Amount Needed
$500.00
Whether you’re dealing with mental health conditions yourself or are a caregiver for someone who suffers, it’s easy to feel alone and overwhelmed. Depression isn’t uncommon to all people. In these cases, bonding with an animal can help fill this void. Dogs, in particular, offer unconditional companionship.
An Australian study of 199 patients who were dealing with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder found that 94% reported a “reduction of anxiety through tactile stimulation” thanks to a psychiatric assistance dog (PAD). Additionally, 51% of the patients reported that their PAD was responsible for “interrupting undesirable behavior.”
Pets can also foster human connections for their owners. Take a dog for a walk, and strangers who would never dream of approaching you in other situations will strike up a conversation centered on the animal. Even a mere smile from a passerby is a connection that can brighten your day.
A survey by the journal Aging & Mental Health of 14 community-dwelling adults aged 65 or older with pets found that their pets might benefit them by “providing companionship, giving a sense of purpose and meaning, reducing lonelines,s and increasing socialization.”
But besides living up to the billing as a human’s best friend, there’s yet another benefit that pets, particularly dogs, can bring owners.
The Problem: Long-term care is often avoided by veterans in crisis. They fear for the quality of care for their pet. They think, “Who is going to care for my dog when I am getting better?” Professional Caregivers of Pets and their cost is often the root cause for the resistance.
The Solution: 100% of your minimum $500.00 donation will ensure maximum care is afforded by vetted professionals for the dogs or other pets. Unlike boarding kennels, Knowledge Point Network will house your pet in a professional facility with our round-the-clock care partner. Please give generously to the KPN Pet Maintenance Fund which is exclusive only to veterans and first responders in crises.
