Dog Training Therapy Act to benefit dogs and war veterans

Washington, DC - The House of Representatives unanimously passed a full package of veterans' health care legislation Wednesday specifically including the Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act (H.R. 1988) which promises a pilot program for the training of dogs from rescues and foster homes as a form of therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder for veterans.

Introduced by Representative Michael Grimm, (R-NY) a Marine veteran of Operation Desert Storm, the dogs will aid in the treatment and rehabilitation of veterans with post-deployment issues and other related mental conditions.

The program is designed to help dogs and soldiers. Dogs who have been abandoned or turned into animal shelters will be specially trained to assist veterans - thus saving thousands of canines from euthanization and saving tax payers from the expense of purchasing expensive dogs.

Animal rescuers applaud Representative Grimm for his carefully thought out plan to help both United States veterans and for so many dogs who would otherwise be condemned to death in animal shelters across the nation.

Cheryl Hanna

, Pet Rescue Examiner


http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-national/dog-training-therapy-act-to-benefit-dogs-and-war-veterans

MILITARY: Pendleton leads way in easing hell of war

The Marine Corps is trying to ease some of the hell of war, ordering that initiatives with roots at Camp Pendleton be put in place across the force to stem troop suicides and reduce combat stress disorder.

One initiative requires that all units returning from the battlefield stay together for 90 days so troops can decompress.

The other mandates "operational stress control and readiness" or OSCAR ---- teams of at least 20 people in every battalion and similarly sized units ---- to help identify Marines and sailors having difficulties that can lead to mental health problems or suicidal behavior.

The initiatives are crucial to maintain overall troop health and reach out to those in trouble, said Maj. Joseph Plenzler, spokesman for the commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. James Amos.

"One of the commandant's four priorities is keeping faith with our Marines, sailors, and their families, and the OSCAR program is one of the important ways that the Corps carries out the intent," Plenzler said. "General Amos directed the establishment of OSCAR teams in order to prevent, mitigate and manage stress."

Navy Cmdr. Charles Benson, the chief psychiatrist for Camp Pendleton's 1st Marine Division, called the change in Marine Corps attitudes about stress issues "nothing less than phenomenal."

By MARK WALKER

Read more: http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/military/article_d426a8d4-8976-5ad0-9f9b-99c63b60ddb0.html#ixzz1bGp3hnTl

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/military/article_d426a8d4-8976-5ad0-9f9b-99c63b60ddb0.html