Trips to the Alabama DMV won’t be so bad now because you can support hero dogs and war vets

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July 19, 2016

Military working dogs returning from service in the Middle East are in need of homes.

No one looks forward to a trip to the Alabama Department of Motor Vehicles, but thanks to the the 1st Foundation, helping America’s hero dogs and war veterans is now as easy as buying a license plate.

1st Foundation’s mission is to help place retired military dogs that need rehabilitation with veterans who could use some companionship, helping them both re-acclimate to civilian life. They also provides assistance, training, and resources to Special Operations Forces, Police Special Operations, and their families through grants, paying medical bills, PTSD programs, and college scholarships.

Military veterans are the foundation’s first priority when it comes to finding homes for dogs. Pairing retired veterans with their canine counterparts can help both recover from post-traumatic stress. Canine Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, first officially recognized as a combat affliction in 2009, affects approximately 10 percent of former military working dogs returning from active duty.

Some of the dogs that return home have simply “aged out” of service (typically at 6 years old), but others return with behavioral issues. Military veterans understand these dogs best and can help them overcome their issues and learn how to enjoy retired life.

Since August, 1st Foundation has matched more than twenty military working dogs with adoptive families – providing these deserving animals with a forever home.

The non-profit has an all-volunteer staff, and 100 percent of the donations it receives go toward making it possible for them to provide their services to Special Forces, law enforcement, and their four-legged friends.

1st Foundation is hoping Alabamians will pre-commit (charge-free) to buying one with the Department of Motor Vehicles. If the organization gets 250 pre-commitments, their tag will go into production and be displayed on the wall at the DMV — a huge exposure boost.

To pre-commit to supporting America’s hero dogs and war vets next time you go in to renew your tag, click here, then click on the second tab (6/1/2016 to 5/31/2017).