6.15.2011

June 15, 2011

White Dog and The White Dog Army Wonderful World Wednesday

White Dog looks up with sad eyes as we follow together the politics of budget compromise in our nation’s Capitol. We both shudder at the notion that so many social programs are on the chopping block. So many already in need will slip even further under the waves. We worry about the forgotten ones, including those who have served our country and now find no help to fix the scars they bear; we pray for the country’s homeless dogs who through no fault of their own find themselves the disinterested taxpayers burden. Surely someone cares?

When we read about Operation Heroes and Hounds we felt that all was not lost to dollars and tradeoffs and wooing voters. At a grassroots level, people who care are trying to bridge the gap and help those forgotten in the debate. Just people attempting to make another's life bearable…



Heroes and Hounds : Dogs & war veterans help each other adjust.
By Julie Jessup Wednesday, Mar 23, 2011 NBC LA

Both were struggling to find their way in a society that couldn't find a place for them. But through Operation Heroes, they have each other.

U.S. veterans suffering from brain injuries or post-traumatic stress disorder and dogs who were on "doggy death row" and considered unadoptable have found comfort in one another.

"The dogs are from the streets, just like the men and women we work with," Rachel Feldstein of New Directions, a veteran advocate group that helps aid the project.

"He's a lover, he's just so great," said vet Sonny Patrick of her dog, Sarge. Patrick struggled with alcohol and homelessness after serving in the Marines, and says veterans haven't always been taken care of after returning home.

Feldstein says veterans participating in Operation Heroes report a 35 percent increase in life satisfaction. Meanwhile, the dogs are saved from being euthanized.
"It's remarkable to see these guys helping the dogs so much, and in return, the dogs just love them to pieces," said Tamara Geller of Operation Hero.

Operation Heroes & Hounds' presents injured members of the United States military with the unique opportunity of coaching and living with shelter dogs. Operation Heroes & Hounds participants include "the walking wounded" of the United States military suffering from non-visible ailments such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. Shelter dogs selected for the program are in need of behavior modification through kind, nonaggressive training. Both service members and shelter dogs learn a new set of skills that will make a positive impact on their future.

Operation Heroes & Hounds aids both two- and four-legged participants. Service members gain a renewed sense of purpose, confidence, and life skills to aid their transition back into society. Shelter dogs learn canine good manners, experience unconditional love, and have an increased chance of adoption into a forever home as a result of the program. The pilot program of Operation Heroes & Hounds was implemented to aid wounded marines at Camp Pendleton, California. Our goal is to offer this valuable program to other members of the armed forces and shelter dogs across the country in need of assistance.

People helping each other and pups to help themselves …now THAT makes for a wonderful world!

11 comments:

Teddy Bear said...

We are so lost on what is going on in our Capitol but that is indeed very sad news. Thank you for the beautiful post about such a wonderful group.:) Woohoo...you're able to comment again.:) Blogger can be so crazy sometimes.

Lots of love to you all,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Tweedles -- that's me said...

This is truly a beautiful story,, thank you for sharing
love
tweedles

Wyatt said...

Dogs have that special healing power for so many. Thanks for the post and info on a wonderful organization.

Wyatt and Stanzie

24 Paws of Love said...

What a great cause. So wonderful that veterans and dogs have found a place together. To help and heal. Beautiful story. Thanks for sharing.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That is truly some good news, and we could all use more of that!!!

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

So many around the world are suffering so badly right now...people and animals. It makes sense to bring them together to help each other, and in turn, helping the world survive these trying times.

Paws up to organizations such as Operation Heros and Hounds!

Mack said...

What a wonderful story.
Sugars,
Mack

Random Felines said...

YEAH for these programs...if only more people realized what great companions shelter dogs (and cats) make and how much a difference they could make for so many people.

Swimflyaway said...

This is a truly wonderful organization and I am so glad you White Doggies chouse to recognize them! God Bless both the Soldiers and the Pups that rescued them.

Kari in Alaska said...

We love reading about programs like that!

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Sagira said...

What a beautiful story. You can see the joy in the eyes.