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Jonathan and Molly’s Story

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:12:01 GMT

Molly has reminded me the dark times don’t last and that time heals all wounds.

Molly has become a rock in my life. I've struggled with my mental health for years and have been in treatment since 2019.

After receiving Molly June of 2021 with Maine Paws for Veterans, I began to find the motivation again that would pull me out of my black hole. I wanted to quit the program numerous times after seeing the amount of work and training it was going to take. I in no way thought I could possibly give Molly the life she deserved. Through the support of my friends, family, Maine Paws for Vets, and most importantly Molly's unconditional love, I kept taking steps in the right direction.

I couldn't have asked for a better dog that fit my current living situation, and I owe all of that to the in-depth approach Maine Paws for Vets took in accounting for a number of variables in my life. Molly has reinvigorated my love for the outdoors and continues to pull me out of my reclusive habits. For the first time in a long, long time, my outlook for the future has shifted to a positive one. Molly has reminded me that the dark times don't last, and that time heals all wounds.

I owe this organization an unpayable debt.

Jonathan

Chuck & Tucker 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:59 GMT

It has helped our family so much.

Straight out of the shelter, Tucker is an adolescent male mix breed adopted from the Animal Welfare Society in Kennebunk, Maine. This dapper dude has made a remarkable difference in the daily life of his U. S. Army veteran.

Why did you join this program? To receive the help that I needed

How has this program made a difference in your life? It has made it easier for me to be in public places and be around people

What would you like for other veterans to know about this program? That there is help out there you just need to keep looking

As you go forward how does this program continue to make an impact on your life? With all the help from the volunteers and guidance that they have given me I can use in the real situation

If you have a support person (spouse, children, friend, relative) who participated in this journey with you, how has this program impacted them? It has helped our family so much. Tucker has been such a great addition to the family

Charles Robbins, US Army

Jasmine & Benny 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:58 GMT

It is amazing what this little dog has done for me.

Two years ago Benny joined my family. He was a rescue from the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.

My mother-in-law had seen a news story about a program that was in the process of being started that was aimed at getting service dogs for veterans diagnosed with PTSD. I did some research and discovered that a program like this already existed in Maine. The following week I had an appointment at Togus, my therapist had pamphlets for Embrace A Vet Paws For Peace (now Maine Paws for Veterans). My therapist agreed that I was exactly the type of veteran this program was looking to serve. I immediately filled out the application.

It’s hard to say how this program and Benny have made a difference in my life. So many parts of my life have been affected. The main thing I can say that has changed is the way I react to situations. Benny doesn’t like conflict or loud words. He runs and hides. Seeing how he reacts has forced me to keep my emotions more in check. I stop and breath before reacting now. Also, at times I tend to disconnect. The feel of Benny’s body pressed against mine, or his weight in my lap eases this feeling and keeps me centered. It is amazing what this little dog has done for me.

The advice I would give to veterans new to the program is trust the process and trust yourself. You are capable of more than you give yourself credit for. You are more than just your PTSD. This program, the volunteers, and the dogs will show you this. Some days will be tough, especially once training starts. I had many times at training with Benny when I would become frustrated and just wanted to give up. As much as I wanted to give into that feeling I could not because Benny depended on me, and the volunteers where always there with advice or just an encouraging word. With Maine Paws for Veterans, you have an incredible support system.

Even two years after starting the program, it is still helping me. Even when official training is done, you are always welcome to continue with the program. There are monthly refresher classes, which help both Benny and I stay on track. It is also comforting to know that at any time I can reach out if I have any questions or concerns. Beyond this I have formed friendships with the other veterans that went through training with me.

I am married and have five children (three living at home). They all have been immensely affected by this program also. Not only has Benny brought companionship to me he has offered it to my entire family. My children and husband have seen that Benny has pushed me to be more involved daily. I must get up in the morning, I must take him outside, I have to care for him. I must do all of these things regardless of how much I want to hide from the world. At first my husband was not entirely on board with adding a dog to our family. Now he says he cannot imagine daily life without Benny.

