ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – Veterans get a deal and friend of a life time thanks to an unique program assisting them adopt a furry friend.
The Vietnam Veterans of America Rockford Chapter sponsors Pets for Vets in Winnebago County. Three shelters come together to repay as much as $150 for a veteran to adopt a dog or cat.
The objective of Pets for Vets is to help veterans discover friendship and methods to break devoid of psychological health battles. Army veterans David Minson gained from the program stating he was compensated for his 3-month-old dog Dough embraced from Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary.
“Having animals around the home helps me cope in another way as a veteran,” Minson said.
Minson says his brand-new friend Doug assists him concentrate on today.
“Just keeping busy and proactive around the house or anything we do helps me the most to keep my sanity,” Minson said.
The program compensates adoption charges completely or partly.
“Why should they have to pay out-of-pocket for that when they could use that money to spend on spoiling their new pet,” asks Winnebago County Animal Services adoption planner Amber Pinnon.
Winnebago County Animal Services, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Paws Humane Society are the 3 shelters participating in the Pets for Vets program.
“To be able to give back to our veterans and for them to be supported in adopting is really important and really wonderful,” Pinnon said.
“If (the veterans) don’t have anybody else, or if they have some, you know. emotional problem, (a pet) is just something to comfort them,” said Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary workplace supervisor Marcia Brice.
Pets for Vets chairperson George Blake says he enjoys belonging of the program since he personally understands how soothing animals are.
“If you’re just sitting with them or they’re just sitting with you, right beside you, anything like that, it’s quite comfortable,” Blake said.
To receive the Pets for Vets program, you need to have proven recognition that shows you were honorably released. Payment is due sometimes of adoption.
For more info and to be gotten in touch with Blake to see if you receive the program, call 815-491-3120.
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