COMPANION PETS FORCE US TO LIVE IN THE HERE AND NOw and For some veterans can be a life-saver.

  

Animals do not dwell on what happened yesterday, nor do they fret about what may happen tomorrow. They live totally and completely in the moment, and essentially force their human guardians to do the same. 

Pets demand our attention in many ways. They seek us out for affection, they require feeding, they need to be walked – or have litter boxes changed – and they need it NOW.

Their insistence forces us to tend to their needs. In those brief moments we set our own troubles aside.

The daily demands of our pets can interrupt negative thoughts and behavior, and replace them with positive, life-affirming activities.

Companion pets are not a cure all for veterans, or anyone, with serious psychological disabilities. Nor are they an antidote to suicide. But for all the proven emotional benefits they deliver, we think they have earned a place as part of a multi-dimensional approach to reduce – and eliminate – the scourge of veteran suicide and FMAS is honored to do our part.