I sincerely hope this program gives you all as much as it has given to me.

Jasmine Plante - US Army 2021

George & Gracie_2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:57 GMT

Yeah George!!! And the same for Gracie.

George is a happy camper. After he lost Lucky, he was very depressed. And didn’t know what to do. Tracy was helpful and got George back to class. People in the class reached out to him and were a very big help by letting him work with their dogs. That was before he got Gracie, but he was happy to be there and that made a big change for George. When Tracy found Gracie and George brought her to class. Life turned around and he is so grateful to all the people that have been there to help him.

It wasn't easy but Gracie has turn out to be to be a wonderful dog and a help to George. This team has worked hard and will continue to work but both are very happy to be together. Yeah George!!! And the same for Gracie. This is certainly a success story as are with all our Veterans. Tracy also was a great help to George in his recovery. He spoke about that with lots of love and thanks.

George Vandenburgh, US Navy veteran

Rick & Maddie 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:55 GMT

I cannot say enough about this program. It has changed my life .

I have No other words, other than grateful.

Today Maddy and I graduated from the Maine Paws for Veterans PTS dog training program. We have spent hundreds of hours training and traveling weekly.

Maddy becoming my " Battle Buddy " has been our mission we set out on from day one.

I need to Thank so many people but first and foremost I need to thank My Rock Lynelle Tapley for always being here for our victories and even when frustration got the best of me . I love you !!

Next I have to Thank Raymond Sumner and Louis Dubois . Without your amazing pups and your thoughtfulness I wouldn't even have Maddy. Amazing genes in those two.

Thank you to Uncle Ken Dures and Auntie Kristine Roberge for everything you do from love and support to letting Maddy crash at your place when things go south.

Thanks bunches to my daughter and Maddys personal favorite at York Animal Hospital , Brit Willis . Love you Boo

Huge Thank you to My Marine Corps Brother Rodney Ernest Kimball Sparkowich for starting Maddy and I on this Journey training wise and helping me so much along the way. SF

Our specialized PTS Service dog training came from Maine Paws for Veterans. This is where I met Tracy Shaw , Executive director, Trainer and now family ( you're stuck with me) at MPfV.

Tracy brought with her some AMAZING Instructors and volunteers, all Veterans and now all family as well . Thank you all so very much for giving of your time , energy and expertise. I cannot say enough about this program , It has changed my life.

Thank you also to all of you who cheered us on throughout our journey. Training never ends !! On a separate note , Thank you to Quilts of Valor for the beautiful quilts for Maddy and I. We love them

Bruce and Judy Gagnon 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:54 GMT

Little did he know the impact of his decision to join this organization would have on both of our lives.

My husband Bruce Gagnon is a combat Veteran who served in the Marine Corp in Viet Nam. Bruce suffers from PTS along with other health issues from his time in the military.

He and I became involved with then Embrace A Vet/ now MPFV several years ago when he took our dog Foxy through class. He thought it would be beneficial to have a service dog who would be able to go places with him. Little did he know the impact of his decision to join this organization would have on both of our lives.

After completing the training Bruce was able to go into public places or venture off just he and Foxy in the grocery store. This was something that had not been possible before. Having his canine companion by his side made a huge difference. One day in the grocery store I came upon Bruce chatting with a couple about Foxy and the training they had received. Many months later at one of the MPFV classes one of the veterans told me that we had met before. He was the one we had seen at the store and from that meeting began his journey with MPFV and of having a service dog.

Attending class and seeing the weekly progress that is made by both the veterans and his/her dog is amazing. The first several weeks the veterans are nervous and, in many instances, totally out of their element. Most of the dogs are rescues and have new and different lives. As the weeks go by you can see the veterans become more relaxed and as they relax so do the dogs. The class not only helps train the dogs and their handler it also helps instill confidence in the veterans. One veteran told of being able to join his family for Thanksgiving dinner for the first time in several years, all because of having his service dog by his side.

