There is an animal rehabilitation program in the United States to help drug addicts regain their lives. Those who have experienced it say that raising a dog makes the home full of love | TVB News

Release date: 2024-09-01 21:16

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People often say that dogs are the most loyal friends of humans. There is a rehabilitation program in Denver, USA, which helps people with alcoholism, drug addiction, etc. to start a new life with the company of pets such as dogs. Simon from Colorado, USA, started to use cocaine in high school and received drug rehabilitation treatment for the first time at the age of 17. Over the past few decades, he has been addicted to alcohol and drugs, which has made him lose everything, including friends and family. Even because he has no roof over his head, his two young children are forced to live with friends. Simon, a participant in the animal rehabilitation program, said: “My last round was taking crack cocaine, which made me lose everything.” Simon also said that if there was no animal rehabilitation program, he might end up wandering the streets with his dog. Simon pointed out: “I almost gave up rehabilitation because I didn’t want my dog ​​to leave. If I gave up rehabilitation, I would lose my dog. You know, it’s that kind of connection, taking care of another creature, and having an animal care and take care of you at the same time, it’s unconditional, and sometimes that’s what the rehabilitator really needs and needs to feel, you know?” Ben, a 41-year-old animal rehabilitation program keeper, was addicted to alcohol for more than seven years. He has two dogs himself and has raised several others. He said that raising dogs and other animals makes him feel that his home is full of love. “You can find a temporary loving home so that you can get the help you need and continue your journey, or at least have a good start,” said keeper Ben. The person in charge of the program said that the program was launched in Denver three years ago and has helped more than 180 people so far. It aims to help people with alcoholism, drug addiction, domestic violence and mental health problems go through the road of rehabilitation with the company of pets such as dogs. It recently became part of the International Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and is expected to be promoted worldwide in the future.