Click the headline above to find insightful information, put together by Veteran Car Donations, regarding symptoms, health conditions and even treatments for PTSD.
If you’re able, use World Blood Donor Day as a time to give back and save lives by donating blood. If you aren’t able to safely do so, consider helping out in one of the various other ways to help spread awareness.
100.7 KSLX Operation Pets for Vets
For the third year 100.7 KSLX's Mark & NeanderPaul are supporting Soldier's Best Friend with their weeklong fundraiser, Operation Pets for Vets, starting June 14 - 18, 2021.
SBF Board Member, Victoria Bellomo-Rosacci, recently participated in a podcast on Business Radio to discuss how she has witnessed first-hand the positive impact service dogs have on people. Click the title to listen.
There are some wounds that never show on the body. They run deeper and more painful than anything that bleeds. PTSD treatment will help. Don't wait.
Remember & Honor this Memorial Day
Join us this Memorial Day as we honor our fallen heroes who gave their lives for our country. We have the deepest gratitude and appreciation for the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you Albertsons and Safeway for awarding Soldier's Best Friend with a grant to support the service dog training program!
We are always looking for fosters, who provide an essential element for the dogs as they transition between the shelter and being paired with a combat-veteran.
Click the headline above to help save the life of a homeless Arizona dog.
Here are ways to observe National Rescue Dog Day:
* ADOPT: If there is room in your life for a dog, consider adopting a rescue dog.
* FOSTER: Many dogs abandoned to shelters benefit from socialization or would just thrive better away from the shelter environment. Others may be in need of some medical care or rehabilitation in a home setting before an adoption can take place.
* HELP A SHELTER: Shelters always need support. In addition to financial donations, shelters have a list of much needed items such as blankets, toys, treats, and leashes. You can also host a bake sale, car wash, or other event to raise funds for the shelter.
* VOLUNTEER: Help out at your local shelter. Taking dogs for walks, grooming, and giving them plenty of affection improves their socialization.
* SPAY/NEUTER: Be responsible for your pets. Overpopulation is the number one reason shelters exist.
* EDUCATE: Teach young children the importance of kindness, unconditional love, and responsible care of all animals.
May is National Military Appreciation Month
We’re still celebrating National Military Appreciation Month (NMSM) for the rest of May! Don’t forget to honor active duty and former armed service members.
Shoutout to Corte Bella Vets!
Thank you Corte Bella Vets for your generosity sponsoring a veteran/dog team going through the SBF training program.
Team sponsorships have a direct impact on a combat-veterans and rescue dogs by allowing them to go through the program at no cost. If you are interested in sponsoring a veteran/dog team, visit our donation page: https://soldiersbestfriend.org/how-to-help/donate.html
There's still spots open for our 10th Anniversary Sporting Clay Event, don't wait much longer or they will be gone!
Armed Forces Day is a day to say THANK YOU!
From Soldier's Best Friend, thank you to all the men and women, past and present, who have served in the military.
Ways to celebrate Armed Forces Day
• Thank a man or woman who serves or has served
• Wear red, white and blue
• Fly the American flag
• Talking with or writing to a military member
• Donate to veteran or military-based organizations
• Send care packages for those serving overseas
• Volunteer through the VA or a veterans service organization
Thank you Sundt Construction, Inc.
Thank you Sundt Construction, Inc. for supporting SBF over the past six years! We appreciate the partnership and hope it continues for many years to come.
Mental Health Facts & Figures
Here are some data points on the scope of mental health:
* 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year.
* 1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year.
* 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year.
* 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
* Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10-34.
Happy Mother's Day
One day isn’t enough to celebrate all the sacrifices moms have made and all the love they have given. To all the moms out there, however you are celebrating, we hope you are doing what you love. Happy Mother’s Day!
May is National Military Appreciation Month
May is National Military Appreciation Month (NMSM) which encourages U.S. citizens to observe the month in a symbol of unity. NMAM honors current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces, including those who have died in the pursuit of freedom.
Thank you Epi-Hab!
At Soldier’s Best Friend, we rely on the generosity of the community to make this program possible for combat-veterans and shelter dogs. We appreciate all donations, large and small.
We would like to take a moment to give a shoutout to Epi-Hab Phoenix, Inc. for their contribution in sponsoring a veteran/dog team as they go through the training program. Thank you Epi-Hab!
