On Wednesday (Veterans Day) we talked about the K9's for Warriors program that is providing service canines to warriors suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disability, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma as a result of military service post 9/11. Their goal is to empower Veterans to return to civilian life with dignity and independence. They do this through Orion House - a center that was built right here in Jacksonville and provides dogs for Veterans all across the USA.
On Wednesday (Veterans Day) one of our local TV Stations (First Coast News) held a telethon for K9's for Warriors and raised over
$150,000 - then amazingly an anonymous donor rang in and said he would match every donation - so in total they raised over $300,000. It also meant that the $40 of treat money we donated turned into $80 - way to go anonymous donor!
Other facts that are amazing -
- 95% of the dogs they train are rescue/shelter dogs - many of them rescued from kill shelters.
- Corporate sponsors pay for 100% of the day to day running of Orion House and 100% of individual donations go directly to the K9's for Warriors training program
- So far 194 veterans and their dogs have graduated from the program
- Many veterans who are on a cocktail of medications before getting their dogs need far fewer or none at all after getting their dog.
- Not a single warrior has committed suicide since receiving their dog
So great to read such a good news post. And well done to that generous anonymous donor.
ReplyDeleteToodle pip!
Bertie.
PS Gail is such a cynic. She is saying something about owners of wire fox terrier puppies bucking the trend and needing extra medication for the first few months...
I hope for a lot such centers like yours in jacksonville. That's a wonderful way to support those who were there for us too... Many thanks to your tv-station, that was a great idea to start a telethon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful program!
ReplyDeleteWonderful! I'm glad they are receiving so much support.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pawsome cause!!
ReplyDeleteSmileys!
Dory, Jakey, Arty & Bilbo
Wow! That is just awesome news! What a fantastic program!
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
Wow, what a great fund-raiser! And a wonderful program!
ReplyDeleteCammie!
Bowsers, that is pawsome. Orion is a pawtastic name too.
ReplyDeleteThat is such a wonderful gesture. There truly is still a lot of good left in the world. ♥
ReplyDeleteSuch a great thing...not sure if they have some thin like this set up in the UK
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