National Dog Day: How PAWS is Helping Veterans Heal.

Today is National Dog Day, a special day to celebrate our furry friends who bring so much joy into our lives. But did you know that dogs can also play a big role in helping people heal? That’s exactly what’s happening with the PAWS program at VA Palo Alto Health Care.

PAWS, which stands for Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members, is a pilot program designed to help Veterans with PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In this program, Veterans have the chance to train service dogs that will eventually be paired with fellow Veterans.

Training these dogs does more than just teach them commands—it helps the Veterans too! Working with dogs can reduce stress, improve mood, and give a sense of purpose. It’s a way for Veterans to feel connected and supported while they’re helping others.

On this National Dog Day, let’s not only celebrate the love and joy that dogs bring into our lives but also recognize the incredible work they’re doing to help our Veterans thrive. The PAWS program is proof that a little bit of puppy love can go a long way in making the world a better place.