the GOODS … Read more

They Judged Him For Adopting ‘Broken’ Dog But Knows He Has An Advantage

When a man asked why Christopher would want to adopt a “broken” dog, little did he know that this deaf puppy would change lives. Christopher, ready to adopt his first rescue dog, found a special connection with the deaf puppy, as his nephew was also born deaf. This connection sparked a fire within Christopher and changed his entire mindset. He realized that the puppy, Cole, had a unique way with humans. This inspired him to pursue therapy dog training for … Read more

Traveling With Your Dog to Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Pet-Friendly Flights, Hotels, Activities and More

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, nestled along the Mississippi River, is a delightful destination for dog owners. The city is home to dog-friendly parks like the Raising Cane’s Dog Park at City-Brooks Community Park, offering open spaces for dogs to play. Baton Rouge’s riverfront trails, such as the Mississippi Levee Pathway, provide scenic routes perfect for dog walking, embracing the city’s rich Southern charm. The subtropical climate, with warm summers and mild winters, allows for enjoyable outdoor activities with your furry friends … Read more

Traveling With Your Dog to Chandler, Arizona: Pet-Friendly Flights, Hotels, Activities and More

Chandler, Arizona, a gem in the Sonoran Desert, welcomes dog owners with open arms. This vibrant city is known for its sunny weather, picturesque parks, and dog-friendly atmosphere. With attractions like the expansive Desert Breeze Park and the scenic Veterans Oasis Park, there’s plenty of space for outdoor adventures with your furry friend. Chandler’s numerous trails, including the Paseo Trail, offer scenic walks under the Arizona sky. The city also hosts various pet-friendly events and markets, adding to its appeal … Read more

Traveling With Your Dog to Milwaukee, Wisconsin: Pet-Friendly Flights, Hotels, Activities and More

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a charming city that embraces both its rich history and its love for four-legged companions. With a variety of dog-friendly parks, including the scenic Lake Park and Estabrook Park, your furry friend will have plenty of space to roam and play. Milwaukee’s lively downtown area also offers dog-friendly restaurants and breweries, so you can savor local flavors with your pup by your side. When visiting Milwaukee with your dog, you’ll find a range of pet-friendly accommodations, from … Read more

Traveling With Your Dog to Indianapolis, Indiana: Pet-Friendly Flights, Hotels, Activities and More

Indianapolis, Indiana welcomes dog-loving tourists with open arms. Known as the “Crossroads of America,” this vibrant city offers a host of pet-friendly attractions and amenities. The city’s expansive network of parks, including Eagle Creek Park and Fort Harrison State Park, provides ample space for furry friends to stretch their legs. Many restaurants and cafes offer pet-friendly outdoor seating, while downtown’s Canal Walk offers a scenic stroll for both humans and their canine companions. Additionally, the city hosts various dog-friendly events … Read more

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