Western PA Humane Society launches Patriot Pups program

PITTSBURGH — The Western PA Humane Society announced a new program Saturday to connect veterans and shelter dogs at a Memorial Day Celebration.

The Patriot Pups program will pair a pit bull-type dog with a veteran willing to work with the dog through Certified Canine Good Citizen and certified therapy dog training.

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The program is free for veterans and includes adoption of a pre-screened canine candidate, training supplies, medical support, an in-home behavior consultant and behavioral support throughout the dog’s life.

"There are three parts to our veteran's program. We offer veterans the opportunity to help specially-selected pit bulls become therapy dogs, obtain job training and placement working with adoptable animals, and receive a 25 percent discount on most adoptions, clinic services and obedience classes,” said Joy Braunstein, executive director of the Western PA Humane Society.

The shelter partnered with the Veteran’s Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to offer job training and placement in a position working with animals who are adoptable.

“This partnership will allow local veterans to leverage their military experience and pair it with a new training opportunity to give them enhanced avenues to employment,” said Ray Amelio, interim executive director of Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.

The 25 percent discount that Braunstein mentions includes pet adoptions (excluding Patriot Pups), vaccines, microchips, wellness exams at the Western PA Humane Society clinic and training and obedience courses.

Veterans who are in need of financial assistance also will have access to Ellie’s Pet Pantry for pet food support.

WPXI