PRH PETS PAWS’ PETS FOR VETS PROGRAM MATCHES VET WITH CANINE COMPANION William O’Hara and Annie relax in their Philadelphia home. fter two tours in Iraq and four maneuver’ did not place him in a competi- “Annie has given me a responsibility,” years of service in the Marine Corp, civilian reintegration tive position for a civilian job. he muses. “It’s not just about worrying proved a formidable opponent for Corporal William O’Hara. When Corporal William O’Hara, former- about me – she makes me think twice Meanwhile, a year-old American Pit Bull Terrier was ly from Richboro and a 2005 graduate before making negative decisions that struggling to fit in, too. of Archbishop Wood High School, sepa- could harm my life.” The original owners of Annie Warbucks (formerly rated from the service in 2010, his life The lovable puppy has given the Marine A “It’s not named ICE) surrendered her to a shelter and then found spiraled downward. a new purpose and life to protect. Annie is safe residency at Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society just about At its worst, he was homeless, drug effusive in her love for the human who is (PAWS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to worrying addicted and feeling hopeless. William was every bit HER HERO. saving homeless, abandoned and unwanted animals. about me struggling to find help at the VA medical ABOUT PHILADELPHIA ANIMAL Now ‘battle buddies’ thanks to PAWS, William and Annie she makes center for PTSD, anxiety and depression. are navigating life together. The Marine and his new com- O’Hara has since been classified with WELFARE SOCIETY (PAWS) panion are another success story of how this important me think a 100% service connected disability and PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organiza- bond can transform the lives of both animals and people. twice before has aspirations to be a medical techni- tion dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s “She’s my girl!” William boasts as Annie snuggles up making cian, the training he hopes to receive homeless, abandoned and unwanted alongside him. “She keeps me company day and night.” negative through the Veterans Administration animals. PAWS is the city’s largest no- Most importantly, the former infantryman explains, the decisions Vocational Training Program. kill shelter and operates a high-volume, 43-pound puppy “helps take the focus off of me.” In 2013, he got his own apartment in low-cost clinic serving pet owners and Annie, adorably demanding but well-mannered, is only that could South Philadelphia and, when visiting the rescue organizations that lack access too happy to oblige! harm my VA for his own treatment, he keeps his to affordable basic veterinary care. William O’Hara is part of a growing fraternity of veter- life.” eyes out for other young veterans who Through its adoption locations, special ans, often returning home from multiple tours of combat may need help. events and foster care network, PAWS duty in hostile areas, who struggle as civilians to find their William’s bond with his ’battle buddy’ finds loving homes for thousands of ani- way in a world that is dramatically different from the sur- has confirmed clinical research that mals each year. PAWS is working to make vival focused, structured environment they left. proved that companion dogs and cats Philadelphia a place where every healthy “You go from being a hero and receiving praise and have reduced stress and helped veterans and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. thanks,” he reflects on his military service, “and when you acclimate back to civilian life, especially For more information visit phillypaws. get out, you feel empty.” The world-class military training those suffering from PTSD and Traumatic org or visit their adoption center at 100 he received that sharpened his survival instincts and Brain Disorders as well as psychological N. 2nd Street (at Arch), Philadelphia, PA prepared him to ‘effectively engage troops with fire and issues from life in combat. 19106 215-238-9901 78 | ROWHOME MAGAZINE gohomephilly.com.