Every day in the United States 22 Veterans die from suicide, due in part to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) That’s over 8,000 lives lost each year. While there is no cure for PTSD, service dogs can reduce PTSD symptoms with life changing results. Veterans with PTSD can regain their freedom and independence with a Battle Buddy by their side.
From May 19-23, John and Tammy will share stories of experience, strength and hope. Their goal is to get you to help us provide one of these amazing service dogs to a local veteran in need.
Service Pet for a Vet is proudly brought to you by KMG Psychiatry: San Diego Psychiatrist & TMS Therapy.
More About Paws for Purple Hearts
Our History:
Our president and CEO, Dr. Bonita Bergin, an innovator in the Service Dog industry, originated the concept of the mobility Assistance Dog in 1975. She went on to start the Bergin College of Canine Studies, the only school dedicated to educating dog trainers, in 1991. In 2006, Paws for Purple Hearts was founded at Bergin College. In July 2008, the first Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy® program was established at the Palo Alto VA’s Men’s Trauma Recovery Program in Menlo Park, California, with one hundred and thirty participants. Patients immediately responded to learning how to train dogs as a form of therapy for themselves and reported feeling a greater sense of purpose knowing that they have a new mission of helping a comrade-in-arms by helping to train a Service Dog.
Our Mission:
Paws for Purple Hearts improves the lives of America’s Warriors (Veterans and Active-Duty Service Members) facing mobility challenges and trauma-related conditions such as Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) by providing the highest quality assistance dogs and canine-assisted therapeutic programs; and by building public awareness about the important role dogs play in helping Warriors along the road to recovery.