Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

"Marshall is like the brother I never had"

Although the focus of Canines With a Cause is placing dogs with Veterans suffering with PTSD, we get calls from others in need of a dog for various reasons. We placed a dog with two children suffering with Spinal Bifida, the children fell in love with therapy dogs at the hospital and wanted one of their own. We also place dogs with children battling terminal and long term illnesses as comfort buddies, most of these children do not go to school or have social lives, the dogs are their best friends.

Ethan's grandparents reached out to CWAC in search of a dog for their grandson, they had just adopted him from years spent in foster homes. He had severe PTSD from years of abuse. The only time he felt safe was when he dreamed about a dog that protected him, he now has that dog. From his grandmother Mary:

We are so overwhelmed to have been given this wonderful dog. I mean this is the first time since his dad kidnapped him against a protective order in 2009, which is a story in and of itself, that he has slept well with no nightmares. We had a street name only in California and an Assistant Attorney General over child protection here in Utah. They closed down this street of apartments and police and swat searched door to door (helicopter, etc.) and they found Ethan and his siblings. We consider that the biggest blessing of our lives. Ethan still has severe trauma from a horrible predator and struggles through each therapy session. But he strives to maintain dignity and privacy about his past through it all. He and Marshall are inseparable now. As grandparents who have worked so hard to see him heal, you can imagine how emotional we are over this entire thing. What a devoted dog owner this boy is, they protect each other.

Marshall was found as a stray in Lindon, Utah, his family never came looking for him. Dr. Lynne came across him while assessing dogs for our prison based training program, she liked his disposition and brought him onto the program. He was a star student, we all knew he had a future but had no idea how important his role would be in changing the life of a young boy. Their first meeting was magical, the bond was there, they have been together ever since.

Can dogs heal, we think so, just ask Ethan and his grandparents. Thank you for helping to make this story possible, we could not do the important work we do without your support.

Sincerely,

Cathy

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