Much like SLU’s Jesuit mission, “…men and women for others,”
soldiers uphold the time-honored tradition to help one another.
Organizations such as Paws for Purple Hearts serve as a good
example of this. Veterans work for Paws for Purple Hearts in
order to help train service dogs that go on to provide
assistance to wounded soldiers. Under the guidance of
instructors, the veterans are able to teach the dogs over 90
commands in about two years. Surprisingly enough, these veterans
find that interacting with these dogs also helps them ease back
into civilian life. After the intensive training, the fully-
trained dogs are sent to their new homes. Not only do these dogs
assist veterans with physical disabilities, they also help them
with the emotional scars caused by combat. Veterans receive much
needed companionship as well as a path to their independence.
Paws for Purple Hearts is living up to their motto, “Veterans
Helping Veterans.” Since Paws for Purple Hearts is a non-profit
organization, they gladly accept don