Trained monkeys come to aid of maimed American soldiers

The Straight Story

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Thu May-06-10 05:13 AM
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Trained monkeys come to aid of maimed American soldiers

Trained monkeys come to aid of maimed American soldiers

US soldiers maimed during fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq are being given monkeys to help them with everyday tasks.

The primate pets are provided by a charity to help amputee and paralysed soldiers lead normal lives, The Sun reported.

The animals are trained to react to where a laser pen is being shined and respond accordingly.

Wheelchair-bound Corporal Tim Jeffers, who is among dozens of American veterans to get one, said of his monkey: "He's changed my life."

The Marine, 25, received the monkey, called Webster, after losing his legs, right eye and part of a hand in Iraq.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/trained-monkeys-come-to-aid-of-maimed-american-soldiers/story-e6frf7jx-1225863188837

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midnight

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Thu May-06-10 05:22 AM
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1. In the first year or two of this war, I was at our dog park and saw a dog with a

young man who was missing a leg. I just never thought of a money. I suppose they can climb and reach things- this is very interesting...

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hlthe2b

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Thu May-06-10 05:50 AM
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2. Different animals for different purposes...Good for them.

Certainly primates are more agile and live longer than dogs.... Still, this takes nothing away from well-trained service dogs, whose loyalty to their charge is likely unmatched.

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pinboy3niner

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Thu May-06-10 06:20 AM
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3. Whatever it takes, it's worth it

Monkeys isn't the first thing that would come to most of our minds, but if that's what it takes to improve the lives of these wounded veterans, I'm all for it. We have a responsibility to "him who shall have borne the battle," as President Lincoln said.

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