Bruce and I volunteer at MPFV. We pretty much never left after Foxy’s training was complete.

We have fostered two dogs, Tessa, and Maggie. I took Tessa the Doodle through the training, and she is now with her veteran.

Maggie is with her veteran and lives in northern Maine. Her veteran drove weekly four to five hours one way to attend class. We often get emails with updates on Maggie and several thank-yous for taking good care of her while she lived with us. We recently attended a refresher class and were thrilled to see both of our foster dogs and their veterans.

At the last fund raiser for Embrace A Vet/MPFV , I was asked to speak about our journey with the organization. That was the first time I had ever given a talk in front of a very large group. After the fund raiser I was telling a friend all about it and about giving a speech. I told her that I wasn’t even nervous. Her reply was “That was because I was talking about something that I was passionate about.” She was right.

Justin & Jojo 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:52 GMT

My family is happy that I am happier. So that makes me happy.

Why did you join this program? My physiologist recommended it. Sounded like a better plan than the psych ward plan I was on. Medication, therapy and the pysch ward was not working. Ptsd, depression and anxiety where always less intense when I had a dog(s) in my life so the program seemed like a good fit.

How has this program made a difference in your life? It's given me a newfound purpose. I really enjoy training with Jojo every day. He is such a wonderful companion. He makes me do better, in general. We go somewhere almost every day. Without him, I may not leave the house but once a week to get food. I still have a really hard time with the general public but he makes it tolerable for at least a little while before having a meltdown. I've told many people that this is the single greatest gift, opportunity that I have ever received. I don't feel deserving of it sometimes, So we just work extra hard to be a good example.

What would you like for other veterans to know about this program? It's super! The people who run this school are the best of the best out there. Every one of them are amazing people who give lots and lots. They seem to really understand what's different about us than regular folks. The program is also a big commitment. Biggest and toughest commitment that I have made in a longtime. It's been good for the confidence that you’re not a total failure all the time. And the veterans are fantastic. Everyone is so nice and respectful to each other. It's great to see all the success everyone achieves from where we started with this program.

As you go forward how does this program continue to make an impact on your life? Jojo and I always look forward to participating with the class. It makes us feel like we belong somewhere, it's nice. And it's great to always continue to apply what we learned each day and continue to be better at the working relationship between the two of us. He teaches me something new each day. It's great.

If you have a support person (spouse, children, friend, relative) who participated in this journey with you, how has this program impacted them? My family is happy that I am happier. So that makes me happy. It's som ewhat of a relief for them that I am a little more stable and more like my old self when I speak to them.

Name and branch of service? REGULAR ARMY 11M INFANTRY. (2ND ARM DIV./4TH INF DIV. Ft. Hood, TX) (3RD INF DIV. /1ST INF DIV. Schweinfurt, GE)

Justin & JoJo

Rick & Pogo 2021

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 18:11:51 GMT

I have a strong sense of belonging to this group and I'm grateful I tried it.

I joined MPFV because I had heard about the program from a friend who attended. I had a dog who turned out to be eager to learn so I thought I'd take a chance and try it. I wanted the discipline not only for my dog to make her a better pet, but I also wanted to do something for myself with other vets and after a couple of visits I knew I had found a place.

Stepping into a crowd of people and dogs you don’t know can be intimidating, but you can take comfort in the fact that it's everyone's first time at this so you're not alone. The staff and helpers are there to help and that's just what they want to do.....let them!

As I said, I have added confidence that comes in handy out in public and if you train enough, you can be ready for just about every situation. Also, the training practices include principles applicable to other things you can teach your dog. We're not just learning a bunch of repeatable tricks, we're learning how to take care of our dogs physically and mentally. Understanding why animals behave the way they do and how they tend to think is important to raising a healthy well-adjusted dog.

I have a strong sense of belonging to this group and I'm grateful I tried it. Knowing you can continue as either a helper or dropping in for a tune-up is great to have as an option and something to look forward to.

