Emotional Support and Empowerment Dogs
Following the events of October 7th and the "Iron Swords" war, the number of PTSD victims in Israel has increased exponentially, both among army veterans who participated in battles, and among ordinary citizens who have suffered loss. At the Emotional Support Dogs Center we devote our time and energy to rehabilitating and assisting victims of the October 7th massacre and the "Iron Swords" war.
We use a unique method, whereby the patient takes part in the dog's training process from the very beginning (under the guidance of highly experienced, professional trainers). The inter-dependency between patient & dog contributes considerably to the rehabilitation process, as well as to the creation of a much-needed balance, while facilitating the return to a soothing routine.
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The Unique Abilities of Emotional Support Dogs
Our emotional support & empowerment dogs will assist in getting life back on track:
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A return to the family circle
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A return to the social circle
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A return to studying
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A return to the work environment
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Reinstating good communication
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Restoration of the familiar, former routine
The Emotional Support Dogs Center is located in Afikim Kennels, in the Jordan Valley at the northern part of Israel. Afikim Kennels is a large, highly acclaimed dog breeding & therapy center, run by Yaniv Osem, who also founded it more than 3 decades ago.
We have over 35 years of experience in the field of education & therapy through dogs, with more than 15,000 children who have been enrolled in our unique programs over the years, and more than 6,000 families who have become proud owners of puppies bred by us (including a full procedure of dog training and follow-up).
Afikim Kennels is a licensed supplier of the Ministry of Defense
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Target Audience
Emotional Support Dogs are suitable for the unique needs of war veterans, children & families, former hostages & survivors of the Nova festival and their families. The project's team includes leading dog training professionals, as well as psychologists, social workers and emotional therapists, who dedicatedly support the patient from the initial pairing with the most suitable dog, through the process of training, during follow-up and beyond.
At the Emotional Support Dogs Center We Leave No One Behind!
The Process
The Emotional Support and Empowerment Project currently offers two programs:
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Dogs for veterans of the Iron Swords War.
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Dogs for families who have lost their dear ones.
Under the project, emotional support dogs have so far been paired with veterans of several combat units of the IDF, including:
Yahalom
Egoz
Nahal Brigade
Duvdevan
Paratroopers
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Empower Our War Veterans!
The Emotional Support & Empowerment Dogs Projects is constantly growing, just like the overwhelming demand for more dogs. This is a time of urgent need, as recent events in Israel have taken a heavy toll on society, leaving behind many emotionally and physically hurt victims. We need your help more than ever to support our unique project. Without your support we will not be able to go on.
Please follow the link to donate to our project through the JGive platform.
On behalf of the veterans and families, thank you for your generosity.
We are grateful to WIX Israel for their generous donation & assistance with this website.
