Vancouver shelter: Providing not just a best friend for Canadian veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental disorder that can leave many in an almost crippling mental state. They constantly find themselves fearing the worst and remembering the traumatic event to the point where it forever haunts other aspects of their lives. Such is the case for many of the Canadian soldiers who have served in Afghanistan.

As many dog lovers can attest to, one of the best cures for depression is a loving companion who seemingly knows exactly when they are needed most. It is due to this that a local shelter has decided to not only give homeless canines a new lease on life, but also help out those veterans that are suffering from PTSD. Citadel Therapy Canine Society has been adopting dogs and training them for one purpose: to provide the constant, unconditional companionship that can perhaps help to steer them down the path of healing.

Once these animals have been trained, they are to be handed off to a specific veteran who has been perfectly matched to the pet. What makes this deal even better? The veteran is not required to pay a penny towards the shelter, as many others would have to if they were to adopt an animal or acquire a service animal. This can be considered a blessing by those receiving the animals as it is not something covered by Veteran Affairs.

These brave and selfless animals are due to arrive in Vancouver shortly, bringing along with them trainers. These trainers will be sent to teach the veterans how to interact with their new companion, as well as provide them with a basic course in animal first aide.

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, Vancouver Pets Examiner

Amanda Normand is not only an animal enthusiast who has a soft spot for anything furry, but she is also a married woman trying to navigate the sometimes tricky maze of marriage. Amanda currently owns two cats, and has helped rescue and re-home other furry critters. Contact Amanda with any story...

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