Although women have been serving in America’s wars and conflicts throughout our history Women’s Veterans Day is a recently implemented holiday. It was first celebrated on June 12, 2018. It marked the 70th anniversary of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps legislation signed into law by President Harry S. Truman on June 12, 1948. This law allowed women to serve as regular members of the military, entitling them to Veterans’ benefits. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, 10 percent of veterans are female. Although that may seem like a small percentage, the approximate number is around two million.

Every opportunity should be taken to thank a service member, and to commemorate their dedication to our country. So, we would like to recognize the sacrifices women have made and continue to make to make our nation great; We extend our gratitude and honor all women who are serving and have served in the military.

Veterans at the Menlo Park VA

The Menlo Park PPH Team works with the Women’s Trauma Recovery Program (WTRP). The WTRP was developed to treat women Veterans and active duty service members with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD).  Warriors in the WTRP participate in our unique Canine-Assisted Warrior Therapy® Program. As part of their therapy, they help PPH Program Instructors prepare service dogs for other Veterans. The therapy helps suffering Warriors learn all over again how to trust and connect with others, both dogs and humans.

Timmy has been a facility dog at the WTRP since October of 2018. Facility dogs are placed in facilities such as hospitals and counseling centers that provide care to service members or Veterans.  Facility dogs help create a more home-like atmosphere and improve quality of care.  These helpful and friendly dogs help establish trust and relieve stress for staff, peers, patients and visiting family members.

“Timmy’s presence provides support during times when residents may be struggling with strong emotions,” says Marion, the Women’s Trauma Recovery Program Admissions Coordinator and Timmy’s Handler. “He is a motivator for patients to actively engage in treatment. Residents are able to see parallels between Timmy and themselves when it comes to learning a new skill”

He roams around the second floor of the WTRP Building, greeting residents in their rooms and providing support to anybody who needs it. Residents who have completed mandatory training can work with Timmy and take him to their therapy sessions and on walks.  Additionally, the residents can also play with him in the hallway, and take part in his daily grooming routine.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are doing our part to make sure that the health and safety of our warriors is top priority but Paws for Purple Hearts and Timmy want all of our Warriors to know that we are thinking about you and we hope to resume our normal therapy sessions soon.

If you would like to support our Warriors, the Menlo Park team is looking for remote volunteers to help with service projects and fundraising support. Visit our website to apply today. Together we can serve those who served us!