I think I’ve had a headache for about a week now. You could blame on my cold/sinus infection or you could blame it on post-election malaise. I think both would be correct. And the online world hasn’t been helping.
I log on for a distraction from my thoughts and I log off to get a distraction from the thoughts of others. You’re doing this right. You’re doing it all wrong. No, you’re not doing enough! It’s all your fault. It’s not my fault!
Does that sound remotely like the online interactions you’ve been having this week? If not, I congratulate you. I’m sure your head feels a whole lot better than mine. And if so, I can truly distract you from the madness of the world for a few minutes and make you feel really good. Promise.
Let’s talk about two groups about which you can’t possibly have anything negative to say: pets and vets (and by vets, I mean veterans, not veterinarians – although I love them too).
There are two amazing military pet charities that both assist our veterans in two very different ways. Both are worthy of your support but both are actually receiving support from Purina, a pet care company I’m proud to continue to work with.
Purina wants to give back to those who give so much. They’ve teamed up with military pet charities Dogs on Deployment and Pets for Vets in order to giveaway $100,000.
Dogs on Deployment’s mission is to give military members peace of mind concerning their pets during their service commitments by providing them with the ability to find people and resources able to help them. You may remember my write-up about supporting them last year around this time as part of Purina’s Pure Love for Pets initiative.
Pets for Vets is dedicated to supporting veterans and providing a second chance for shelter pets by rescuing, training and pairing them with America’s veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. This organization is new to me so I thought I’d share my thoughts on their important mission.
My husband is a military veteran and served for around eight years during the first Gulf War. He’s shared some of the things he’s seen and done and other things he’s kept locked up inside. Other things, I probably couldn’t even fathom.
Although it’s been years since he served (he was out before I even met him), the scars run deep and, as with many veterans, he still struggles with the experiences he carries with him. Around four years ago, we decided to open our home (once again) to a rescue dog. I had my hands full with Emma, my puppy mill survivor, but Sean wanted a sweet, innocent puppy.
Instead, we got Roscoe – a one year old shih tzu that had been found wandering the streets of Baltimore. His energy was exhausting. His housebreaking almost broke me. But for my husband, he became a sort of therapy dog. He delighted in seeing him chase butterflies outside and cry for his toys when he couldn’t reach them. Best of all was that Roscoe is a cuddler. Sometimes, having him there on the couch or on the bed just snuggling really is the best therapy of all.
I continue to share Purina’s love and dedication to the notion that life is better with pets. And even if you aren’t a pet person (how can you not be?), take a moment to help share the joy with veterans.
Take a moment to visit www.pureloveforpets.com, learn about the programs of each, and vote for the charity of your choice.
The $100,000 donation will be split between the two charities, so no one loses here. Chosen by public vote, the charity with the most votes will receive $75,000 and the second place charity will receive $25,000.
This post is sponsored by Nestle Purina as part of my continuing relationship as a #PurinaPartner. All thoughts and opinions are my own but I’d love it if you shared yours in the comments below.