Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Pets for Vets

Thanks to my articles for Examiner.com, I learned of an organization called Pets for Vets. I'm so impressed with it that I just had to write a short post to help spread the word about this great group.

Photo courtesy of Pets for Vets
Founded by animal trainer Clarissa Black, Pets for Vets rescues dogs who are set to be euthanized at shelters and pairs them with military veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. The dogs are nursed to health if needed, and completely trained before being paired with their matched veteran. Some of the veterans who have already been helped are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical injuries from their time in the service. Their dog companions provide emotional support, love, and companionship, and both the dogs and the veterans heal together.

If you'd like to learn more about Pets for Vets, including ways to help, my article on this wonderful organization can be found here. In addition, check out their website.

One of the things I have loved the most about my journey into writing has been the amazing people I have had the chance to meet, not only through blogging, but also through writing articles like this. In a world that can often be quite harsh, it's really a joy to be able to interact with people who are doing such positive things, and using their talents to help both people and animals alike.

The Pets for Vets success stories are so heartwarming, and I can't deny that on a day when I needed a lift, the people and animals involved in this article really gave me a reason to smile. It's great sometimes to have a reminder that every day, people are quietly working to help others in need, and I'm truly honored to be able to play a small part in that by sharing their stories.

23 comments:

  1. This is a wonderful program! Thanks for sharing. Stories like this really do lift our spirits.

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  2. Thank you for sharing this with all of us, Julie! I sounds like a great program.

    And I know what you mean about meeting all the great people we do through our writing. :)

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  3. What an amazing program. I'm so glad somebody thought of doing this.

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  4. Breaks my heart to think of those animals being put down when with a little creativity, like this program, they could be matched with deserving human friends to take care of them. Also, there's no question those men and women who are suffering get a benefit from the unconditional love a dog provides. Win win!!

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  5. Just tweeted to help spread the word.

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  6. A wonderful programme . Good Luck.

    Yvonne.

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  7. Thanks for this blog post about Pets for Vets. What a wonderful program. I'm going to check out their site right now.

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  8. A wonderful idea. You are right, there are many people working quietly behind the scenes helping and encouraging like this :) It is great they are being applauded.

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  9. @Melissa, I'm glad you liked it, thanks!

    @Madeline, yeah, when I started writing I didn't really think about that as a benefit, but it's been such a great experience to get to know so many wonderful people.

    @Mary, I agree. I'm so impressed that people come up with these creative ideas!

    @LG, I know, I can't bear to think of all the animals being euthanized, it's so wonderful that these dogs can provide so much comfort to the veterans like this.

    @Derek, oh, that's great, thank you!!

    @Yvonne, thanks!

    @Lyn, you're welcome, I'm so glad you liked it. Once I found their website I spent forever on there looking at all the pics and stories.

    @Carolyn, yeah, I love getting the opportunity to help spread the word about the work people like this are doing. It's so refreshing when there is so much ugliness on the news all the time. Thanks!

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  10. I'm going to check them out as soon as I finish this comment. Thanks for blogging about such a worthwhile endeavor.

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  11. What a wonderful program, and such a well-written article Julie! I was especially moved by the Vietnam Vet's story who was exposed to Agent Orange. These are great examples of mutually beneficial relationships! Julie

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  12. @Carol, I'm so glad to hear it, thank you for reading! :)

    @Julie, thanks so much! And I agree about the man who was exposed to Agent Orange, such a tragedy that he is still dealing with the effects all these years later. Thank you for reading! :)

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  13. What a fantastic program! It's a win-win situation that fosters love and hope to both the vets and dogs. Love it!

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  14. That does sound like a wonderful organization. I have heard a little bit about it and just think it is terrific. Good for the dogs that need homes and great companions for the vets. Thanks for the info.

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  15. @Nicole, I totally agree, it's just wonderful.

    @Marg, you're welcome, thank you for reading.

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  16. Hi Julie .. so pleased you've found this wonderful compassionate organisation ...

    I went to see War Horse yesterday - beautiful film .. but 100 years ago - life wasn't so easy for man or beast .. we've come a long way - but not far enough as we should.

    Cheers Hilary

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  17. What a wonderful program. It is nice to find comfort in the world we live in today.
    Thanks for stopping by my blog.

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  18. Hi Julie! Thanks for stopping by my site. Have a great weekend!

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  19. @Hilary, oh, I haven't seen War Horse, but have heard good things about it. I will have to see it. I agree, we still have a ways to go, I hope we get there. Thanks!

    @Susan, you're welcome, and thank you for coming by here. I agree, there is just so much ugliness in the news that it's nice to find something comforting once in a while.

    @Lyn, thank you! I hope you have a great weekend as well!

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  20. Thank you for sharing this, Julie - and especially your thoughts on people quietly doing good things in this harsh world. We need that reminder. :)

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  21. @Michelle, you're welcome, and thank you for your comments! I'm glad you liked the article, and I agree, I know I really needed that reminder.

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  22. Thanks for letting us know about this organization. Everyone is a winner and that's just wonderful I have three dogs, all rescues, and have always had a dog. They really help you through life's traumas and their unconditional love help you heal.

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  23. @Inger, you're welcome, I'm so glad to have the chance to spread the word about this. I agree with you, I have been around dogs all my life and they add so much to our lives, I feel so lucky to have my pets now. Thanks for your comment!

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