October 21st is designated National Pets for Veterans Day and recognizes the important role veterans’ pets can play in their lives. Pets can serve as a connection to the world around their veteran owners. A connection that, for some veterans, is hard to find. Their pet is both their companion and a source of comfort, unconditional love, and a reason to get up in the morning.

A little more than a year ago, I was given the opportunity to develop and build VOC’s Vets with Pets (VWP) program. As a pet parent for four dogs and five cats, I was excited about this new venture. However, I had no idea just how much this program would come to mean to me personally. I’ve always believed that when you love what you do, you put your whole heart into it. And I absolutely love what I’m doing with VWP.

In the time I’ve been working with the program, I’ve seen how important animals are to the veterans we serve. Whether it’s a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, or reptile, the connection is genuine. For some veterans I’ve worked with, their pet is their primary source of emotional support. For others, caring for an animal provides a sense of routine and purpose with the added benefit of connecting with other people at WVP events.

Veterans Outreach Center’s Executive Director and U.S. Army veteran Laura Heltz possesses a deep understanding of the pet-veteran bond. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared that, “The bond between a veteran and their dog is hard to put into words because it goes so far beyond companionship. I’ve had therapy and taken medication, but I’m not sure that would have been enough. My dog, Sir Duke, has been a constant source of comfort over the last 10 years. He doesn’t know the details of what happened, and he doesn’t need to. He just knows when I need him.”

I see Laura’s experience regularly through WVP. Our veterans come here for more than pet food, supplies, and assistance. They want to talk about their animals, share photos, tell stories, ask questions, and sometimes just have someone who understands how much their pet means to them. The connections they build with other veteran pet owners are just as important and meaningful as the ones they have with their own pets.

As the program has progressed, I’ve been fortunate enough to build relationships and connections with the veterans we serve and their animals. I’ve been there for the highs and lows. Veterans have asked me for advice, and I’ve been a source of support for someone grieving the loss of their pet. I’ve also shared plenty of laughs over the things our furry friends get themselves into. It’s been an honor to become part of their extended pet-loving family, and that’s something I truly treasure.

VWP has grown to offer a wide variety of services and activities. We provide pet food and supplies, educational programs, dog obedience training, pet socialization opportunities, outdoor walks and hikes, veterinary clinics, limited financial assistance, and help with pet adoption. We also bring animals into other VOC groups for pet-assisted therapy and partner with community organizations to offer wildlife presentations and other educational activities.

And, of course, we like to have some fun! Events like Yappy Howl-o-Ween and Happy Pawlidays & Meowy Christmas give our veterans an opportunity to get together, enjoy time with their pets, and build connections with one another.

But some of the most meaningful moments come from being able to help when a veteran and their pet really need us.

We’ve helped purchase an extra-large stroller for a service dog who lost his sight and has limited mobility. We’ve helped with emergency and non-emergency veterinary bills, provided warm sweaters and coats when the weather turns cold, and worked with community partners to arrange temporary foster care for pets when their owners experience housing instability. We’ve also had the joy of helping veterans welcome new companions into their lives.

To some, these may seem like small, everyday things. But, to the veterans and their pets, they can mean everything.

I think Laura said it best when she described what Sir Duke brings to her life: “During some of my hardest moments, his unconditional love and loyalty – and just his presence – carried me through.”

That’s what makes this program so special to me. We’re doing so much more than helping veterans care for their animals. The work we do helps protect the relationships that carry our veterans through their darkest times.

On National Pets for Veterans Day, I hope everyone takes a moment to recognize just how important these animals can be to the people who have served our country.

As Laura so beautifully put it:

“A beloved pet can be more than a best friend to their veteran owner. These animals are a safe place and a steady presence that reminds us that no matter what we’ve been through, we never have to face it completely alone.”

That’s the core of what VWP is: Keeping our veterans and their beloved companions healthy, active, supports, and – most importantly – together.

Click here to learn more about VWP. Or contact me directly at Nena.Siverd@vocroc.org or 585.295.7818.