Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care

On this Memorial Day weekend, I would like to draw attention to several service dog programs that are devoted to helping this nation’s wounded veterans. Among other tasks, service dogs are trained to: Guide blind veteransPull a wheelchairOpen and close doors Pick up and carry objectsPlace objects on a tall counterBring a telephone and replace itKnock receiver off large button telephone and dial 911 with noseCarry bagsBring clothing from a closet or dresserDrag a wheelchair to the bedsidePlace items in a clothes washerPull items from a clothes dryerPlace items in a trash canBring a bag of medicationTurn on or off lightsOpen and close bathroom stall doorOpen a refrigerator or freezerPull bed covers on or off disabled veteranWake partner at the sound of a smoke alarmFind and retrieve remote controlBark continuously for help (think Lassie)Pull off veteran’s shoes, socks, and pantsOpen closets and cabinetsBrace and assist veteran in and out of wheelchair, bed, toilet, vehicle, etc.

In addition, these dogs become a therapeutic friend who brings a wounded veteran the type of patient, unconditional love that only a pet can provide. The human-animal bond enriches the spirit and helps to heal the body. These service dog programs bring freedom and comfort to our country’s heroes.

Operated by Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, Canines for Combat Veterans is one such program. The initial phase of training these service dogs occurs at prisons in New England. Prisoners are able to more rapidly and intensively train these dogs for their specialized tasks. Then dogs are paired with their veteran companions for the final phases of training. For more information, or to make a donation to this worth program, please visit www.neads.org or call (978) 422-9064.When the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind was founded in 1946, part of its initial mission was to provide guide dogs for wounded service members returning home from World War II. Today the organization works closely with the military to place specially trained service dogs with wounded soldiers. The America’s VetDogs Veteran’s Canine Corps publishes a free quarterly newsletter. You can get on their mailing list by visiting www.guidedog.org or calling (631) 930-9050. Donors of $1000 or more can name a special animal friend as a “Noble Animal Friend.” Your pet’s name will be placed on a brick in the walk of honor at the Guide Dog Foundation campus. You will receive a picture frame to honor your “Noble Animal Friend” at home.Patriot Paws Service Dogs serves veterans through VA hospitals in Texas. For information on their work, please visit www.patriotpawsservicedogs.org or call (972) 772-3282.In the spirit of honoring this nation’s fallen heroes this Memorial Day, The United States War Dogs Association operates an online “Wall of Honor” at www.uswardogs.org. They are also raising funds for a War Dog Memorial as a tribute to the long and proud history of military service dogs. For more information, see the web page or call (609) 747-9340.

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