By James Barber
World of Tanks, the global online combat game, has asked its international player base to get behind a mission to support K9s for Warriors, the world’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans.
They’ve launched an online fundraising campaign that runs from now until Dec. 1, 2021. World of Tanks players can get a “Vets Best Friend” pack for the game when they contribute directly to K9s for Warriors.
K9s for Warriors believes that highly trained service dogs can help end veteran suicide. The organization provides dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. Most of their dogs come from high-kill rescue shelters, so the K9s for Warriors program addresses two issues with one program.
Founded in 2011, K9s for Warriors has rescued more than 1,300 dogs around the country and paired nearly 700 veterans with trained service dogs. Their treatment method is backed by scientific research from Purdue University’s Organization for Human-Animal Interaction Research and Education Lab. Its studies have shown service dogs’ ability to help mitigate their veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence.
That’s an impressive number of dogs and veterans helped so far, but there are many more dogs and veterans who could use their help.
You don’t have to be a gamer to support the campaign. Anyone can visit this K9s for Warriors donation page to participate.
If you are a World of Tanks player, there are some great in-game bonuses for anyone who donates.
“Vet’s Best Friend” Tier 1
Supporters who donate $11 or more will receive:
1 K-9 camouflage for their tank in their garage
1 decal: German Shepherd
“Vet’s Best Friend” Tier 2
Supporters who donate $22 or more will also get:
1 K-9 camouflage style for their tank in their garage.
1 decal for each of the following dogs: German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Akita Inu, Decal Bichon Frise, and Chihuahua
“Vet’s Best Friend” Tier 3
Supporters who donate $33 or more will also get
M54 Renegade tank with garage slot (limited to the first 100 donors at this level)
1 K-9 camouflage to apply to any tank
1 decal of the following: German Shepherd, Bernese Mountain Dog, Akita Inu, Decal Bichon Frise, Chihuahua, Corgi, Dachshund, French Bulldog, Husky, Pug
