SAN ANTONIO — KENS 5 is supporting K9s For Warriors and their mission to train dogs to serve a special purpose.
Every day in the United States, approximately 20 veterans take their own lives and over 1,000 dogs are euthanized.
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors provides highly trained service dogs — a majority being rescues — to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. There is no financial cost to the veteran.
Beyond the organization's dedication to serving veterans, K9s For Warriors gives dogs a second chance and a new purpose as lifesaving service dogs. K9s For Warriors rescues the dog; the dog rescues the veteran.
The innovative program, backed by scientific research, allows both the veteran and service dog to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery.
K9s For Warriors accepts all-era veterans from across the United States. To date, K9s For Warriors has paired more than 1,000 veterans with lifesaving service dogs. More than 2,000 dogs have been rescued.
"Frankie has changed my life from the moment I met him and continues to help me in my mental health journey on a daily basis," said U.S. Army veteran Ryan about his service dog, Frankie. Ryan was the 1,000th warrior to graduate from the program this past March.
You can help K9s For Warriors change the lives of the next 1,000 warriors during the KENS 5 Telethon this Veterans Day, November 11. Your donation saves two lives: a veteran and a dog.
To apply for a service dog or to learn more about supporting the program, visit K9sForWarriors.org.
You can donate to help K9s for Warriors during our KENS 5 telethon on November 11:
- Call 210.796.3682 from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
- Text K9S to 41444
Here's a look at the Puppy Cam video from the K9s for Warriors donation drive in 2021:
Here's a look at the Puppy Cam video from the K9s for Warriors donation drive in 2020: