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.
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Dogs are widely accepted for improving a person’s overall well-being. Service dogs perform a long list of tasks for owners with physical disabilities, and pets provide comfort in a way no one else can. Freedom Fur works to connect trained dogs with veterans in need. Whether they need a seeing-eye dog to guide them through life or a furry buddy to sit on their lap while they cope with PTSD, Freedom Fur works to give veterans the opportunity to heal and move forward.
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Freedom Fur trains the dogs and reaches out to veterans, but they had the logistical problem of getting their dogs where they needed to go. That’s when Southwest Airlines stepped up. Freedom Fur has partnered with the airline to connect veterans with their new dogs in a fast and efficient way. Volunteer employees from Southwest formed what’s called the Southwest Airlines Animal Transport Team, or S.W.A.T.T.. The group uses their days off to fly animals across the country to meet their new families.
The Southwest volunteers board the animals onto planes and escort them to where they need to be. At the end of the line, they have the honor of introducing a deserving veteran to a dog that has been trained to meet their needs. Members of the transport team make their own bonds with the animals, and they participate in the training process alongside trainers from an assistance dog program.
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For the members of S.W.A.T.T. working on their days off is always worth it. They’re a part of an organization making real progress in the war against PTSD and veteran suicide. The dogs may do most of the work, but Freedom Fur and Southwest Airlines contribute life-saving effort.
They hope to expand and help even more veterans, but they can’t do it without help. If you’re interested in getting involved, check out their website.
Featured Image Source: Facebook/Southwest Airlines
