With Veterans Day right around the corner, we should all give extra recognition and praise to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our freedom.

Thanks to the generous support of Sheabel Veterinary Hospital, Boarding, and Grooming, the Lexington Humane Society (LHS) is able to recognize veterans of the KY National Guard (KYNG) year round with its “Canines Helping Our Military Personnel” or CHOMP program, which provides free adoptions to qualifying KYNG veterans. In honor of this Veterans Day, LHS will be expanding our free veteran-based adoption services through a special offering made available to all military branch veterans through the end of November.

Adoption is always the best option when selecting a pet, and for veterans suffering from PTSD, a canine companion can make all the difference. The CHOMP program’s first participant was USMC Sgt. Roger Thacker II, who had dealt with issues relating to PTSD from two prior combat deployments. LHS had the perfect match for Sgt Thacker, Maggie, an 11-month-old Treeing Walker Coonhound. Both Maggie and Sgt. Thacker are happy and healthy and providing each other the companionship we all need.

This Veterans Day through the end of November, LHS will be accepting applications for free adoptions to be awarded to 10 qualifying U.S. Armed Forces veterans residing in Fayette County. Those wishing to apply should visit AdoptLove.net for instructions to complete an adoption application and brief essay explaining why they would like to adopt a pet from LHS. The first week of December, the committee-selected 10 veterans will be notified and awarded adoption gift certificates. If desired, they can choose their perfect pets just in time for the holidays, free of charge.

The Lexington Humane Society and Sheabel celebrate our veterans and pet adoptions. Together, we are Lending a Paw to Veterans!