Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

When most people think of veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), especially dating back to the Vietnam War, they think of men. Men on the front line watching their comrades suffer and die for their country. The voices of the women whose lives have been changed forever due to traumatic experience in the military are not always heard.

Over 61% of women in the military report being sexually harassed by their own troops, this includes everything from verbal harassment to rape. The scars from this abuse last a lifetime, some of the women develop serious disorders which include PTSD, agoraphobia and depression.

Over half of the veterans currently training shelter dogs in the Canines With a Cause (CWAC) program are women, two of the participants date back to the Vietnam War. These women are finding freedom and comfort from their four legged companions. They feel safe leaving their homes and can actually stand in line in a grocery store without being paranoid, small things we all take for granted.

Thanks to the support of donors like you, CWAC is able to pay for the training of these special dogs as well as making sure the dogs are healthy, have been altered and are current on vaccinations.  

CWAC is also currently working on a program with the local VA Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT, whereas we will train dogs currently living with veterans who need good behavior skills to accompany their people to the facility for doctor appointments. This is critical for some who have a difficult time leaving their home without their constant companion.

All of this would not be possible without your support.

Thank you from the veterans and their special dogs!

Cathy King

Director

Canines With a Cause Foundation