BIRMINGHAM: These hero dogs are in need of a home; here’s how you can help

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March 25, 2016

Military working dogs returning from service in the Middle East are in need of homes.

The 1st Foundation, an Alabama-based non-profit that helps find homes for retired military dogs, is holding a fundraiser this weekend at Cahaba Brewing Company in Birmingham.

On Saturday, March 26, 1st Foundation will be at the new Cahaba Brewery facility from 5:00-9:00 pm. In a statement, 1st Foundation said, “We are grateful for this opportunity to continue to take care of the animals that have served our country in Iraq and in Afghanistan and to ensure they have the retirement that they so richly deserve now that their duty is done.”

Two K9 units will also be present on Saturday, and during the evening one dollar per beer sold will be donated to the organization.

1st Foundation’s mission is to help place retired military dogs that need rehabilitation with veterans who could use some companionship, helping them both re-acclimate to civilian life. They also provides assistance, training, and resources to Special Operations Forces, Police Special Operations, and their families through grants, paying medical bills, PTSD programs, and college scholarships.

Military veterans are the foundation’s first priority when it comes to finding homes for dogs. Pairing retired veterans with their canine counterparts can help both recover from post-traumatic stress. Canine Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, first officially recognized as a combat affliction in 2009, affects approximately 10 percent of former military working dogs returning from active duty.

Some of the dogs that return home have simply “aged out” of service (typically at 6 years old), but others return with behavioral issues. Military veterans understand these dogs best and can help them overcome their issues and learn how to enjoy retired life.

Since August, 1st Foundation has matched more than twenty military working dogs with adoptive families – providing these deserving animals with a forever home.

The non-profit has an all-volunteer staff, and 100 percent of the donations it receives go toward making it possible for them to provide their services to Special Forces, law enforcement, and their four-legged friends.