Animal Welfare United States Project #5156

Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

by Canines With a Cause

Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

Project Report | Mar 21, 2022
Building Bonds Between Veteran and Dog

By Cathy King | Executive Director

CWAC dog Louie meets his Veteran

Canines with a Cause is dedicated to offering individualized support to the Veterans in our program. We understand how much goes into the decision to train a service dog and we are with them every step of the way, from taking their dog home for the first time, to graduation day.

Many of our Veterans have never owned a dog and training it to service dog standards isn’t an easy process. It takes time, dedication, and a lot of patience. That's why pairing each Veteran with the right dog is at the forefront of our mission.

CWAC trainers take an individualized approach when pairing dogs and Veterans. Trainers meet weekly to discuss dogs in the program, including size, temperament, and energy levels, as well as the needs of each Veteran. Once the Veteran meets the dog, they can decide to take their new pal home for a trial period. This "trial period" ensures they are working agreeably as a team and that all parties are happy with the fit.

This somewhat meticulous matchmaking process has proven successful time and time again and it is a key part of our program. As the Veteran and dog pair slowly become closer, they begin to trust each other more, and their bond becomes unbreakable. With this type of trust, both gain confidence in handling new and sometimes daunting situations, like venturing into the public with each other for the first time, together.

Below is a message from one of our Veterans about how this strong bond with his dog has helped him isolate less and begin to venture into the public once again.

“Just knowing that she’s there right beside me. All I have to do is look at her and if she’s not worried, I know I have nothing to worry about. I know she has my back and I’ve got hers.”

This life-changing work is made possible because of your generous support, we could not do this without you.

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Nov 22, 2021
CWAC's End of Year Report

By Cathy King | Executive Director

CWAC 2021 RETREAT

Our staff from Utah and Nevada had to opportunity to convene for a two-day retreat with the purpose of strenghtening processes in our program. We met in a peaceful and tranquil cabin near Sundance. Retreat workshops included:

-Walk in their shoes (what is it like to be a veteran with PTS?)

-Growth and exploration: Improving communication and team building

-Visioning session with board members

We will use the information and goals created to provide more efficient and empathetic services to our veterans.

ASSOCIATION OF SERVICE DOG PROVIDERS FOR MILITARY VETERANS

We are excited to announce that we are now a part of ASDPMV. A quick blurb about them:

Our goal is to ensure that qualified organizations pair Veterans with the most beneficial service dogs; increase awareness and understanding of the medical evidence that supports the use of service dogs; and advocate for the expanded use of qualified service dogs.

Some staff will be attending the 2022 National Service Dog for Veterans, where we will benefit from a full-day a Service Dog Training Workshop, Mental Health Workshop, and Administrative Workshop.

EXPANSION TO IDAHO

With the support from staff at the VA in Idaho, we hope to expand our services in Idaho.

2022 GOALS

Due to the ongoing COVID restrictions, the prison program is limited for the saftety of staff and inmates. When dogs are rescued from shelters, they need pre-training in order to adjust well when they are placed with a veteran. To fill this gap, the team will focus on:

-Strengthening the foster program. Our foster volunteers provide the amazing care and pre-trianing dogs need prior to placement.

-Obtain a boarding location. With a boarding location, we will be able to rescue more dogs at a time and prepare them to be placed with a veteran.

From all of us at CWAC, we wish you joy and a prosperous New Year!

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Jul 26, 2021
Together we can do so much

By Cathy King | Executive Director

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