This month’s feature story highlights the Pets Healing Vets program at the Humane Society for Hamilton County. Pets Healing Vets connects rescue dogs and cats with qualifying Indiana veterans who suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injury. While other shelters nationwide have programs that pair military veterans with rescue animals, Pets Healing Vets is the only program that covers the cost of pet food and healthcare for the animals’ entire lives. 

I first learned about this program from a friend who works with doctors to improve the opioid crisis in Indiana. He had attended presentations given by Justin Morseth, whose wife was inspired to create Pets Healing Vets after seeing his relationship with their rescue Alaskan Husky. As someone who loves animals, I was interested in the impact companion animals could have on people with PTSD and anxiety, and how they could live fuller lives without relying heavily on medication.

I was amazed by the veterans and their dogs featured in our story, but I was blown away by the bond between the pairs when I saw it firsthand. Kiley, our Indiana Connection photographer, and I visited the Humane Society to capture some of the photos you see in the story. You could feel the connection between Emily and Caesar and how they are truly a bonded pair.

We were also impressed with the Humane Society’s team and their dedication to Pets Healing Vets. They are sincerely committed to making these pairings successful, not just at the initial adoption but throughout the pet’s life. They run this program with remarkable compassion for both veterans and animals. I hope you read more about this special program here.