Service Dogs for Disabled Veterans

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Hi everyone Dave here. I'm sure everyone here is familiar with guide dogs but yesterday we were at a local festival and got to hear one of our disabled veterans talk about his dog "Peter" that was issued by the VA.
This program came about as an extention of the foundation for the blind. These dogs are trained in all disabilities that our troops can experience. Peter is assigned to Chris who while serving 2 tours in Irag was hit by 3 IEDs leaving him with Brain Trama. He was later diagnosed with Thyroid cancer, and Diabetes. He went on to say how Peter has saved his life 4 times since he has had him.

I'm writing this because I love animals (and it takes a special dog to be a guide dog) and I feel tremendous gratitude for all of our armed forces willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

Here is the thing. It costs 30k to train one of these dogs and they do take donations. After talking to Chris and seeing Peter it was easy to get behind them and do whatever we can to help. Here is the link to their site for anyone interested:
America's VetDogs - Links

Thanks for reading this.
  • Profile picture of the author Patrician
    This is a good cause Dave.

    It is hard to fathom why we don't do more for disabled vets. Some of the stories are just horrendous so I am very happy to read something we are doing right.
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  • Profile picture of the author thunderbird
    I had to do research about blind people for a scene in a film featuring a blind guy. I went to an institute for the blind and was taught how to use the cane and given other pointers, so I could better instruct the actor on how to keep it real. There's a lot involved in just using the cane properly.

    I know a woman who teaches ballroom dancing to folks in wheelchairs. More and more war disabled veterans are joining her classes.

    What do you think of the use of horses for guiding blind people? http://www.guidehorse.com/ They have much longer lifespans than dogs:
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    Project HERE.

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    • Profile picture of the author solardave
      Originally Posted by thunderbird View Post

      I had to do research about blind people for a scene in a film featuring a blind guy. I went to an institute for the blind and was taught how to use the cane and given other pointers, so I could better instruct the actor on how to keep it real. There's a lot involved in just using the cane properly.

      I know a woman who teaches ballroom dancing to folks in wheelchairs. More and more war disabled veterans are joining her classes.

      What do you think of the use of horses for guiding blind people? Guide Horse Foundation - Miniature horses for the blind They have much longer lifespans than dogs:
      YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.
      I didn't know about that. That's pretty cool.
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  • Profile picture of the author HeySal
    I'm too allergic to horses to be around them enough to know their abilities, but if they can do the job, I don't see why they shouldn't.

    My dad is with the lion's club and when I was in Jr. High school we had the pleasure of keeping one of the pups for 3 or 4 months. They send the puppies to different homes every few months up to a year of age to keep them from getting attached to one person - then they go through training and get their permanent owner, which is the handicapped person they are trained to aid.

    Our dog was a Rhodesian Ridgeback and it was the first litter of these pups that they trained. She was adorable and my mother was crushed when we had to send her on. She was one of the highest scorers in her training group - very intelligent dog and she had a great owner and life. I can't say more for the programs that put these dogs together with their owners. The owner not only is able to maintain a vital independent lifestyle with the help of these wonderful animals, they have a bond that most people will never understand. They have the deepest friendships you will find anywhere. If there is a cause to donate to - this one is one in which the beneficiaries and animals both gain something that no dollar bill can put its mark on.
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    Sal
    When the Roads and Paths end, learn to guide yourself through the wilderness
    Beyond the Path

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