Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

Veteran Nick G. says that he owes his life to his Canines With a Cause pup, Zoey, after years of suffering from panic and anxiety following 2 1/2 deployments to the Middle East with the Navy.

“Zoey’s role is not to be taken lightly,” says Nick, “It’s hard to continue to rely on humans to understand and sympathize with your pain every waking minute of the day. Zoey doesn’t care what time of night or day it is, or whether I screw up, am emotionally exhausted or flat-out angry at the world. She is there unconditionally. I no longer walk in the dark alone.”

Nick and Zoey are now helping other dog/Veteran teams, as official members of the Canines With a Cause (CWAC) training staff. Having a Veteran trainer in class not only helps other Veterans who may be struggling with training their dogs or anxiety due to their Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), they can relate to Nick as they share the same stigma of PTSD from combat. Nick is also in inspiration to other program participants who enjoy training and would like to help other Veterans with dog training skills. It is a fun, fulfilling job that allows them to give back to their fellow soldiers.
Canines With a Cause has implemented an intern program to welcome all Veterans interested in a new career "going to the dogs". As you can see, Zoey also takes her role seriously. She attends staff meetings and is our official spokes dog for the program.
Training and placing shelter dogs with Veterans isn't the only goal of the CWAC program, getting Veterans out and helping them transition back to family and civilian life is a key component of dealing with PTSD. Outings to sport events like Baseball games, train trips to local shopping malls and a visit to a local ski resort helps our war heroes gain confidence working with their dogs in public places.
Thank you to our generous donors who help make these programs possible. Next week, from April 3rd through April 7th, GlobalGiving will match donations up to $50 at 50%, with $50,000 in matching funds available. And that’s not all! Next week, GlobalGiving will match all new recurring donations up to $200 at 200%. All organizations raising funds during the campaign are eligible to compete for $3,000 in bonus prizes!
Canines With a Cause appreciates your ongoing support, you are the fuel that keeps us going for the Veterans and their beloved dogs.

Thank you!
Cathy