#communitysupport #touching2livesatonce
WeSERV West Valley Motor Sports Group presents: MSG Car Show: A Salute to Veterans
SBF is one of four veteran organizations to benefit from this event. Show your support for our veterans while enjoying a morning of fun for the whole family!
There will be:
• Hundreds of cool vehicles, including military vehicles
• Trophies & awards for the top 20 cars
• Variety of vendors
• Prizes & 50/50 Drawings
• Food, fun, music and more!
Be an intricate part of the transition from the shelter to the veteran's home by becoming a foster for SBF. Dogs generally spend 4-6 weeks at a foster home to help them decompress from shelter life.
Fill out an application to get started https://soldiersbestfriend.org/how-to-help/foster.html.
Now that the world is showing signs of getting back to a sense of “normalcy,” use this Earth Day as a reminder that when we all work together, we can make a difference.
Soldier’s Best Friend has been a nonprofit since 2001 and has helped hundreds of veterans, with nearly 300 dog-veterans teams that have graduated...
You can do your part to raise awareness:
* Report cruelty or neglect.
* Help local rescue organizations.
* Spread the word through social media.
* Encourage adoption first!
Thank you to Peoria Ford for showcasing SBF on their blog. We love when local businesses support each other!
Why stress awareness month is important:
A. It reminds us to pay attention to our health.
B. It's going strong!
C. Because we're all feeling it.
This year is the 10th anniversary of Soldier's Best Friend! Help us celebrate by signing up to participate in our Sporting Clay Event on Saturday, May 29.
We are also looking for event sponsors. Click here to show your support with a sponsorship: https://soldiersbestfriend.org/sporting-clay/sponsorships.html
“We have experienced significant losses in critical funding due to the cancellation of fundraising events and decreased staff/volunteer capacity amidst COVID-19 concerns. Participation in Arizona Gives Day is critical in allowing us to continue providing services to our veteran/dog teams that would not otherwise be possible. We are proud to participate in this statewide campaign to raise awareness and support for the veterans we serve and their canine training partners.” said Katie Ares, Interim Executive Director.
Read this article from American Kennel Club (AKC) to learn everything you need to know about service dogs.
What is a service dog?
Is a dog in a vest a service dog?
Where to find a service dog and more.
In this edition of Soldier’s Best Friend Newsletter you will find:
• A testimonial from March 2020 graduates Richard and Ke’koa
• Photos and contest winners from our 10th Annual Golf Tournament
• Update on campus phased re-opening... And more!
Veteran’s Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude. We honor and celebrate the men and women who have bravely served our nation and fought to maintain our freedoms. For some the fight continues, long after they return home. We encourage everyone to be aware of the...
Each year on the 4th of July holiday, we celebrate the historic day our country declared our independence. Traditions for this holiday run deep. Picnics, parades, fireworks and fun are all part of celebrating this special holiday. While we enjoy the excitement of all...
On Thursday, June 6, 2019, we mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy. The men and women who fought in WWII are now in their late 80's and 90's. Of the 16 million Americans who served in WWII, it was estimated by the U.S. Department of Veterans...
Wishing you and yours a safe and Happy Holiday! As we near the end of 2018, we think back on all the wonderful things this year brought to Soldier's Best Friend. Through the incredible support of many of you, many teams have successfully completed their training. To...
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday...
Veteran's Day is a day of remembrance and gratitude. We honor and celebrate the men and women who have bravely served our nation and fought to maintain our freedoms. For some the fight continues, long after they return home. We encourage everyone to be...
Each year on the 4th of July holiday, we celebrate the historic day we declared our independence. While it is easy to get carried away by the excitement of all that is taking place, let’s remember the veterans and active military members who find it a...
May 30, 1966 was the first declaration of Memorial Day in the country. Originally, Memorial Day only celebrated the lives of those who fought and perished in the Civil War. Today we honor and recognize all American men and women who have paid the ultimate...
Join us for a unique fundraiser and fun day at Ben Avery Clay Target Center. SBF is hosting our annual Sporting Clay event on Saturday, April 7, 2018. Players of all skill levels are welcome to participate. Last year, we saw the largest registration...
The saying, “It takes a village” is definitely true for Soldier’s Best Friend (SBF). All of you are an important part of our SBF community, and we thank you for everything you do to support our veterans and their canine partners. As we celebrate the end of...
On this day of remembrance and gratitude, we celebrate the men and women who have bravely served our nation and fought to maintain our freedoms. For some the fight continues, long after they return home. We encourage everyone to be aware of the internal...