If you have a support person (spouse, children, friend, relative) who participated in this journey with you, how has this program impacted them? My wife Linda had a great experience as well. She has benefitted from all of the training she has learned in class by watching the rest of us train and has her own dog, Charley, at home to practice with.

Rick Lajoie USAF

Clayton & Ansley, U.S. Navy

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:41:41 GMT

I wanted to thank you…

Tracy, I wanted to thank you for the lovely graduation. You are right about not thinking about what you might be doing for someone else. I tend not to have many friends, tend to be standoffish and rough around the edges! You probably didn't know any of that? You had me crying like a baby! Well done!! We went out today in the rain she gives me much confidence.

~Clayton & Ansley, US Navy, Vietna m Veteran

Shaun H & Shilo, U.S. Navy

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 19:27:21 GMT

I am truly grateful and blessed for having had the opportunity to participate in this experience.

When I began my journey with the Paws for Peace program, I like many of my peers felt some degree of nervousness. It was for me as for them a new experience – something akin to that feeling you got on your first day at a new school. Except for me, it was not so much a new school as much as it was a new year at a school I had attended before. Sure, I was meeting new people and about to learn some new material but I also felt a large degree of confidence and comfort in what I was about to undertake. While some of the material would be new, a whole lot of it was quite familiar.

I joined the Navy shortly after 9/11 when the Master-at-Arms force swelled from several hundred to several thousand. For those unfamiliar, sailors in the Master-at-Arms rating are the services military police officers charged with carrying out law enforcement and security functions. My first duty station was at NSA Bahrain, home to one of the largest military working dog (MWD) kennels in the Navy at the time. After only one month on the job, I was offered the extremely rare opportunity (at the time) to go directly to MWD school and become a K-9 handler. It was an area I had always wanted to specialize in and a key reason I opted to become an enlisted sailor versus going the officer route having completed college four years prior. I went on to handle four MWDs at two commands during my five years of active duty service. I worked with explosive detection and drug detection dogs, all trained in controlled aggression work. During a four month stretch while serving as the kennel supervisor at NAS Brunswick, I had the extremely rare opportunity to certify and work two dogs at the same time – one trained to find explosives and the other to sniff out drugs. After serving another five years as a reservist, I hung up my neckerchief for good but not my leash.

In 2013, I was recruited by a defense contractor and continued my work in the field as a contract working dog (CWD) handler with the Department of State. In this capacity, I had the opportunity to work with some of the best K-9 trainers and handlers in the country. Though I had never met Tracy Shaw prior to joining this program, we are familiar with the work of some of the same people and no doubt have met a number of the same individuals in the working dog community. After stints at US Embassy Baghdad and US Consulate Basra, I was ready to come home for good and settle down.

Immediately I found I missed working with dogs. Some years back after being diagnosed with PTS, my counselor had highly recommended I look into obtaining a service dog to assist me with my various symptoms. It would appear that while working with my CWDs, though not specifically trained to assist with PTS, they nonetheless helped alleviate my symptoms. Now at home by myself, I felt the absence of that sense of comfort they had provided. It was at that moment that I began considering a service dog for myself and ultimately found the Paws for Peace program.

This experience has been a very enjoyable journey. My skillset prepared both me and Shiloh well for the challenges we have faced. I have raised Shiloh since she was a pup so we were already pretty close going into the program and I feel this experience has further solidified that bond. Whereas some struggle with the transition from pet to service animal, I obtained Shiloh fully intending to train her as a service dog so for the most part, the nature of our relationship has not changed much. While I was confident going into the program having laid a solid basic obedience foundation with the dog, we are never done learning and I have certainly learned some new skills and training techniques along the way. Dogs never fail to amaze me and this experience has been no different. I take great solace in knowing that unlike in the MWD and CWD worlds where the partnership between dog and handler is temporary, Shiloh and I will be a team for life. It has also been nice to once again feel that sense of camaraderie with my fellow veterans that most who have never served simply cannot understand. I am truly grateful and blessed for having had the opportunity to participate in this experience.

