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Facebook challenge grant aims to donate 100 service dogs to vets with PTSD

For every 5,000 Facebook likes, a service dog will be donated to a war veteran in need.

By John PlattFri, May 27 2011 at 11:30 AM EST
 7

PTSD Service Dogs Photo: Explore.org
 
With your help, 100 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) could soon have extra assistance in the form of a free service dog.
 
The dogs will be donated by Explore.org, the multimedia arm of the Annenberg Foundation. Up to 100 dogs, valued at $500,000, will be donated to veterans — one dog for every 5,000 "likes" received at the Dog Bless You Facebook community. The initiative aims to spread awareness about the healing role dogs can play in the lives of those suffering from PTSD.
 
Dog Bless You was founded by filmmaker Charles Annenberg Weingarten, a trustee of the Annenberg Foundation and also the founder of Explore.org. Partners in this effort include the IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) and other veteran and service dog organizations.
 
"Dogs are serving this country unlike any other animal — from the battlefields of war, to the front lines of search and rescue to the ranks of police and fire forces across this country to the everyday person in need of a companion," said Weingarten in a prepared statement. "We want to raise awareness about the amazing role dogs can play in the lives of veterans and people who suffer from emotional and psychological damage, while giving everyone a chance to participate through a zero-cost contribution."
 
dog bless U.S.A. poster"Doctors, psychologists, and certainly veterans will all attest to the incredible benefits dogs bring to those suffering from the impact of war," said Paul Rieckhoff, executive director and founder of IAVA.
 
PTSD service dogs can help veterans and other trauma survivors to reduce their anxiety levels and — for those who are physically disabled — navigate through the world. They can also be trained to wake their humans up from nightmares or to remind them to take their medications. "I see big increases in confidence with the dogs," Jennifer Petre, founder of the service-dog training organization Stiggy's Dogs recently told Hometownlife.com. "The veterans aren't as worried as much with the dog. It takes pressure off them."
 
According to a survey by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (cited by a report at PsychCentral), 82 percent of patients with PTSD who received service dogs experienced a decrease in symptoms, while 40 percent found they were able to reduce their medications.
 
In addition to simply liking the Dog Bless You Facebook page, people are invited to upload patriotic photos and videos and share personal dog-related stories.
 
"I'm sure during the course of this campaign, we'll see and hear some amazing stories from our brave service people whose dogs have been a prime source of salvation," said Rieckhoff.
 
According to the nonprofit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, it costs about $20,000 to raise, train and place a medical service dog.
 
The Dog Bless USA Challenge Grant runs from Memorial Day (May 30) through July 4.
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Related Topics: Animals, Facebook, Mental Health, Pets, Pets & Animals

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anonymous
martin, newbury park, CA 07/01/2011 00:36 AM

shared the link on my facebook page and liked the DBY page, we owe such a debt to our servicemen and women, and the amazing animals that we all take took much for granted, we salute you and the amazing work you do!

anonymous
Bob 06/11/2011 17:43 PM

I hope that they get plenty of likes. I am a veteran who has PTSD and I can not afford a dog or get any help with getting one or even getting a dog trained. So I have ben forced to give up. If life is such a bowl full of Cherries why is it that disabled veterans get only the pits?

anonymous
Anonymous 07/30/2011 18:57 PM

have you looked into self training.. thats what im doing now.. and its so much fun and helps so much. i need him for different things.. but a service dog is a service dog!

anonymous
Ann 06/04/2011 19:04 PM

I have two great dogs that make life so much easier for me. Unfortunately they are not certified so I can't take them with me when I have to go out.

anonymous
Dede Tudor 05/29/2011 09:46 AM

To provide the way to a better life for our service men and women deserves all the accolades in the world. Thank you for all tthe special work you do with these dogs to ready them to take a special place in someone whose quality of life is in need of a relationship with unconditional love.

anonymous
Jane Miller 05/27/2011 22:03 PM

• Nice to meet you.Thanks for all you are doing to provide PSDs for veterans.What organizations will you be recievng these dogs from?To learn more plase check out my book, "Healing Companions: Ordinary Dogs and Their Extraordinary Power To Transform Lives," includes compelling stories of veterans and others and how their psychiatric service dogs have helped them survive their debilitating symptoms of PTSD, TBI & MST. Thanks. Peace, Jane

anonymous
timerdude99 05/27/2011 13:52 PM

I along with my of my fellow female and men veterans would deal with this illness(PTSD), will forever be gratefull for your help.
God Bless My American Friends who Care for each other!

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