Transforming two lives at once, Utah nonprofit Canines With a Cause (CWAC) pairs rescue dogs with veterans affected by PTSD, TBI, and MST. Using positive reinforcement methods, we guide veterans through training their canines to become psychiatric service dog teams.
As a result of their military service, U.S. veterans are significantly more likely to experience PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs) compared to civilians. With mental-health conditions as a driving factor, it is estimated that nearly 20 veterans take their lives per day. In the same country, roughly 334,000 dogs were euthanized in animal shelters in 2024.
Canines With a Cause (CWAC) provides service dog training for our veterans, using positive reinforcement and science-based methods. Veterans train their dogs to perform three specific tasks to help manage their symptoms of PTSD, MST and/or TBIs. At the same time, CWAC helps give shelter and rescue dogs a second chance at a long, fulfilling life with their veteran. And thanks to generous donors, CWAC is able to offer our services to veterans absolutely free.
By 'training the trainer', veterans develop strong emotional coping skills, patience, and above all, resilience. Statistics support that Veterans with service dogs report better sleep, work, and home life, and greater social confidence. By investing in our veterans' mental health through canine companionship, we can help save two lives.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Excel file (projdoc.xls).
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