Mary & Tatum, U.S. Air Force

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 18:52:45 GMT

THANK YOU, you make such an impact on our lives

Tracy, I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to you for doing what you do. You are an amazing soul and I truly believe that you are a GEM. When you asked all of us at graduation to share our experiences, I really wanted to stand up, but my other personality wasn't ready yet and I would have cried my eyes out lol. You have given me and Tatum some long lost confidence back. I'm noticing an almost content feeling when going out to join the crazy world we live in.

We went to the grocery store a couple of days ago and I actually took my time and got almost everything on the list. Granted I forgot a few items when people started to approach us to comment on how beautiful Tatum was. After that I felt I had to finish shopping. We're working on it, maybe next time we will hit every aisle just because.

Today, our daughter and her friends asked if we could go to the mall for a little bit. A girls day out and I'm actually looking forward to it.

Once again THANK YOU, you make such an impact on our lives and I truly wish there were more people like you. God bless you.

M ary & Tatum

Adam M. & Lilo, U.S. Army

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:41:54 GMT

I can only express my true gratitude to this program and what it has not only done for me and my pup, but also for my daughters

First, I just want to say thank you for everything. This program has blessed my life by providing my dog, Lilo and I with the proper certification that we had so desperately sought for three years. Lilo has kept me alive many times when I thought I couldn't take it any more. She it the best friend a man could ever dream of having.

When I have been asked how I remain dedicated to driving four hours each way each week, I find myself dumbfounded as I am only grateful and appreciative for this awesome opportunity. Yes, throughout the program I struggled in my personal life and my car even gave trouble; however, every time I showed up for class everyone was there in the most comforting and coring way. Everyone in this wonderful program are outstanding individuals who have taken much time into helping me in my own life, along with countless others.

Lilo and I searched for years for this opportunity until your organization accepted us and provided us with more than I could have ever asked for. I can only express my true gratitude to this program and what it has not only done for me and my pup, but also for my daughters as Lilo only helps my struggles with ptsd. There have been times I have not gone in the hospital simply because Lilo was not allowed with me until she was fully certified.

This program is amazing and I would love to pay it forward in helping any other veteran who might have obstacles in their way. Thank you all so very much for what you have done

for Lilo and I.

Sincerely,

Adam and Lilo Melendy, US Army

Nikole & Remi, U.S. Air Force

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 13:27:56 GMT

There are so many veterans regardless of their disability that I think could benefit from this program.

This program is amazing and I can’t thank you all enough…

Just want to start by saying I appreciate this program so much and what all of you have done for us veterans. Throughout the course, I have not only learned that my dog is in tune with me, but I also need to trust myself and my ability to work and become a team with her. There were many struggles that I went through as she is a young lab and has tons of energy. However, with the help of Tracy and Terry and all the other veteran volunteers, I learned that there are different dog foods that help with the energy and that exercising her before starting to train with her will help burn off that excess energy. Remi and I were already bonded in a way but more as owner and pet not as handler and service dog. Now I feel that she and I have a deeper bond and are more connected. It brings me a lot of comfort to have her with me as she helps with my anxiety and companionship that you can’t get from another human being.

