Staff Writer
Mayah Collins
TARBORO —
Pets for Vets is a non-profit organization that was established 3 years ago by its founder, Clarissa Black. The goal was to connect veterans suffering from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and other physical or emotional injuries, with homeless shelter dogs facing euthanasia. Pets for Vets has been successful in California, Washington, and Florida according to Alicia Hinton, The North Carolina Chapter of Pets for Vets volunteer.
What fostered the creation of The North Carolina Chapter of Pets for Vets?
North Carolina has the highest euthanasia rate in the nation for animals, along with a large military population. The reason is "so simple," according to Co-chair of The North Carolina Chapter of Pets for Vets, Ronnie Sadoski.
"North Carolina has the highest rate of kill shelters here in the United States for dogs and cats," said Sadoski. "That just saddens me. Plus, North Carolina has close to, or even, over 20% of the U.S. military population. It doesn't make sense to me for us to have the highest kill rate of animals, the largest military population, and we aren't here."
Sadoski is also a part of the organization's success story. As a veteran suffering from PTSD, he has been matched with a German Shepherd, "who has saved my life numerous of times in the past couple of years."
"When you have depression and PTSD, it's very hard for them (veterans) to get back to the reality of life," said Sadoski. "They just need a companion that gives them unconditional love. That's what they need."
The N.C. Chapter was established November of last year, and although the pairing process has not been completed, a goal has been set.
"What we would like to see is to be able to do four to five matches a month," said Sadoski. "The goal is to save as many dogs as possible, and in doing so, help as many veterans as possible, especially now with all of these soldiers coming back from the Iraq War. These soldiers need our help."
According to the Pets for Vets website, "Medical studies have shown that companion animals significantly improve mental and physical health, including reducing stress, depression and anxiety, symptoms experienced by many serving in the military."
The chapter has close connections with VA hospitals and dog advocacy groups in the state of North Carolina. When a veteran requests a companion dog, the animal is rescued, professionally trained, vaccinated, and more, to help with the transition to their new life.
According to Sadoski, the citizens of Edgecombe County can help by volunteering and getting the word out.
An open house event for The North Carolina Chapter of Pets for Vets will be held 6:30 p.m. at Calvary Episcopal Church in Clark Hall, Thursday, Jan. 26 in the town of Tarboro. This question and answer session has been organized to provide more information to all citizens.
For more information, contact Terri Stober at (919) 522-0575, Ronnie Sadoski at (919) 475-2076, or visit Pets for Vets website at www.pets-for-vets.com.
