Thanks to an incredible dog named Bear and his owner, October 21 of each year is now recognized as National Pets for Veterans Day. This special day is used to bring awareness to an incredible program designed to bring shelter animals in need of homes into contact with our amazing veterans around the country in need of companionship. While you may have never heard of this special day, here’s your chance to learn more about how it came to be, how it helps, and what you can do to help celebrate these special connections and bring recognition to a great cause.
How National Pets for Veterans Day Began
The person behind National Pets for Veterans Day and the organization Pets for Vets, Inc. is Clarissa Black. Before founding Pets for Vets, Clarissa studied animal behavior and earned degrees from both Cornell and Canisius Colleges. In her early years, Clarissa worked with dolphins and elephants to learn more about animal behavior. Eventually, her focus shifted to dog training. It was the human-animal bond that she was most interested in. Clarissa worked diligently to create a training program that would help both dogs and their owners be successful in their relationship. She felt personalized behavior plans and training could make the connection between dogs and owners stronger and more successful.
When Clarissa had the opportunity to work with American Veterans and wounded soldiers, she decided to bring her own dog, Bear, along. It was when Clarrisa saw the connection Bear made with the Veterans that she formed the idea for Pets for Vets. Hearing the laughter, so many asking if Bear would return, or if they could even take him home with them showed her the power of healing a pet could provide. Having suffered from PTSD, Clarissa has a unique insight into what a veteran needs in a companion animal. She began working on what she now calls the Super Bond which is used to create a lasting bond between pets and owners based on respect instead of being forced.
How National Pets for Veterans Day Helps
Unfortunately, there are veterans all across the world suffering from PTSD and other service-related situations. You’ll even find many without family ties to help them through these issues. There are also millions of dogs and cats living their lives in shelters, hoping to one day find a home of their own. Many of these animals will be euthanized to make room for more homeless animals and give them the chance to be adopted. Bringing together veterans and these homeless animals is the perfect way to help the veterans adjust to everyday life again but also save countless animals in the process.
The combination of animals and veterans comes from animal-assisted therapy. Needing to provide your pet with the care they need can help promote responsibility, routine, and more activities. As we know, dogs need socialization, play, and walks. This promotes getting out in the world. For veterans who feel stressed or alone, dogs and cats can give them a companion at their side to help ease these feelings and show them the love they deserve. Animals have been shown to benefit mental health.
How You Can Help
With October 21st being such an important day for so many, it’s not surprising that others want to lend a helping hand. Luckily, there are several ways you can support our Veterans and homeless animals.
Donate
Donations are always needed for veterans and animals. Consider offering your time or a monetary donation to local outreaches, shelters, or even Pets for Vets. You can even pay an adoption fee at your local animal shelter for a veteran in need of a forever friend.
Volunteer
If money isn’t an option, your time is always cherished. Visiting local veterans or even offering them thanks for their service means so much. You can also stop by your local animal shelter to help walk the dogs or play with the cats. These forgotten animals truly love human companionship.
Spread the Word
Spreading the word is another way to help. Many out there are unaware of National Pets for Veterans Day. Tell others, promote this special day, and help bring more assistance to our Veterans and homeless animals in need.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never recognized National Pets for Veterans Day, October 21 is the perfect day to do so. Go out and thank the veterans in your neighborhood or family. You can even stop by your local animal shelter or VA to pay the adoption fee for one of these deserving people to find a pet they can truly connect with. And finally, thank you Bear for showing how animals can help the men and women who’ve served our country.
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Featured Image Credit: PEPPERSMINT, Shutterstock
