“The strong emotional bond between a pet and a military vet helps them cope with the stress and struggles of daily life, and lead them down the road to emotional recovery from PTSD” – Jo-Ann Clark, Stratham NH
Our work with local animal shelters will pair veterans with a free pet, so they can more easily deal with PTSD, helping to heal the deep emotional scars, and possible save their lives.
All of our veterans need some level of help, whether they admit it or not… And whether or not they show any symptoms of PTSD or other emotional issues.
Vets have sacrificed their well-being for us and our country, and now it’s our turn to help them in return!
This is our way to give back so they can enjoy the level of joy and happiness they deserve, and get their own life back… One a companion pet can offer.
And believe me, there are many pets that need a great home in the Seacoast N.H. area.
This fund is created in honor of Christopher Journeau for PTSD awareness. Chris served with the US ARMY, 1st Battalion, 21st Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team while fighting in Operation Iraqi Freedom. At the age of 23 and six months after his return home to Stratham, NH, he took his own life. The end result was he had been suffering from PTSD and nobody knew it until it was too late.
Due to the
overwhelming response to this program, Chris’ Pets For Vets will adopt
out 1 pet, 1 time to any current or former military!
Effective June 1, 2016 we are reinstating Cocheco Valley Humane Society’s veteran adoption assistance to 100%! Thank you for your support in making this possible.
NHSPCA and Manchester Animal Shelter will remain suspended until further funding can be obtained. Thanks you for your patience and understanding. Please donate today!
When stress brought on flashbacks, I dealt with them by drinking them away. I considered it recreational drinking, but really I was self-medicating.”Source: Make the Connection, “Veteran’s Voices on PTSD”
What are the signs of PTSD?
- Feeling upset by things that remind you of what happened
- Having nightmares, vivid memories, or flashbacks of the event that make you feel like it’s happening all over again
- Feeling emotionally cut off from others
- Feeling numb or losing interest in things you used to care about
- Becoming depressed
- Thinking that you are always in danger
- Feeling anxious, jittery, or irritated
- Experiencing a sense of panic that something bad is about to happen
- Having difficulty sleeping
- Having trouble keeping your mind on one thing
- Having a hard time relating to and getting along with your spouse, family, or friends
When stress brought on flashbacks, I dealt with them by drinking them away. I considered it recreational drinking, but really I was self-medicating.” Source: Make the Connection, “Veteran’s Voices on PTSD”
Where to seek assistance:
- In an emergency, the Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 for Veterans or online chat at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net
- Your local VA Medical Center or Vet Center: VA specializes in the care and treatment of Veterans www2.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter_flsh.asp
- Your local Vet Center and speak with a counselor or therapist—many of whom are Veterans themselves—for free, without an appointment, and regardless of your enrollment status with VA http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter_flsh.asp
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