Remy and I now walk 2 miles in the morning and afternoon weather permitting. I also try to play ball with her as much as possible regardless of the weather just to burn off the excess energy. Some of the things that we’ve struggled with throughout training has been my patience level. I have very short patience and I had to be in tune with God and know when it was time to put her in her crate and give her a treat and praise her for the hard work. Another struggle we ran into was the family dynamics in my household as I have two children (12-year-old and a 14-year-old) as well as my husband. Remi had been a pet for about a year and a half before the start of the program so trying to get them to understand that she is not a pet anymore and is a service dog was challenging. Another thing we have struggled with is the get close command. Remi for the longest time didn’t like getting under the chair or go between my feet. She now is more open to it and we’re still working with it and it’s nice to see the progress. There have been days where I found it hard to train with Remi because my anxiety or frustration level is so extremely high, and it has nothing to do with her it’s just whatever is going on in my head or maybe in my life. But I try to at least take her out and exercise her and incorporate some of the training. It seems to help me redirect my thinking and focus on something different then whatever has been bothering me. If this class was to continue, I would be right there every week. This class has not only provided me with the knowledge and skills on how to train my dog to assist me, it has also helped me tremendously with some personal things I’ve struggled with for many years as a female veteran. For many years I was married to a man that is also military but that told me I wasn’t worthy of being recognized as a veteran because I was in the Air Force because the Air Force doesn’t do the “real military thing.” For many years in my mind, I have believed those lies, believed that I’m not worthy of being recognized as the veteran that I am. I struggle with accepting it, I struggle with letting people know that I served and that I am a veteran. Coming to this class every week being surrounded and accepted by other veterans and viewed as the veteran that I am has made me feel accepted. Before, I felt ashamed if I told somebody that I was a veteran and that I had served. Remy and I still have lots of work to do. I need to be more comfortable taking her out in public and with me everywhere. Remi does well, it’s more getting the thoughts out of my head about what people think of me or people not understanding that not all disabilities are visible. PTSD isn’t something that you can necessarily see on somebody. A lot of the work I feel that needs to be done is with myself. Remi behaves wonderfully when I take her out and she listens, and she knows her commands. Remi has helped me realize it is me, it is my brain, and it is getting me to think differently. I should not worry about those around me as that is where my anxiety has spiked. If she’s not with me she can’t help me, so I really must work on that part. I didn’t train her to stay in the car or stay at home… I trained her to be with me so that she can help me get through times of high anxiety. I have that when I go out in public as I hate being in the crowds as my anxiety is ridiculously high and I am on constant guard. I have a lot of work to do on my thinking and realizing that she can’t help me if she’s not with me. Remi has surprised me throughout the training. She is highly trainable and proved that repeatedly.

T his program is amazing, and I can’t thank you all enough for accepting me into it. Thank you for helping me train my dog to become a service dog and for helping me believe in myself. I wish this program was available to more than just veterans with PTSD. I think there are more veterans out there that could really benefit from training with their dog.

Kevin & Dio, U. S. Army

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:56:03 GMT

Thank you for helping me get back to living

Dio and I are doing fine. I'm continuously working on his training with him, reinforcing it as I was instructed by you. Also just to let you know, he as been recognized by two local restaurants as the best service dog in Aroostook county and he got two gift certificates good for a free hamburger at each one (now you can stop smiling because I know you are). The owners of the restaurant had made the comment that each time I brought Dio in , not a person or a customer realized he was there because he was in a downstate position under the table or next to me on the side of the table where nobody could even be bothered or recognized him unless we're walking in and walking out. The only employee to know he was there was a waitress serving our table. I just thought I'd let you know that your training is paying off and I am doing what you told me - so yes Mom I am listening and doing what I'm supposed to.

Thank you for helping me get back to living and not being afraid.

Todd & Maple, U.S. Navy

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:48:23 GMT

Todd & Maple, U.S. Navy

Paws for Peace graduates: Navy veteran, Todd, and his service dog, Maple

Roy & Molly, U.S. Marine Corps

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:45:04 GMT

Roy & Molly, U.S. Marine Corps

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: US Marine Corps veteran, Roy, and his service dog, Molly

George & Lucky, U.S. Navy

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:43:04 GMT

George & Lucky, U.S. Navy

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: US Navy veteran, George, and his service dog, Lucky

Jerry & Gracie, U.S. Army

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:41:17 GMT

Jerry & Gracie, U.S. Army

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: US Army veteran, Jerry, and his service dog, Gracie

Scott & Sherlock, U.S. Air Force

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:39:53 GMT

Scott & Sherlock, U.S. Air Force

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: Air Force veteran, Scott, and his service dog, Sherlock

