It’s common knowledge that service dogs are incredibly helpful in the lives of those with physical disabilities.
Thankfully, our nation is beginning to recognize more every day that military veterans’ psychological needs are just as real and valid as other, more common physical disabilities we so often associate with service dogs.
You may have seen stories in recent news about veterans being kicked out or not allowed in restaurants with their service dogs because of the staff’s inability to recognize a “PTSD service dog” as a “real” service dog. With the news reporting on the matter more frequently, restaurants nationwide have begun to understand. A veteran with a PTSD service dog, and a blind man with his guide dog for example, should be welcomed equally in all places of business. Service dogs help not only those who cannot see, but also those who have seen too much.
Service dogs can be trained for a variety of specific needs to assist their owner. Where the guide dog for the blind may be particularly more skilled in leading in a walk and being cautious for obstacles in its path, a service dog for a veteran with PTSD is more skilled in monitoring the veteran for debilitating panic attacks, flashbacks, or depression. There have been numerous accounts by veterans who share their stories of their service dogs, who helped them during times of need.
Sadly, twenty-two veterans commit suicide each day. Thousands of dogs are euthanized each day.
This practical solution of training dogs to be of service and paired with veterans in need is a wonderful life-saving concept that the following organizations have put to work.
Want to help? Donate or volunteer for these nonprofit organizations, they depend solely on your donations and assistance to keep costs minimal or free for the military veteran.
THE BATTLE BUDDY FOUNDATION
The Battle Buddy Foundation’s mission is to ensure that veterans and their families receive programs and services that will help them acclimate back to family and civilian life. They accomplish this by:
· Providing highly trained psychiatric and mobility service dogs to veterans of all eras suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury, and physical limitations at no cost.
· Connecting veterans to employment and housing opportunities within our network of Veteran-focused organizations.
· Building a community of peer support for veterans and their families through programs, events, and social media.
· The Battle Buddy Foundation was founded by veterans to serve veterans. All our efforts are aimed at effecting long term and positive change in the lives of combat veterans and their families.
AMERICA’S VET DOGS
America’s Vet Dogs serves the needs of disabled veterans from all eras who have honorably served our country. VetDogs provides guide dogs for individuals who are blind or have low vision; hearing dogs for those who have lost their hearing later in life; service dogs for those with other physical disabilities; facility dogs as part of the rehabilitation process in military and VA hospitals, and PTSD service dogs to help mitigate the effects of PTSD in an effort to provide the emotional and physical support needed. America’s Vet Dogs’ mission is to help those who have served our country honorably live with dignity and independence.
CANINES FOR VETERANS
Known as the “triple win”, Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations supporting our military and their families, is approved by the US Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program and was named a Joining Forces Community Challenge finalist.
Launched in 2008, the program began at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune until August 2010 when it transferred to the Navy Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina. Canines for Service has been training service dogs for over 18 years. From making sure the service dogs are trained to meet ADA requirements in the tasks that they can do, to developing specialty skills to assist a specific client; it is about the person we serve.
PUPPY JAKE FOUNDATION
The Puppy Jake Foundation is dedicated to help wounded military veterans with the assistance of well-bred and professionally trained service dogs. Veterans’ injuries may be invisible such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or physical mobility impairments. The Foundation advocates for increased awareness and accessibility for those accompanied by a service dog in everyday situations.
PAWS FOR PURPLE HEARTS
Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) is the first program of its kind to offer therapeutic intervention for veterans and active-duty military personnel by teaching those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to train service dogs for their comrades with combat-related injuries. PPH is built upon the trusted and time-honored tradition of veterans helping veterans.
Founded in 2006 as a program of Bergin University of Canine Studies, the pilot PPH program at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, California, continues serving veterans today. PPH initiated and trained staff to operate canine therapeutic programs at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Maryland), the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (Maryland), and Fort Belvoir (Virginia).
My wife sell Swarovski jewelry, she wants to do a fund raiser for your organization. Are you a non profit organization? What is your overhead cost, she wishes to donate 50% of her commission to you organization. Her email is jcolovos@verizon.net
There are several charities mentioned in this piece. Please contact them directly. Thank you.
How can I train my dog to be a complex ptsd dog … I am not a veteran of war but of abuse
Good morning. My name is Jose and I am also a veteran. I am very interested in learning how to train these dogs to become service animals. I don’t know how to get started in this field but I would like to offer my volunteer services at your facilities in exchange for a couple of hours of training me on how to teach a dog. I am 70% service connected and unemployed. So my availability to volunteer is very open. I have a natural love for dogs and therefore would find it easy to help out with all duties including The Not So desirable duties like cleaning up the dooties. Lol. ?
Each organization has different needs and requirements. If you are looking to have your dog trained as a service dog, contact the organizations directly for their requirements. They are in need of donations and volunteers. But contact them directly for their needs.
I have a beautiful young (big dog) that would be a perfect companions for a veteran. This dog is smart, sweet and loves structure. We love him with all our hearts but our situation makes it impossible to keep him. We will never leave him in a shelter and I started thinking about veterans. This pup would be a wonderful companion. He needs lots of exercise. My boyfriends runs him along side his bike for 4-6 miles every day! He is sweet and cuddles and sleeps in our bedroom. If there is a need I would love to help and hope to find a perfect match. A perfect match that will be something wonderful for this beautiful dog and for the lucky vet/person that he lands with. Please let me know if you would like to meet my pup and if you think he could help a vet.
I am trying to locate a Paws for Patriots or similar organization in the San Francisco Bay Area to help a friend with PTSD. He needs a dog friend and maybe a volunteer position to give him something positive to look forward to.
I am trying to find a location for training my Service dog Near my location in Norwalk Ca witch is in the Los Angeles County Are. Please help is you know of a place where I am located. Thanks.
Is there any organizations near Riverside, California? Some info would be appreciated. Awsome article
Would like service dog…i suffer from ptsd…