As Brantley Gilbert kicks off the spring leg of his The Ones That Like Me Tour in April, he’ll be teaming with Pedigree to give companion dogs to eight veterans.
As part of their collaboration, Pedigree will work with Custom Canine Unlimited to train eight dogs and provide each dog with a one-year supply of dog food. The companion dogs were recruited by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, while the veterans were identified by Disabled American Veterans.
“Nothing helps heal like an animal’s love,” said Brantley. “These dogs aren’t just good dogs, they’re trained to help their veteran—and new companion—cope with stress, memories and triggers people can’t see and provide them with a sense of solid grounding.”
Brantley will be presenting a vet with a companion dog every weekend during the spring leg of his tour.
“Seeing the faces of these vets when their dog comes bouncing into the room melts your heart,” said Brantley. “I know for these families, beyond being the family’s new best friend, these animals are helping heal things for these soldiers in ways nothing else can.”
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com