Dogs for Veterans with PTSD--still a work in progress

Back in 2011, I posted on my Facebook page, Pets are a Blessing, about a law that was before Congress to have the VA acknowledge and initiate pets for veterans returning from the war in Iraq.  It has long been known that pets (especially dogs) are extremely sensitive to the needs of people suffering from post traumatic stress.  There is quite a bit of science behind this fact.  However, ten years later, the VA is just now moving on this law, called the PAWS Act; but they are planning to pilot this act and gather data on its efficacy over five years!  

The pilot program will be offered at the following five VA medical centers:

• Anchorage, Alaska.

• Asheville, N.C.

• Palo Alto, Calif.

• San Antonio, Texas.
• West Palm Beach, Fla.

Now I know that our government moves at a snail's pace, but really 10 years to just get it passed and another 5 years to pilot a program that so many veterans need right now?  I don't understand this.

If this makes you as mad as it makes me, let your congressman know how you feel about this.  With so many dogs wasting away in shelters, pounds, and rescues, this could be a godsend for them as well as the veterans who get them.

Here are two articles about this you might want to check out:

VA shares implementation plan and locations of PAWS Act pilot program

Kaya, a furry ambassador for veterans and service dogs, has died