Bruce & Foxy, U.S. Marine Corps

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 18:39:52 GMT

Bruce & Foxy, U.S. Marine Corps

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: US Marine Corps veteran, Bruce, and his service dog, Foxy

Mike & Tuukka, U.S. Navy

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 23:33:33 GMT

Mike & Tuukka, U.S. Navy

Training had gone great as far as Tuukka and myself are concerned. Tuukka’s response regarding basic command has been outstanding-proof positive you can teach an old dog new tricks. I mean me not him. Thank you, Tracy, Terry, Roy, and Barbara for your commitment and willingness to provide consistent professionalism and diligence in this training.

Mike & Tuukka, US Navy

Terri & Ranger, U.S. Navy

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 19:59:04 GMT

Terri & Ranger, U.S. Navy

Paws for Peace graduates: Maine Navy veteran, Terri, and her service dog, Ranger

Dylan & Ashland, U.S. Army

Sat, 02 Jan 2021 19:52:59 GMT

Dylan & Ashland, U.S. Army

Maine Paws for Peace graduates: US Army veteran, Dylan and his service dog, Ashland

Jasmine & Benny, U.S. Army

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:10:26 GMT

Benny and I went on a little outing today. We practiced our down stay with people walking by. We also worked on being in line to checkout. I did encounter a lady who got crazy excited when she saw Benny, which got him excited. I put him back into sit and explained to the lady that Benny is a service dog and she couldn’t pet him. I had so many people stop and tell me how well behaved and trained Benny is.

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Jonathan and Molly’s Story

Molly has reminded me the dark times don’t last and that time heals all wounds.

Chuck & Tucker 2021

It has helped our family ﻿ so much.

Jasmine & Benny 2021

It is amazing what this little dog has done for me.

George & Gracie_2021

Yeah George!!! And the same for Gracie. ﻿

Rick & Maddie 2021

I cannot say enough about this program. It has changed my life .

Bruce and Judy Gagnon 2021

Little did he know the impact of his decision to join this organization would have on both of our lives.

Justin & Jojo 2021

My family is happy that I am happier. So that makes me happy.

Rick & Pogo 2021

I have a strong sense of belonging to this group and I'm grateful I tried it.

Clayton & Ansley, U.S. Navy

﻿ I wanted to thank you…

Shaun H & Shilo, U.S. Navy

I am truly grateful and blessed for having had the opportunity to participate in this experience.

Mary & Tatum, U.S. Air Force

THANK YOU, you make such an impact on our lives

Adam M. & Lilo, U.S. Army

﻿ I can only express my true gratitude to this program and what it has not only done for me and my pup, but also for my daughters

Nikole & Remi, U.S. Air Force

There are so many veterans regardless of their disability that I think could benefit from ﻿ this program.

This program is amazing and I can’t thank you all enough…

Kevin & Dio, U. S. Army

Thank you for helping me get back to living

Todd & Maple, U.S. Navy

Todd & Maple, U.S. Navy

Roy & Molly, U.S. Marine Corps

Roy & Molly, U.S. Marine Corps

George & Lucky, U.S. Navy

George & Lucky, U.S. Navy

Jerry & Gracie, U.S. Army

Jerry & Gracie, U.S. Army

Scott & Sherlock, U.S. Air Force

Scott & Sherlock, U.S. Air Force

Bruce & Foxy, U.S. Marine Corps

Bruce & Foxy, U.S. Marine Corps

Mike & Tuukka, U.S. Navy

Mike & Tuukka, U.S. Navy

Terri & Ranger, U.S. Navy

Terri & Ranger, U.S. Navy

Dylan & Ashland, U.S. Army

Dylan & Ashland, U.S. Army

Jasmine & Benny, U.S. Army

It has helped our family so much.

Yeah George!!! And the same for Gracie.

I wanted to thank you…

I can only express my true gratitude to this program and what it has not only done for me and my pup, but also for my daughters

There are so many veterans regardless of their disability that I think could benefit from this program.