Houston SPCA Receives Purple Heart Honors

HOUSTON, April 30, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- The Houston SPCA received special honors as a Purple Heart entity by the national Military Order of the Purple Heart during a special ceremony on Saturday evening at the Houston SPCA's Campus For All Animals at 7007 Old Katy Road in Houston.   

Ernie Rivera, with Valor Medical Service Dogs and a Purple Heart recipient, nominated the animal protection organization after he selected Houston SPCA rescue dogs Emily, Chester, Bear and Rex as the first canines to be trained and serve as medical service dogs through the Wins For Warriors Adopt. Rescue. Heal. program.

The canines were formally presented to Houston veterans who suffer from PTSD during a pre-game ceremony at the Houston Astros' spring training last month. The rescue dogs are provided to the veteran at no charge. The Houston SPCA's Purple Heart honor is a first in the country for any animal welfare organization, according to Michael Matthews, Commander for the Military Order of the Purple Heart Houston chapter.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart is one of the most revered veterans service organizations in the US and the Houston SPCA's Purple Heart honor means the 501 (c)(3) nonprofit is recognized as an industry leader in supporting combat-wounded veterans and their families, and comes highly recommended to its members and the community.

SOURCE Houston SPCA