Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

Veterans Day is Tuesday, November 11th. This is an important day for showing appreciation to members of our military, past and present.

If you're looking for an appropriate way to honor a veteran, or would like to contribute in a way that's meaningful for veterans everywhere, here's a list of suggestions to start you off:

1) Attend a Veterans Day event in your area. 

2) Show your patriotism, fly the flag.

3) Visit your local VA Hospital, assisted living or nursing home for veterans. Most of the veterans living at these facilities are lonely and love the company.

4)  Talk to a veteran, ask them about their experiences. Some questions to get started are: What did you do in the military? How long did you serve? What was your favorite moment in all your time in the service? Did anyone else in your family serve? Why did you choose to go into the service branch you did? 

5) If you see a veteran or active military in an airport, store, on the street, thank them for their service.

6) Donate, Canines With a Cause depends upon your support to help place and train shelter dogs with veterans suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

One of the veterans currently in our program will spend Veterans Day with his soon-to-be service dog and companion, Liberty. Liberty has been living and training in the Utah State Prison since March. She currently spends her weekends with Caleb so they can attend training class and get to know each other better. Liberty will be the first of many dogs trained in the prison, Canines With a Caue anticipates expanding this program early next year. 

Thanks again, your ongoing support saves lives.

Sincerely,

Cathy King

Links:

• Giving thanks

"I can’t imagine life without him.” – James talking about his dog JD

James is a great example of a Vet who came to Canines With a Cause (CWAC), needing training for a dog he already had. Many times we get calls from Vets asking if we can help train a dog they already have and love, to be their service dog. This is something that we can do, if their dog passes our assessment test. James’ dog, JD did just that and they began training with CWAC in our Pawsitive Partnerships program 10 months ago.

One day while James was working at his collision repair shop, a truck pulled in with a big, beautiful pit bull inside. The owners told James that they were on their way to take the dog to a shelter, because they could no longer keep him. James felt a connection with the dog and decided to rescue him. James had recently heard about CWAC and decided to give our program a try. He and JD began attending our weekly training classes.

“I’m a 100% disabled Vet diagnosed with PTSD. Having JD helps me get out and go into public places, exercise, and gives me peace of mind,” James told us. James and JD’s favorite activity is going trail running and hiking, which they do almost daily. James also told us that the training has not only helped JD become a great service dog, but that it’s also helped him in many ways. “It’s hard to put into words, but the training classes have helped me a lot too. I’m a lot more patient now,” James said.

James and JD just passed the BA test for the Canine Life and Social Skills program, which CWAC uses to train dogs. Passing the BA is a big deal, because this means that the dog and handler have mastered the basic fundamentals of manners. This is very important if you want to take your dog in public places and trust that they’ll behave. This pair will now move on to the masters program, which they’re very excited about.

CWAC is very proud of the hard work James and JD have put in with their training. These two are a wonderful example of what a Veteran and their dog can accomplish with our program.

Thank you for your support. Without donors like you, this "happy ever after" story would not be possible.

Links:

• website