Nonprofit Organization Pairs Cape Veterans with Service Dogs

Heroes in Transition, a Mashpee-based nonprofit, is seeking to pair Cape veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with service dogs, the Cape Cod Times reports.

Started by Gold Star parents Kenneth and Cynthia Jones, the nonprofit has already paired two dogs with Cape vets. The specially-trained dogs are provided at no charge.

According to the Center For Disease Control, PTSD is "an intense physical and emotional response to thoughts and reminders of the event that last for many weeks or months after the traumatic event." 

Experts believe about 30 percent of Vietnam veterans are estimated to suffer from PTSD, while 11 to 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans are afflicted.

To donate to Heroes in Transition, call 508-539-1010, email contact@heroesintransition.org or visit www.heroesintransition.org.