Designates March 16 as "Paws Healing Heroes Day" in New Jersey.
AJR55 has the potential to impact state laws by promoting greater recognition of the contribution service dogs make in helping veterans manage their disabilities. The resolution encourages public officials and citizens to observe this day with appropriate activities and programs, which could lead to increased support for veterans and the organizations that facilitate the training and placement of service dogs. Such recognition may also inspire legislative efforts aimed at improving funding and resources for non-profit organizations involved in service dog training.
Assembly Joint Resolution 55 (AJR55) aims to designate March 16 as 'Paws Healing Heroes Day' in New Jersey. This joint resolution recognizes the significant role service dogs play in aiding veterans who suffer from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma, and seizure disorders. By establishing a dedicated day to honor these service dogs, the resolution seeks to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans and the critical assistance that trained service dogs provide.
While the resolution is largely symbolic, it highlights ongoing concerns regarding the funding and accessibility of service dogs for veterans. The average cost to rescue, train, and present a service dog to a veteran ranges between $3,000 to $5,000, which is frequently not covered by insurance or veteran benefits. This financial barrier emphasizes the need for community support and charitable donations to sustain organizations like Paws Healing Heroes, which strive to bridge the gap in service dog availability. Critics might argue about the effectiveness of such resolutions in addressing the broader systemic issues surrounding veteran care and support services.