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1 unwanted dog + 1 wounded military = happiness for all

The feel-good story of the day comes out of our nation's capital courtesy of the Washington Humane Society (WHS). Seems that Lisa LaFontaine, the President and CEO of WHS, heard that volunteer dog-walkers and wounded service members from Walter Reed Hospital, a few blocks away, were meeting and seemed to be making a connection.

American Staffordshire

Ms. LaFontaine created a program so that wounded service members could take courses in dog training and behavior offered by the WHS. In addition to the courses providing a foundation for a career working with dogs, spending time with the animals was therapeutic to the wounded soldiers in and of itself. Not only that, but the doges get a break from shelter life, and with caring soldiers training the dogs and teaching them appropriate behavior, the dogs become more readily adoptable. A win-win-win for the Shelter, the dogs, and our wounded military.

The program now has a waiting list, and Kevin Simpson, the Training Director, says that students come early and stay late. One of the students stated that being with the dogs has a claming effect and helps keep her mind off "the crummy things in life."

Let's hear it for our military, our dogs, the Washington Humane Society, and Lisa LaFontaine.

Posted by Jim Frimmer, San Diego Realtor on 08/27/2008 11:11 AM

Comments (12)

Pets in the ActiveRain Channel

military, service members, dogs, washington human society, lisa lafontaine

Post is included in group: Pet Friendly Real Estate
Post is included in group: PETS ARE PEOPLE TOO
Post is included in group: Realtors®

12 Comments on 1 unwanted dog + 1 wounded military = happiness for all

Thank you for this post. It was very moving. A win win like you said.

08/27/2008 11:16 AM

by Angelia Garcia (Francesca Realty.LLC)

Nice story and there is evidence that having a pet is therapeutic.

08/27/2008 11:20 AM

by Michael Caruso Real Estate Group

Too often the pets get abandoned in this market. Great idea on how to make a win-win situation !

08/27/2008 11:23 AM

by Bill Gillhespy Fort Myers Beach Realtor (Century 21 Tripower Realty)

This is terrific and is a great follow on to the Baghdad Pups that has become a joint effort between the military who adopt and take care of the dogs in Baghdad and then get them home to the US.

08/27/2008 11:23 AM

by Cindy Jones-Northern Virginia Real Estate & Military Relocation Services (RE/MAX Allegiance #1 RE/MAX Company in the World)

OK THAT IS SMART THINKING.. smart thinking ..looking at was to get more done for more people in less time for less money...

Dogs win

Solders win

New pet owners win

Community wins

cost ... hmmm I would guess next to zero ..

08/27/2008 11:31 AM

by Eric Reid Lawrenceville,GA (Renaissance Realty Group)

That is a wonderful program. It has always been my dream to open a battered women's shelter/animal sanctuary where the women and kids can help care for the rescued animals (and of course therapy and other assistance would be provided). I think that is so healing. This was just a fabulous idea. Thanks for sharing it!

08/27/2008 11:54 PM

by Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com)

Funny you would mention homeless women and animals. On the Washington Humane Society's website they have a program like this in place. It's listed under Human - Animal Rehabilitation http://washhumane.org/programs.asp I think I found a new non-profit to start donating to!

08/28/2008 09:29 PM

by Amy

Great post. There is nothing that helps you heal faster (emotional & physical) that a pet.

08/28/2008 09:39 PM

by Cheryl Winn (Keller Williams Realty)

Amy, that's awesome, thanks, I'll check it out!

08/28/2008 09:39 PM

by Chris Fisher of StagersLIST.com Buy Stage Sell (StagersLIST.com)

Hey, gives me an idea about trying to get our local VA to do something similar... That would be awesome!

08/29/2008 10:11 AM

by Meegan Ehrlich, REALTOR® (Coldwell Banker Real Estate)

What a wonderful story. It's amazing what the unconditonal love of a dog can do!

08/29/2008 10:28 AM

by Maxine Phillips "NaplesMax" - Your Southwest Florida Connection (Keller Williams Elite Realty)

Jim: This is a great story! And I'm sure that when some of these wounded soldiers are ready to go home, they may be taking one of their new furry friends with them.

08/29/2008 10:30 AM

by Chris Ann Cleland, GRI (Long & Foster)

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