house Bill H.R. 4305
Should the VA Fund a Dog Training Therapy Pilot Program for Wounded Vets?
Argument in favor
A recent study, along with anecdotal evidence, has shown that veterans with PTSD may benefit from having and training service dogs. This bill would help make service dogs accessible to more veterans, and would also help veterans develop a new marketable skill (training service dogs) that could benefit them in the workforce.
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11/11/2019
This looks like a risk worth taking. If it pans out not only will it benefit veterans it will be beneficial for the economy.
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11/11/2019
Sounds like an awesome idea. I understand the VA may be concerned with the efficacy of such a program. So, what is the problem with a pilot program over a reasonable timeline, less than a year, that quantifies the costs and benefits? Don’t just say No! There is a lot of anecdotal and related pragmatic programs that show that dogs can be helpful as companions and that the care for dogs can be therapeutic. I know of a couple of nursing homes who have noted benefits of having a dog in their facility in calming residents and improving their outlook on life through their visits with their non judgmental dog friend who’s companionship was unconditional. I think it is a very good idea and could be very helpful.
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11/11/2019
ABSOLUTELY. Our Veterans fought and in return some came back with scarring. In some cases human interaction can trigger them, but the dogs are nothing but loving and want to be loved. A dog is a mans BEST FRIEND. I mean if anything the most we can do is give them a companion that will be with them through thick and thin and won’t remind them of what they went through.
Argument opposed
The VA remains skeptical about service dogs’ efficacy as a treatment for veterans with PTSD. Until the VA determines that service dogs are useful for veterans with PTSD, the agency shouldn’t throw money at a pilot program that could prove ineffective.
11/11/2019
I’d rather the VA hire more people to address the backlog of care needed in many areas of the country. There are wiser ways, (scientifically proven ways) to spend money and improve outcomes at the VA.
11/11/2019
Steve Stivers votes against protecting our air, water, and soil. He always votes for the improvement of big business and the detriment of "we the people". If he says this plan is good you should check it for land mines.
This looks like a risk worth taking. If it pans out not only will it benefit veterans it will be beneficial for the economy.
I’d rather the VA hire more people to address the backlog of care needed in many areas of the country. There are wiser ways, (scientifically proven ways) to spend money and improve outcomes at the VA.
Sounds like an awesome idea. I understand the VA may be concerned with the efficacy of such a program. So, what is the problem with a pilot program over a reasonable timeline, less than a year, that quantifies the costs and benefits? Don’t just say No! There is a lot of anecdotal and related pragmatic programs that show that dogs can be helpful as companions and that the care for dogs can be therapeutic. I know of a couple of nursing homes who have noted benefits of having a dog in their facility in calming residents and improving their outlook on life through their visits with their non judgmental dog friend who’s companionship was unconditional. I think it is a very good idea and could be very helpful.
ABSOLUTELY. Our Veterans fought and in return some came back with scarring. In some cases human interaction can trigger them, but the dogs are nothing but loving and want to be loved. A dog is a mans BEST FRIEND. I mean if anything the most we can do is give them a companion that will be with them through thick and thin and won’t remind them of what they went through.
Let's do this for our Veterans PTSD is a horrible thing and sometimes you need someone to pull you up. A rescue dog would be that savior for a suffering Veteran.
Of course, anything that reduces the VA system dependence on prescription drugs for treatment.
Dogs benefit people both physically and mental and can only help those who have risked their lives for our country. More focus needs to be put on healing our veterans both mentally and physically..dogs are a great step forward in helping our veterans
Yes, there is a body of research available that shows dog training therapy works. This bill would allow to not only sponsor research to fine tune the training but also expand its availability.
We need to do everything possible for returning vets. 22 vets a day still committing suicide.
Absolutely, often the dog would be the only friend and helpmate for these vets 🐾🐾❤️🇺🇸
YES! And hopefully this will be the start of treating our veterans better than we have been.
Yes Definitely! An amazing gift from these wonderful creatures to some of our vulnerable brothers and sisters.
I don’t see how anyone could be against this program. With as much money as the VA wastes it is well worth the cost, it’s better than pushing pills the way they do for PTS.
Yes! We now have plenty of evidence that relationships with animals (esp. dogs and horses) provide healing for all kinds of injuries and life challenges.
Without question! Therapy dogs have proven to be successful and, certainly, would augment the treatment that we owe our veterans!!!
