Shelter to Solider & Fetch the Sun
Shelter to Soldier: Rescuing Dogs and Helping Veterans Heal
Shelter to Soldier is a non-profit organization that rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for military veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and other emotional traumas.
Their program provides meaningful employment for at-risk shelter dogs while fulfilling the needs of military heroes returning home with devastating injuries both seen and unseen.
Causes Near and Dear to Our Hearts
Unfortunately, according to a study conducted by the Veterans Affairs Department, an average of 17 veterans commit suicide each day in the United States. As a veteran-owned company, Fetch the Sun loves what this rescue is accomplishing as it is solving two of our urgent issues simultaneously.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each individual experiences mental health conditions differently and will respond to treatment in their own way. However, many veterans who have been paired with a service dog report significant reductions in symptoms such as anxiety, depression, isolation, and nightmares. In some cases, the presence of a furry friend can be enough to help a veteran feel comfortable leaving the house and re-engaging with the world – something that might not be possible without the help of a four-legged companion.
Co-Founder/CEO in Kabul, 2013 while serving as a foreign military advisor at the Combined Security Transition Command-Afghanistan
If you are a veteran struggling with mental health issues, please know that you are not alone. Please reach out for help if you need it. Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1). The Veterans Crisis Line is confidential, free, and available 24/7. You can also chat online with a crisis counselor at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/.
Additionally, Veterans Guide has published an extremely helpful guide for veteran's dealing with mental health issues. Check out their Mental Conditions Eligible for VA Disability guide book for finding treatment resources through the VA.