Giving Back - Pups4Patriots

When we started Rhoback, we knew that we wanted to use our small but growing platform to help give back in a meaningful and impactful way.

We found the perfect opportunity to do just that when we discovered American Humane’s Pups4Patriots. This amazing program rescues dogs from shelters across the nation and trains them to be service dogs for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI).

The program allows us to support two causes we care deeply about – rescuing dogs in need and helping veterans suffering from invisible wounds. We couldn’t be more excited about our association with this lifesaving program and we hope you will help us put more healing leashes into the hands of veterans in need.  

The Need

For many brave members of our nation’s armed services, coming home as a civilian is only the beginning of another daunting battle. The invisible wounds of war, including Post-Traumatic Stress, can cause debilitating symptoms in veterans, leading to depression, social isolation, and, far too often, suicide.

Approximately 11-20% of Veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress each year and approximately 20 veterans commit suicide every single day. This is an unacceptable trend that must be reversed, and can be reversed, if we all do our small part to help those who have served.   

While there are many treatment options for Post-Traumatic Stress, a growing body of scientific research has shown that specially trained PTS service dogs can reduce stress and anxiety levels, mitigate depression, ease social reintegration, provide comfort, and restore confidence in affected veterans.

About the Pups4Patriots Program

American Humane’s Pups4Patriots program was launched with the goal of providing life-changing, and often lifesaving, support to affected veterans.

All the dogs in the program are rescued from shelters and trained according to American Humane’s service dog standards – an approach developed by a Scientific Advisory Committee of scientists, veteran experts, mental health professionals, animal welfare specialists, veterinarians, dog trainers, and other key advocates. These standards are designed to maximize the efficacy of the service dog as a treatment method for veterans with PTS and TBI.

In addition to providing exceptionally trained service dogs to veterans in need - free of charge - the Pups4Patriots oversees intensive hands-on training sessions to cultivate the important connection between the veteran and his or her new service dog. Creating a welcoming environment conducive to this bonding process is crucial to the success of the program and mitigation of PTS.

Supporting the Program

Here at Rhoback, we are incredibly passionate about supporting the Pups4Patriots. For the last four months we have been donating a portion of every sale to this great cause and will continue to do so until we raise enough funds to rescue and train a service dog for a veteran in need.

Throughout the year we will be hosting some fun events to raise additional funds for this great program. We hope you will take the time to learn more about the Pups4Patriots Program and consider donating. Keep an eye out for our first fundraising event this Spring!

 -Hubs