veterans Archives

Veteran Adopts Detection Dog Who Protected Him In Afghanistan

31-year-old U.S. veteran Byung “BK” Kang and his dog Blue are more than family. From 2011-2012, Kang and Blue served together on over 300 combat missions with the United States Marine Corps on a deployment to Afghanistan. It wasn’t until 2018 they became official family members though. Since their tour together, Kang never stopped thinking about Blue and all she had done for him. Military dogs face the same trials and perils as human marines on the battlefield. But they have … Read more

Suicidal Veteran Saved By His Pit Bull, Inspired To Help Thousands Others Find Pups Of Their Own

There’s really no doubt about it at this point: countless examples of service dogs transforming the lives of U.S. veterans demonstrate how valuable these incredible animals are. Having had such an experience with his own service dog, one veteran wanted to help others find the same life-changing support. David Sharpe is a veteran of the United States Air Force who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.) He’s also founder of the organization Companions for Heroes which provides veterans and first … Read more

VA Hospital Welcomes Disabled PTSD Therapy Dog

Honor is a 2-year-old Golden Retriever raised from puppyhood to serve individuals with PTSD. Unlike other dogs trained by the non-profit organization, Therapetics Service Dogs of Oklahoma, Honor was born without metacarpals where her back right paw would be. Unable to place her as a regular service dog, Therapetics donated Honor to the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center. There, her prosthetic limb makes her all the more relatable to the heroes she comforts. “So devoted. She doesn’t know she’s handicapped. She’s the … Read more

Thanks To Your Purchases, This Veteran Has A Service Dog Who Helps Him Live A Normal Life

Part of each sale through the iHeartDogs store is donated to Greater Good Charities, which helps support various charitable programs. Thanks to customers like you, happy endings, like the one below, are made possible. US Army Veteran Wayne introduced himself to the founder of Canines for Service at a medical office after seeing him with a service dog. Later that day, Wayne stopped by the office to talk with the team about receiving his own service dog. He quickly completed his application and was … Read more

Greater Good Works Hard To Help Feed America’s Veterans

Feed our Vets is an incredible program that is affiliated with GreaterGood.org. Their mission is to ensure that the brave men and women who serve their country never have to experience the pain and shame of hunger. Marcenia, a former Airforce Personnel Programs Officer, contacted Feed our Vets for emergency food assistance after an unexpected incident drained her bank account. The organization received the following statement from Marcenia: “On 5 Aug 2017, my car was caught in a hail of gunfire with … Read more

Southwest Airlines Connects Dogs With Veterans Who Need Them

While more and more American soldiers are struggling to cope with depression, suicidal thoughts, and anxiety after returning home from service, Southwest Airlines has teamed up with a non-profit determined to help. Freedom Fur was founded with the objective to give back to the veterans who are winning the war overseas but at a disadvantage on the homefront. Returning soldiers cope with physical injuries, disabilities, and mental disorders, and Freedom Fur recognizes their need for loyal, caring support. https://www.facebook.com/161109787265421/photos/a.655611217815273.1073741826.161109787265421/800726396637087/?type=3 Dogs … Read more

Service Dog Chooses A Wounded Veteran To Devote His Life To

While stationed in Guam on board the USS Frank Cable AS-40, Michael, a Navy machinist, was nearly killed when a boiler tank exploded. Two of his shipmates died in the blast. Michael endured fifty surgeries and countless hours of therapy as a result of the injuries he sustained in the explosion. He lives with visible scars as well as those we cannot see, including PTSD and Depression. On April 28, Michael joined three other disabled veterans at a very special … Read more

This State’s Shelters Will Waive Adoption Fees For Veterans On Veteran’s Day

November 11, 2017 will mark the 99th anniversary of the American holiday known as Veteran’s Day, which was originally set to commemorate the end of World War I. This week, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza announced that animal shelters across the state will honor their veterans by waiving adoption fees on all available dogs and cats for servicemen and women on Saturday, November 11. Congratulations to this special senior pup on finding a home today! We couldn’t be happier for you … Read more

Local Hotel Refuses To Accommodate Trainers & Their Service Dogs

Paws 4 Veterans is a nonprofit organization that rescues dogs from shelters, then has inmates train them to become service dogs for veterans. Trainers with the Florida-based organization were stranded in Monteagle, Tennessee Monday night due to some automotive issues. After spending 2 hours on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck, the 3 people with their service dogs wound up at American Eagle Inn, where the clerk refused to allow the group to stay at the hotel … Read more

Homeless Man Takes His Dog On Cross-Country Bike Trip For Vets & Their Pets

For Harold Palmquist, home is wherever he and his dog, Daisy, lay their heads at night. After serving in the Air Force during the Gulf War, Harold found himself on a slippery slope toward homelessness. He knew a shelter was his only option, but after making inquiries, he learned Daisy wouldn’t be able to join him. That’s when he heard about Vets & Their Pets. This nonprofit organization provides military veterans with the support they need to take care of … Read more

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