The following information is posted on Austin Humane Society's Blog. "The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act, October 14, 2011. This is truly an exciting and innovative bill! It was created by U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, D-N.Y and just passed the House of Representatives and is now on it's way to the Senate! The bill is designed to help shelter dogs find homes, PTSD victims to overcome their trauma, and disabled vets to live higher quality lives! According to ASPCA.com, the bill would, "create a program where service members suffering from PTSD could train shelter dogs to be service dogs for disabled veterans. 'When more and more servicemen and women are returning from overseas with PTSD and other injuries, this bill will allow for our veterans to get the therapy and assistance they need and will give some worthy shelter dogs very good homes,' says Nancy Perry, Senior Vice President of ASPCA Government Relations. The Veterans Dog Training Therapy Act was one of six bills that address veterans’ health issues to pass unanimously this week. The ASPCA thanks Rep. Grimm, himself a veteran, for his leadership on this important legislation to support our nation’s veterans and shelter dogs."
I met Mocha last year at a Love-A-Bull event. Her accolades include Canine Good Citizen, therapy dog certified through Divine Caine's Therapy Dog Program and is a working member of the Pit Crew. Earlier this year Love-A-Bull's all pit bull Therapy Dog Program was launched and Mocha was one of the first graduates. Click here to view the first graduation ceremony. Lydia and Mocha have traveled to Ft. Hood Military Base to aid returning soldiers with stress.
The following information is posted on Love-A-Bull's website. "Lydia Zaidman became a dedicated advocate and lover of pit bulls ever since she first set eyes on her dog, Mocha, whom she adopted in early 2004. Lydia is a founding board member of Love-A-Bull." According to the website the second group of Pit Crew graduates occurred on October 7, 2011. Click here to learn additional informaiton about the Pit Crew and to view a picture of Mocha laying next to a soldier.
I called the office listed on Rep. Grimm's website to say "Thank you for this unique bill and opportunity". His insight on saving sheltered dogs by providing them with training to be service dogs for disabled veterans is truly inspirational.
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