According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 22,300,000 veterans in the United States. The National Center for PTSD states that about 5.2 million adults have PTSD during a given year and women are more likely than men to develop PTSD. One of these veterans is Petty Officer Kimberly Janus and Guardians of Rescue is stepping up to help.
Guardians of Rescue, a national animal rescue organization, started a program called Paws of War. The program consists of rescuing dogs from kill shelters and war-torn countries, training them to become service companions and placing them with a veteran in need. One such person is retired Navy Petty Officer Kimberly Janus.
On September 26, Kimberly will receive two Labrador Retriever pups from Guardians of Rescue at her home in Jacksonville, Florida. The puppies are emotional support dogs, in training to become service companions to assist in easing Kimberly’s suffering due to post-traumatic stress disorder.
The National Center for PTSD states that about 11-20 percent of Veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars will develop PTSD. Soldiers that serve in the active military have an increased risk of developing PTSD due to the horrible and life-threatening experiences. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder include nightmares, flashbacks, frightening thoughts, avoidance, emotional numbness and more.
“When I got the phone call from Guardians of Rescue telling me they had two dogs that were ready to be adopted…my heart stopped. I knew my life was about to change for the better because I was getting two new best friends,” affirms Kimberly Janus.
“The number of people suffering from PTSD has grown in recent years. The Paws of War program was inspired by a vet with PTSD and we’re thrilled to keep the program going,” affirms Misseri, “We think that Kimberly will greatly benefit from the presence and love of the puppies and vice versa.”
Guardians of Rescue is a non-profit organization aimed at Animals Helping People and People Helping Animals. They provide food, veterinary care, and shelter to animals in need. Guardians of Rescue founded Paws of War and Soldier-to-Soldier programs to help active military and veterans with the use of therapy dogs to assist in post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more or donate, visit www.guardiansofrescue.org.