Patriotic Paws: County Animal Shelter Has Wounded Buddies Program for Military

Wounded military personnel in need of companionship and understanding can very often find it through the ownership of a pet. 

The Prince William County Animal Shelter, together with the Prince William County Humane Society has a Warrior Buddies Adoption Program, where homeless dogs are paired with former or active duty wounded military members or veterans. 

Animal adoption, spay and neutering and even training are all free to the adopting wounded warrior, Prince William County Animal Shelter staff said. 
The program launched this spring after staff concluded that such a program was needed in the county because of neighboring Quantico Marine Base and Fort Belvoir Hospital. Since March, eight dogs have gone on to become Warrior Buddies. 

Discounted adoptions of homeless animals are also available for retired, active and former military personnel and their families. 

County animal advocates say they are working on expanding the program through partnerships with other animal groups who can help them identify potential service dogs. 

Anyone interested in adopting through the Prince William County Wounded Buddies Program can email Beate Begley at the Prince William County Animal Shelter for additional information and an application. The email address is: BBegley@PWCGov.org.