Friends For Animals Of Metro Detroit Celebrate National Love Your Pet Day

From FAMD: Feb. 20 is not only Presidents Day, it also celebrates National Love Your Pet Day. In honor of that, Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit (FAMD) is teaming up with several veterans’ organizations and nonprofits to make it easier for military veterans to love their pets.

Veterans often face unique problems that can be alleviated by the love and support of a dog. Studies show that one in eight soldiers returning from Afghanistan will have some symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Since 82 percent of patients suffering with PTSD with service dogs show a decrease in symptoms, partnering vets and pets is an ideal remedy.

Finding the right dog, one temperamentally suited for each veteran’s individual needs, takes skill, patience and many hours of training. In addition to offering 50 percent off to adopting veterans, FAMD works with three veterans’ groups to pair trained dogs with qualified vets:

• Stiggy’s Dogs in Howell trains shelter dogs to be companion dogs as well as psychiatric service dogs for veterans with combat related PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, completely free of charge.
• The Southeast Michigan Chapter of Pets for Vets, which reduces the financial burden of care and adoption for veterans’ companion dogs.
• The Pets for Patriots program provides companion dogs and financial support for veterans in short-term pet care need.

Image Courtesy of FAMD