Health Editor’s Note: Veterans Day is the time to honor all who served in America’s military, including canine veterans. The following article introduces programs which combine K-9s with veterans. Training rescue dogs, who need forever homes, to help veterans is a win/win situation…Carol
K-9 Courage from Zoetis Petcare Salutes Veterans with Sponsorship of American Humane’s Pups4Patriots Program
First Zoetis-sponsored veteran-dog pair graduate training program designed to help those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress
PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 1, 2018 – Veterans Day is a time to honor all who have served in our nation’s military, and for the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare, that includes our four-legged veterans, too. Since 2015, K-9 Courage has supported retired military and police K-9s, ensuring that these courageous and loyal dogs continue to live happy and healthy lives. Furthering its commitment to our national heroes, K-9 Courage also sponsors American Humane’s Pups4Patriots™ program, which trains rescued dogs in need of forever homes to assist military veterans who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
K-9 Courage is proud to have sponsored Annie, a rescue who has been trained and recently paired with Dottie, an Air Force Veteran suffering from PTS. In the coming year, K-9 Courage will support three more veterans and dogs as part of the Pups4Patriot’s program.
“In honor of all veterans, we are committed to supporting the life-saving work of American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Executive Director, Zoetis Petcare Marketing. “The partnership and connection between Annie and Dottie is an inspiration and a great example of how Pups4Patriots is essentially saving lives at both ends of the leash.”
Patriotic Pair: Dottie and Annie
Dottie is an Air Force veteran who was honorably discharged after serving between 2015 and 2016. Upon her release, her therapist at the local Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic informed her about American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program. After pairing Dottie with her new dog, Annie, the program has helped her with her PTS and allowed her to be more confident in everyday life.
“My service dog Annie changed my life. I’m more independent in social situations, and I feel more like myself,” said Dottie. “We’ve had a special connection since day one, and Annie is my constant companion and protector. My gratitude for Annie and the program is immeasurable, and I’m so thankful that there are sponsors like K-9 Courage to help make programs like Pups4Patriots possible. I can’t imagine my life without Annie.”
American Humane
K-9 Courage launched in March 2015 in partnership with the Sage Foundation for Dogs Who Serve and the National Police Dog Foundation. Supporting up to 650 dogs each year, K-9 Courage provides the owner of each dog with a $300 debit card annually that can be applied toward any veterinary expense, ranging from wellness visits and vaccines, to prescription medications and treats. In 2017, the program expanded its support to include a partnership with American Humane.
The K-9 Courage Program is a charitable healthcare donation program that provides financial and in-kind product donations that support the healthcare of retired police and military K-9s as well as service dogs currently in action. Program contributions help assure that these courageous and loyal dogs continue to live happy and healthy lives. The K-9 Courage Program provides the owner of each dog with $300 annually on a debit card that can be applied toward any veterinary expense ranging from wellness visits and vaccines to prescription medications and treats. More information is available at www.k-9courage.com.
American Humane
About American Humane
American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. In addition to overseeing the welfare of some one billion animals each year, American Humane continues its century-long work of supporting the U.S. military, our nation’s veterans, and our military animals. For more information, please visit www.americanhumane.org.
About Zoetis
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 60 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and markets veterinary vaccines and medicines, complemented by diagnostic products, genetic tests, biodevices and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2017, the company generated annual revenue of $5.3 billion with approximately 9,000 employees. For more information, visitwww.zoetisUS.com.
Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.
She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.
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