JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Several bipartisan Senators and K9s for Warriors introduced a bill last week that would give funds to eligible nonprofit organizations that provide service dogs to veterans suffering from some disabilities.
Bill H.R. 2605, also known as the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act, would allow nonprofits to train more service dogs for veterans, allowing them to regain their independence and help them reintegrate into civilian life.
“Service Dogs have a proven track record of providing lifesaving assistance to Veterans in critical need,” said Bill McCabe, Vice President of Government & External Affairs at K9s For Warriors.
Navy Veteran John Tappen knows firsthand how lifesaving a service dog can be to a veteran. At the darkest moment of his life, he was in a failing marriage, almost 300 pounds, on over 25 medications and contemplated suicide.
But his life completely changed when he met Henry through K9s for Warriors.
“They knew this dog was for me. I mean, he is me in for a form, for short, like I was not this bubbly until he got back in my life and kind of like, ‘Hey, Pops, let’s go, let’s get out there. Let’s do stuff.’ And now, I’ll do anything I can just to reach one more veteran, because I was giving my life back. My parents have their kid back. Unfortunately, the first marriage didn’t work out, but I have a successful marriage now because of this,” Tappen said.
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K9s for Warriors CEO Daniel Bean said after 14 years, the organization can say they’ve truly seen how mans best friend can transform a life, which is why the introduction of the Service Dogs Assisting Veterans (SAVES) Act would be life changing for organizations like K9s for Warriors.
“This is really groundbreaking. It will require the Veterans Administration, Veterans Affairs to actually spend about ten million a year, annually for five years on buying service dogs for veterans that qualify,” Bean said.
To ensure the highest of standards, approved nonprofits must demonstrate experience working directly with veterans with PTSD, TBI or visual/mobility impairments and adhere to recognized standards and definitions outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), according to a release.
The SAVES Act still has to make it through committees. This was just the first step in a long in a process.
