Since 2011, K9s For Warriors has saved hundreds of lives as the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to American veterans living with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma.
The organization is incredibly proud of its growth and advocacy for service dogs as an effective treatment for veterans living with military-related trauma. Now, the nation is taking action with Sen. Deb Fischer’s reintroduction of the PAWs Act.
“Veterans with PTSD may have left the battlefield, but they are still in a tough fight,” Fischer said. “Service dogs can provide support, peace and joy to these Americans as they confront the invisible scars of war. Through the PAWS Act, we can bring our veterans relief by offering them hope.”
The PAWS Act directs the Secretary of Veteran Affairs to carry out a grant program that will provide service dogs for eligible veterans. The VA currently does not offer these funds, making nonprofits like K9s For Warriors the sole suppliers of these life-saving canines. Service dogs are proven to better suffering veterans’ quality of life and reduce symptoms of trauma disorders including anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.
“Twenty veterans die by suicide each day, and the PAWS Act is a huge leap toward healing those who are coping with trauma,” said Rory Diamond, CEO of K9s For Warriors. “We’d like to thank Sen. Fischer for introducing the bill in the Senate and calling greater attention to the alarming number of veterans who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts and would benefit from a highly trained service canine. Based on our experience and evidence, they are far more effective at helping our veterans than the mounds of medications they are typically prescribed.”
The PAWS Act was first introduced to the House of Representatives in 2017 by senators Fischer and Cory Booker. To support the PAWS Act in the Senate, contact your elected Senator and ask him or her to co-sponsor the bill.
