November 2024 - February 2025 Volume 31 Number 4
COMPLIMENTARY us on Facebook for Animal Friends for Veterans pairs our Like more news and updates at facebook.com/ country’s heroes with beloved pets PittsburghSeniorNews.
Be the first to know when news happens To receive a digital copy of our publication, please visit pittsburghseniornews.com/ digital.
Visit our website pittsburghseniornews.com
Veterans Ambassador Council member Joseph “Sonny” Hanlon loves his two poodles.
By Gina Mazza In 2023, a United States Military veteran made a poignant comment to the staff at Animal Friends, a full-service companion animal welfare organization located in Pittsburgh’s North Hills: “There were so many times when I wanted to end it all,” he said, “but I didn’t … because I didn’t want anything bad to happen to my dogs.” This heart-wrenching expression of one veteran’s love for his pets exemplifies the reason for the creation of Animal Friends for Veterans. This special program is aimed at directly encouraging and supporting the nearly 200,000
troops in the southwestern Pennsylvania region in adopting and caring for an animal companion. Many troops return home with scars, seen and unseen, that can make it difficult to transition back to civilian life, such as posttraumatic stress disorder, toxic command, and traumatic brain injury. Sadly, 17.5 veterans or active members of the military take their own lives each day, according to a November 2023 report by the US Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. That is where pets become lifesavers to those who give their service to save others’ lives.
“Companion animals can help veterans remain more active and engaged; for example, walking a dog provides exercise and Vitamin D, both shown to facilitate positive mental health,” comments Melissa Stammely-Park, Therapeutic Programs Coordinator at Animal Friends. “Additionally, dog walking may lead to conversation with others, so people feel connected. Having a pet helps them overcome feelings of hopelessness and the desire to give up.”
Get your copy of the 2024 Allegheny County Senior Resource Guide Our guide has all the phone numbers and websites for senior resources you may need. Visit pghseniornews.com to download a copy.
Allegheny County 2024
Senior Resource Guide
In cooperation with the Allegheny County Department of Human Services Area Agency on Aging
Animal Friends has been committed to helping the brave individuals who Continued on page 6
For caregivers. For professionals. For you.