On November 11, we will be celebrating Veterans Day by remembering and honoring the military personnel who have served for our country. Although the military have many concerns when being deployed, one that tends to be overlooked is the care of their pets when gone. Who will look after them while their best friend is away? There are many pet organizations that help with fostering military pets during their deployment period.
After arriving home from a long deployment, unfortunately some veterans develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Recently, dogs have been put into the lives of military men and women to help them cope. The therapy and service dogs assist with many mental and physical ailments. Anxiety is a common feeling for some veterans, and the therapy dogs are trained in specific PTSD tasks such as ease concern about blind spots by actually going around a corner to make sure it is safe. Some military individuals have even called their therapy dog their eyes and ears!
Pets have an enormous effect on veterans when they come home, but can also be an important part of a soldier’s day during deployment. One heroic dog named Layka was working with Special Forces in Afghanistan and was dispatched to search a building for explosives. While doing so, she was ambushed and shot numerous times by an assailant. Despite her injuries, she was able to protect her pack by attacking her enemy. Layka was awarded an unofficial medal to be recognized for her sacrifices. She is now resting comfortably with her handler.
This Veterans Day, keep in mind all the heroes of the military and a big role that a pet can play in their lives.
