Unique program helps vets and pets

A Sisters veteran has a new buddy, thanks to an adoption program through Three Rivers Humane Society in Madras.

The "Patriot Pals" program launched last November, in celebration of Veterans Day. The program is designed to give military veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD the opportunity to adopt a shelter dog at a greatly reduced rate.

"The dogs available for adoption at the shelter through this program have the right temperament required to that of a therapy or service dog. I earmark dogs that are specially targeted for vets with PTSD, or a form of it," said Monica Rendon, dog trainer for Three Rivers Humane Society. "These dogs will be able to provide emotional support and companionship."

Army veteran Mathew Johnson of Sisters has been struggling with serious health issues for several years. He had been looking for a dog on Petfinder for many months, and one of his specifications was that his new furry friend needed to be a lap dog. Then a couple of weeks ago he spotted a small white dog with the name "Princess" that fit the bill.

Johnson was directed to Three Rivers Humane Society's website, where he saw Princess up for adoption at their shelter in Madras.

"When I called Three Rivers, a staff member told me about the Patriotic Pals program for veterans, and how sweet Princess was," Johnson said. "My mom and I made an appointment to visit Princess right away."

Rendon had picked out a few different dogs, including Princess, that had the right disposition for a veteran like Johnson.

"I feel I'm intuitive about animals after working with dogs for many years," Rendon said. "My husband, Vern, a volunteer at the humane society, and I have seen the amazing healing power, happiness, and companionship that they can bring to people."

After arriving and viewing the dogs Rendon had targeted for Johnson, he decided on Princess, his original choice.

"Princess sat with Mathew just happy as could be. This was our very first Patriot Pal adoption!" Rendon said.

The Patriot Pal program doesn't stop with the adoption.

Kristina Olson, executive director of Battle Buddies of Central Oregon, has agreed to provide referrals and to collaborate with Three Rivers Humane Society in support of the veterans and their new "pals."

Battle Buddies of Central Oregon is a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains service dogs for veterans who have service-related PTSD and other injuries. Their goal is to preserve and maintain the quality of life of the nation's service members and their canine companions.

Princess has adjusted to her new life and her new name, Molly, extraordinarily well.

"I am so happy with Molly. I wanted a smaller dog to spread love around the house, a dog that wants to snuggle, and we found her!" Johnson said, smiling. "I live with my parents, and my dad has Alzheimer's. Molly follows my mom around and my dad is smiling again. And as for me, she is my lap dog that loves to cuddle. She is the perfect family dog."

Three Rivers Humane Society wholeheartedly believes that the companionship of a dog provides significant emotional, physical, and mental benefits to humans, especially those suffering PTSD.

For more information, contact Stephen Drynan, executive director, Three Rivers Humane Society at [email protected]