Service Dogs and Soldiers

It never ceases to amaze me. Service dogs can do all sorts of things to make the lives of their owners so much better. This excerpt, however, is just to focus on the role of the service dog in the life of a returning solider.

The first thing we must do is say "THANK YOU" to those that have worked diligently and sacrificially to preserve our freedom. We love you and are grateful.

We work with organizations all over the country and many of them are now assisting the returning veteran with the unique set of challenges facing them. I have talked with trainers who are placing dogs with veterans to help wake them up in the event of a debilitating nightmare. We have also seen organizations take the creative approach of using a service dog vest from us with a "Ask To Pet Me, I'm Friendly" patch on it to basically force conversation - this keeps the individual from becoming recluse and I have got to say, while difficult in the beginning, I think this is one of the most creative approaches I have ever encountered.

There is no doubt these dogs change the lives of the returning soldier forever - and for the better. Thank you to those organizations that are out there doing this rewarding and challenging work.