Thursday Treats – Pets for Vets Day 10/21
Happy National Pets for Veterans Day! Each year on October 21st, this holiday is used to spread awareness of the emotional needs of veterans and how the right animal can assist them in transitioning back into civilian life.
The organization Pets for Vets, Inc. was founded in 2009 by Clarissa Black, a Cornell-educated animal trainer with a Master’s in Anthrozoology. While consulting on therapy dog work with American veterans and wounded soldiers, she watched their positive reaction to her own dog, Bear – smiling and joking that they wanted to take him home with them. “If one hour a week with Bear made such a difference, how much more of an impact could a Veteran’s own pet make? By pairing Veterans with shelter animals, it was clear they would each receive the second chance they deserved.” Pets for Vets places mostly dogs, but some cats and has even paired a bird with a veteran.
In honor of National Pets for Vets Day, we’re highlighting kits and templates you can use to create layouts about the pets and vets in your life.
How can you celebrate National Pets for Veterans Day? Here are a few ideas:
- Contact your local animal shelter and offer to cover the adoption fees for a veteran looking for a furry companion.
- Volunteer your time at your local animal shelter.
- Gather a collection of pet toys and donate them to a local animal shelter.
- Visit www.petsforvets.com and learn more about the organization.
