Author and dog trainer Tamar Geller recently launched an initiative to help injured members of the United States Military. Operation Heroes & Hounds’ allows military personnel to coach and live with shelter dogs. As Tamar explains, “The focus of the program is on personal transformation through The Loved Dog™ method, a playful and nonaggressive approach to canine coaching. Both service members and shelter dogs learn a new set of skills that will make a positive impact on their future.”
Tamar’s program is not unlike many prison-based programs where inmates get a chance to work with shelter dogs training them for service or as pets. Such programs are often praised as a way to provide therapy for both the individual and the dog.
Sources:
http://www.tamargeller.com/outreach-heroes.php
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15014860/ns/health-pet_health/t/prisoners-rehabilitate-death-row-dogs/#.TlE2bjtZbR0