The support being shown for this charity has been amazing. It is truly deserving of all the pledges. I hope to be able to get enough pledges to be able to fully sponsor the matching of 1 K9 and 1 vet (average cost of $27,000). Assuming I finish the entire trail, we currently stand at $15,588.42 in pledges for this charity. Keep them coming as we still have a lot more to do!

You do not have to pledge money to support this charity. K9s for Warriors has been working to get the PAWS Act to Congress for a vote and it is finally there! Take a couple minutes out of your day to call or email your local representative and tell them you support the PAWS act and the new leash on life it gives the vets.

 What is the PAWS Act?

It’s a bill supported by our CEO, Rory Diamond, and Florida Congressman Ron DeSantis to drive the VA to fund service dogs as a rehabilitative treatment option for post-9/11 veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI and/or Military Sexual Trauma. Currently, the VA refuses to fund this therapy that we know saves lives – it’s how we’ve saved over 300 veterans since our organization began. You can learn more on their blog.

How Would it Work?

If passed, the VA would grant a voucher to each qualifying veteran to use with any service dog organization of their choosing. The average cost of a service dog is $27,000. Enabling veterans with this option means they could find treatment sooner, and the nonprofits like us who serve them would immediately have the necessary funds to assist them.

How Can I Help?

Contact your local state representative by going to http://www.house.gov/representatives/find/ and type in your zip code. Your representatives will be displayed to you, and you can choose whom to contact by clicking on their name. Most have a phone call or email option. Don’t know what to say? We have you covered:

Phone statement:
Hello, my name is (your name) and I’m calling because I support the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members Act, H.R. 2327. It is currently up for voting in the House of Representatives. Over 20 veterans a day die by suicide, often because they don’t have access to effective treatment. Medication is not always the answer. Our government owes them a choice in their recovery of PTSD, TBI, and military sexual trauma. Service dogs cost an average of $27,000. The servicemen and woman who voluntarily fought for our freedom shouldn’t have to suffer even more after coming home because they can’t afford the treatment that might be best for them. Please support this life-saving initiative and vote “yes” on the PAWS Act. Thank you for your time.

Email statement (copy & paste):
Hello Mr./Mrs. (representative’s name),

I’m writing to voice my support of the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members (PAWS) Act, H.R. 2327.

More than 20 veterans a day are dying by suicide, often because they lack access to effective treatment options. Service dog organizations like K9s For Warriors have already proven that service dogs are a highly successful option for recovery of PTSD, TBI and Military Sexual Trauma, yet the VA healthcare system still refuses to recognize this. We must do more to save the lives and honor the sacrifice of our military heroes. Service dogs help veterans heal. When they heal, their families heal, and they return to their communities as productive citizens, pursuing higher education and re-entering the workforce, rather than living in isolation, or worse, seeing suicide as the only way out. However, high quality service dogs come at a high price, one which most veterans could never afford on their own. The average cost of a service dog, classified as medical equipment, is $27,000.

Medication is not always the answer. The servicemen and women who voluntarily fought for our freedom should not have to suffer even more after coming home because they can’t afford the treatment that is best for them. Please support this life-saving initiative that will give veterans the option of choosing a service dog to heal from their invisible wounds. Please vote “Yes.” Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

(Your name)

– Thank you for your support! Happy Trails!