New national resource helps active-duty military, veterans, families & military animals

Via AmericanHumane.org - American Humane Association has announced the launch of the Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs, thanks to a generous gift by board member, Lois Pope.

The new center will encompass a number of programs and initiatives reflecting both the organization’s and Mrs. Pope’s long-time shared commitment to the well-being of America’s veterans, including military service canines. They include:

K-9 Battle Buddies: Helping military K-9 teams on and off the battlefield by facilitating reunions of military dogs and handlers, sending vitally needed care packages to active-duty military dog teams, and providing veterinary care for retired war dogs.

Wags4Patriots: Helping returning veterans cope with the hidden wounds of war by providing them with service dogs and conducting groundbreaking research on the important role these service dogs play.

Operation Purple: Helping America’s littlest heroes and their families by sending registered therapy dog teams to the National Military Family Association’s camps for kids with one or more deployed parents and retreats for families with recently returned parents.

Red Star for Warriors: This program redeploys our nation’s veterans to protect and serve on the home front in times of crisis as part of American Humane Association’s renowned Red Star mobilizations following hurricanes, tornadoes, and even terror attacks, and major animal cruelty cases.

American Humane Association’s Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs will be led by Captain Jason Haag, USMC (Ret.), the organization’s National Director for Military Affairs. Capt. Haag served his country for 13 years and is now partnered with his service dog Axel, who was named Service Dog of the Year at the 2015 American Humane Association Hero Dog Awards.

“Thanks to this transformational gift from philanthropist Lois Pope, not only will we be able to continue our proud 100-year legacy of protecting America’s bravest men, women, children, and animals, but we are opening a new century of caring, compassion and hope for America’s active duty, veterans, military families, and military animals,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, American Humane Association’s president and CEO. “Lois Pope is a true humane hero, and we and America’s warriors remain forever grateful for her vision and compassion.”

To learn more about American Humane Association’s Lois Pope LIFE Center for Military Affairs and all their military programs, please visit www.AmericanHumane.org/military/.