Battle Buddies

Shelter dog becomes life long companion for disabled vet...

"USA Today" reports that the nation's 400 largest charities expect donations to decline an average of 9-percent this year because of the tough economy. This comes at a time, when people need their help the most. Money woes are even affecting programs that help our country's disabled vets, like Cameron Briggs.

On this fall day, Briggs is enjoying the outdoors, playing catch with a dog named Harper. A game of fetch is nothing unusual. Only Harper is no ordinary dog. And this is not just another day in the park.

Briggs and Harper spend time together every week at "Freedom Service Dogs" in Englewood, Colorado. It's an organization that rescues shelter dogs and turns them into companions for disabled veterans. Harper is helping to heal both the physical and emotional wounds Briggs suffered in Iraq. The dog wears the ammo pack Briggs used in combat.

"He's taught me a lot of patience, he's helped lower my blood pressure and stress levels dramatically", Briggs said.

Harper will belong to him once the dog finishes the training program. But "Freedom Service Dogs" is fighting its own battle these days as the tough economy is drying up donations.

"Our donations are down 32-percent from what we had last year", said Sharan Wilson of Freedom Service Dogs, inc.

And they're not alone. The Colorado Nonprofit Association conducted a survey, which shows a decrease in funding for charities and non-profits statewide.

"That survey showed that arts and cultures organizations, as well as youth organizations did have the greatest decrease in donations", said Renny Fagan of the Colorado Nonprofit Association.

Organizations like Freedom Service Dogs say they need help from the community so they can continue helping those who need it most.

Cameron Briggs will tell you, having a friend can make tough times just a little bit easier. "He's my new battle buddy", Briggs said.