Designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey.
The resolution's enactment is expected to foster greater public awareness regarding the unique role service dogs serve in assisting veterans, thereby potentially increasing support and donations for community non-profit organizations involved in the training and placement of these animals. By formally declaring March 16 as Paws Healing Heroes Day, the state of New Jersey aims to elevate the conversation surrounding veteran needs and the assistance these animals can provide. Furthermore, it encourages state officials and residents to observe the day in ways that promote understanding and support for veteran-related services.
Senate Joint Resolution 120 (SJR120) aims to designate March 16 as 'Paws Healing Heroes Day' in New Jersey. This resolution is largely focused on acknowledging and raising awareness about the crucial role that service dogs play in aiding veterans who suffer from various mental health and physical conditions, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. The bill emphasizes a significant statistic: approximately 29 percent of veterans returning from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan may experience PTSD, with 28 percent suffering from TBI. The resolution seeks to recognize the dedicated efforts of organizations like Paws Healing Heroes, which specialize in training service dogs for veterans.
There may be concerns regarding funding and support for service dog programs, as the cost of rescuing and training these dogs ranges from $3,000 to $5,000, often not covered by insurance or veteran benefits. While the resolution itself does not demand direct funding, the promotion of awareness might lead to calls for increased state support for these initiatives. Additionally, the reliance on charitable donations highlights a gap in funding that could limit the availability of these critical services for veterans in need.