Help Your Pets, Help Our Vets

From Krisers:

Last week on Veterans Day, the nation commemorated military heroes, but honoring veterans doesn’t have to be confined to just one day. A company dedicated to the health of America’s animals has stepped forward to ensure the health of the brave veterans who have made major sacrifices in fighting for our freedom. Local Wylie Wagg pet stores, which were recently acquired by Kriser’s Natural Pet, are participating in a national effort to raise money to help American Humane, the country’s first national humane organization which has supported the U.S. military for 100 years, provide lifesaving service dogs to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress (PTS).

Every day, 184 veterans are diagnosed with PTS and 20 die at their own hands – nearly one an hour. Waiting times for obtaining one of these highly trained critically important animals is estimated at between 12-18 months – far too long when the odds for heroes are this great.

To change these odds and save lives, Wylie Wagg stores throughout Northern Virginia and D.C. are collecting $1 donations from customers who visit their stores between now and November 19 to help American Humane put healing leashes in the hands of veterans with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries. Trained PTS service dogs are extremely expensive at around $20,000 apiece, but provide invaluable outcomes for veterans suffering the invisible wounds of war. Veterans with service dogs have reported improved sleep, decreased startle responses, and a decrease in the need for prescribed pain medication.

“As Veteran’s Day nears, we are proud to help support our true national heroes by raising funds and awareness to provide service animals as part of the Wags4Patriots initiative that American Humane coordinates,” said Brad Kriser, founder & CEO of Kriser’s Natural Pet, which acquired the Northern Virginia and D.C.-based Wylie Wagg stores in October 2016. “In this month of Thanksgiving, our entire Kriser’s Pack gives thanks to the people who have served our country and the amazing companion animals that support them.”

“Honoring our veterans involves both commemoration and active participation on our parts,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane. “We all need to do what we can to care for and protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us. Our veterans, including those who suffer from the invisible wounds of war, now need our help. I salute Kriser’s Natural Pet stores for choosing to stand with our veterans and urge Americans who love their pets – and our vets – to support this important effort on behalf of those who have given so much to this country.”

Participating Wylie Wagg store locations:

WYLIE WAGG - ARLINGTON/CLARENDON

2509 N. Franklin Rd.

Arlington, VA 22201

WYLIE WAGG - CATHEDRAL

3707 Newark St. NW

Washington, D.C. 20016

WYLIE WAGG - FAIRFAX

3903-F Fair Ridge Dr.

Fairfax, VA 22033

WYLIE WAGG - MIDDLEBURG

5B East Washington St.

Middleburg, VA 20117

WYLIE WAGG - TYSONS

7505 Leesburg Pike, Suite 120A

Falls Church, VA 22043

Image via Shutterstock