U.S. Rep. John Rutherford has announced the reintroduction of H.R. 1022, the Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act of 2021, which would increase access to service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.
The bill establishes a competitive grant program through the Department of Veterans Affairs for organizations, such as K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedra, to pair service dogs with veterans suffering from PTSD.
Rutherford was joined in this effort with congressmen Chris Pappas of New Hampshire; Michael Waltz of Florida, including part of St. Johns County; Al Lawson of northern Florida; and Steve Stivers of Ohio.
"Research from the VA has concluded that service dogs are a proven therapy for those suffering from PTSD,” said Rutherford. “With 20 veterans taking their own lives each day, we must do more to help those with PTSD and other service-connected forms of trauma. I am proud to reintroduce the PAWS Act to help our warfighters lead productive and successful lives once they return to civilian life.”
“Making service dogs more accessible to veterans will ultimately empower our nation’s heroes to successfully reintegrate into civilian life,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Rory Diamond. “The PAWS Act would commit considerable resources towards properly training and pairing service dogs with veterans who would most benefit from them. We thank Congressman Rutherford for his continuing dedication to our nation’s veterans with the introduction of this bill.”
“Congress has an obligation to do all it can to help veterans returning from overseas deployments who suffer from PTSD,” said Waltz. “By partnering with organizations to pair service dogs with veterans, we will save veteran lives and canine lives. The partnership provides solutions that are scientifically proven to improve PTSD symptoms.”
“For many of our returning veterans, often we see that the battle on the frontlines has turned into an inner battle at home,” said Lawson. “Our service men and women sacrifice so much for our freedom, and we must do our part to assist those dealing with invisible illnesses. Through the PAWS Act, these trained service dogs will help our nation’s heroes with their mental wellness and make transitioning from active duty to civilian life an easier feat.”
