Each day in the United States, about 20 military veterans die by suicide, often after suffering with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. But it turns out that connection with a service dog may mean the difference between life and death.
K9s for Warriors is the largest provider of service dogs for veterans. They rescue most of their dogs from shelters before training them to help their veteran companions re-enter society with dignity and independence. After graduating from the program, the vast majority of veterans report fewer thoughts of suicide. They need less medication.
As K9s for Warriors puts it, “Each pair who graduates from our program represents two lives saved — the service dog and the warrior.”