Thank you to this wonderful organization who has recognized Service Dog Express as a “go-to” group!!
Service Dogs are changing the game in terms of helping veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD).
Category Archives: Army
VA to review 24,000 brain injury diagnoses
Some post 9/11 veterans with traumatic brain injuries who were denied disability compensation by VA between 2007 and 2015 have another chance to receive their benefits.
CONGRATS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR MARTHA AND SD, “RAIN”!!
CONGRATULATIONS TO WOUNDED WARRIOR (ARMY) MARTHA AND HER NOW SERVICE DOG, “RAIN”!! RAIN IS AN AUSTRALIAN SHEPARD. THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST (PAT)!! Martha suffers from Anxiety, Depression and PTSD.
Our San Antonio Trainer Beverli writes:
SCORING OF THE PUBLIC ACCESS CERTIFICATION TEST
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Rain did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Rain waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Rain waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Rain remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Rain stayed in relative heel position. Always
Rain was calm around traffic.* Yes
Rain stopped when Martha came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Rain waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Rain waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Rain was within the prescribed distance of Martha. Mostly
Rain ignored the public, remaining focused on Martha. Mostly
Rain readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Rain readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Rain readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Rain responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Rain remained under control and focused on Martha.* Yes
Rain came within the prescribed distance of Martha.* Yes
Rain came directly to Martha.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Rain responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Rain remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Rain remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Rain maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Rain responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Rain remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Rain remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Rain or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Rain jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Rain should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Rain remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Rain is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Rain maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Martha got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Rain’s leash and Martha can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Rain.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Rain stayed in relative heel position. Always
Rain was calm around traffic.* Yes
Rain stopped when Martha came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Rain waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Rain readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Rain did well, Martha praised Rain. Always
Rain is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Mostly
Martha kept Rain under control. Always
Martha was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes
Brain Injury Awareness Month – Caring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole FoundationCaring for Military Families: The Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation recognized Brain Injury Awareness Month by calling attention to the unique needs and resources available to those who care for service members and veterans who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). More than 320,000 service members have returned from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with a TBI, and the Foundation’s …
CONGRATS TO RUSSELL AND CHEWIE
A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO ARMY WOUNDED WARRIOR RUSSELL AND HIS NOW SERVICE DOG, MALTESE/YORKIE MIX “CHEWIE”!!!! THEY PASSED THEIR PUBLIC ACCESS TEST!!!!!
Russell suffers from PTSD, anger issues, depression, anxiety, and pain management.
Austin trainer Lori writes:
“Russell and Chewie took the Public Access Test at Walmart in Cedar Park, TX. Chewie was just outstanding, and it’s all because of the hard work Russell has put into his training. This team was spot on!
CONTROLLED UNLOAD OUT OF VEHICLE:
Chewie did not try to leave vehicle until given release command.
Chewie waited in the vehicle until released.* Yes
Chewie waited outside the vehicle under control. Yes
Chewie remained under control while another dog was walked. Yes
APPROACHING THE BUILDING:
Relative heel position, not straining or forging.
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED ENTRY THROUGH A DOORWAY
Chewie waited quietly at the door until commanded to enter.* Yes
Chewie waited on the inside until able to return to heel position.* Yes
HEELING THROUGH THE BUILDING
Chewie was within the prescribed distance of Russell. Always
Chewie ignored the public, remaining focused on Russell. Always
Chewie readily adjusted to speed changes. Always
Chewie readily turned corners–did not have to be tugged or jerked to change direction. Always
Chewie readily maneuvered through tight quarters. Always
SIX FOOT RECALL ON LEAD
Chewie responded readily to the recall command–did not stray away, seek attention from others, or trudge slowly.* Yes
Chewie remained under control and focused on Russell.* Yes
Chewie came within the prescribed distance of Russell.* Yes
Chewie came directly to Russell.* Yes
SITS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to sit. Always
Chewie remained under control around food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained composed while the shopping cart passed–did not shy away, show signs of fear, etc.* Yes
Chewie maintained a sit-stay while being petted by a stranger.* Yes
DOWNS ON COMMAND
Chewie responded promptly to the command to down. Always
Chewie remained under control around the food–not trying to get food and not needing repeated corrections.* Yes
Chewie remained in control while the child approached – child should not taunt Chewie or be overly dramatic.* Yes
NOISE DISTRACTIONS
If Chewie jumps, turns, or shows a quick startle type reaction, that is fine. Chewie should not show fear, aggression, or continue to be affected by the noise.
Chewie remained composed during the noise distraction.* Yes
RESTAURANT
Chewie is unobtrusive and out of the way of patrons and employees as much as possible.* Yes
Chewie maintained proper behavior, ignoring food and being quiet.* Yes
OFF LEAD
When told to drop the leash, the team maintained control and Russell got the leash back in position.* Yes
DOG TAKEN BY ANOTHER PERSON
Another person can take Chewie’s leash and Russell can move away without aggression or undue stress on the part of Chewie.* Yes
CONTROLLED EXIT
Chewie stayed in relative heel position. Always
Chewie was calm around traffic.* Yes
Chewie stopped when Russell came to a halt. Always
CONTROLLED LOAD INTO VEHICLE
Chewie waited until commanded to enter the vehicle. Yes
Chewie readily entered the vehicle upon command. Yes
TEAM RELATIONSHIP
When Chewie did well, Russell praised Chewie. Always
Chewie is relaxed, confident, and friendly. Always
Russell kept Chewie under control. Always
Russell was prepared with proper working materials and equipment in case of an access confrontation (laws, etc.). Yes
PASS TEST: Yes – with a score of 100%!!”
Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and “Gunnie”.
From our trainer Barbara in Wichita Falls, who had her initial intake and assessment with Army Wounded Warrior Rosamaria and her SDIT, English Bulldog, “Gunnie”. Rosamaria suffers from PTSD, major depressive disorder, chronic anxiety, anger issues, night terrors, and panic attacks.
Barbara writes:
“The first session was at Rosa’s home. I performed an initial intake and assessment of Gunnie as a potential Service Dog.
Environment: I met Rosa and Gunnie at her home on a cool day, 32 degrees with a slight breeze. Rosa lives on the third floor of an apartment complex. Initially, I met Rosa and Gunnie in the parking lot of their apartment complex. Gunnie was walking on a harness and pulling in front of Rosa.
Initial Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie was more interested in me than his surroundings, and gravitated toward me. Gunnie was sometimes distracted by his surroundings, but quickly changed focus. Gunnie makes eye contact voluntarily and holds it for a few moments. Gunnie was relaxed, calm and had high energy.
Touch and Handling: Gunnie allows petting under his chin and is okay with gentle full-body touching. He accepts full-body massage-like pressure. Gunnie is comfortable with mouth handling, stroking, lifting lips to look at teeth, and I could safely put my hand in his mouth. Gunnie did pull away without teeth touching skin.
Response to Distractions: Gunnie did fine with people at a distance and basically ignored them. Rosa shared that Gunnie has alerted to strangers at night, and keeps his eyes on them until they are no longer in sight. Gunnie has no problems with any man, woman, child or other dogs. He does startle to loud noises, but recovers quickly. Gunnie whines at other dogs wanting to play with them. Rosa shared that cats are a definite NO NO for Gunnie. Gunnie goes to PetSmart and has no problems with people, children and dogs.
Trainability: Gunnie is totally food motivated and willingly followed through for sit, stand, down, watch me, heel, and he kept his focus on myself and Rosa, whoever was training.
Final Focus and Demeanor: Gunnie is more comfortable and focused on me especially with treats. Gunnie gave eye contact more easily now while in the home. Gunnie has been walking on a harness.
What extra tasks were worked today? We discussed buying items from Active Dogs through Service Dog Express for a discount, and Rosa stated she had a few items picked out. I encouraged her to send that information to SDE to receive her 18% discount. We also discussed using a prong collar and treats to help Gunnie to learn to heel in the correct position. Rosa stated that he pulled more initially, and was doing better but they haven’t really worked on it recently. Rosa heeled with Gunnie in her apartment with treats and Gunnie stayed with her and in heel position most of the time. We also discussed using one word commands; Rosa hasn’t decided which to use; sit or up.
What improvements were made since last session? Rosa stated Gunnie did not like going into the down position. Gunnie gave wonderful downs for me without hesitations along with treats.
What area(s) need attention? Figure out commands, keep them one word, and use consistently.
What homework was given for the next session? Work on Sit, Stand, Down and add the Stays. Work on correct heel position (Gunnie’s front leg in line with Rosa’s left leg) and don’t forget to play. Practice at least one hour a day.
What a beautiful team – and Gunnie is fantastic!! Rosa would like for Gunnie to help her break her panic attacks and flashbacks and help to calm her. She shared that Gunnie naturally leans on her legs or sits between her legs and leans one way when she is experiencing anxiety. We will work toward helping Rosa and Gunnie fine tune this skill to help Rosa the best way possible.”
Capone’s Success Story
The animal rescue world is challenging on the best of days. We see the broken and unwanted of the City of San Antonio on a daily basis. One of the most unforgettable of those days was 5 weeks ago, when Capone walked through our door. He was starving, with patches of hair missing, broken teeth, and his ears jagged and cropped…you won’t believe his transformation…read more at SAPA – San Antonio Pets Alive | Capone’s Story
Ryan and beautiful “Carl”
What a WONDERFUL meet and greet and adoption with Wounded Warrior, Ryan, and beautiful “Carl”, who has been so lovingly fostered for quite some time by Sandra. Sandra has been working with Carl on fine-tuning his commands (she can bring him to work because she works at Petco headquarters).
I first met Carl a few months ago – and could NOT believe this is the same dog! Carl was wonderful then, but when we all drove out to meet Carl’s new dad, Ryan, I was literally astounded at how much Carl had learned!! He could almost pass his Public Access Test now, he knew every command so well thanks to Sandra’s amazing training!
Ryan and Carl instantly fell in love! Ryan, a big, strong, tall man who suffers from PTSD and TBI had EVERYTHING ready for Carl – bought the perfect leash, vest, collar, tags, patches, and had read the manual through and through as was clearly evident as we went through basic commands and he caught on so quickly!! Ryan will be a perfect “battle buddy” for Ryan – one game Carl just loves is tug of war – and being a pit, Carl is strong! But Ryan is even stronger!! Ryan was smiling ear to ear after playing and getting to know Carl, giving Carl tons of love and pets. Carl took to Ryan right away.
Ryan manages a very large warehouse and has his own office, so Carl will be able to run around the warehouse or sit in the comfortable little nook Ryan already created for Carl. Ryan has a very strong knowledge of dogs, and it was evident by how quickly he was able to learn and mimic the commands I showed him – no evidence of TBI there!! They walked outside alone together, and Carl heeled perfectly.
Ryan gave a beautiful donation to Sandra for all her hard work – something he didn’t have to do – but he was so appreciative. Ryan is so much fun to talk to – he’s got a wonderful sense of humor and can’t wait to play with Carl and wrestle around – but only after the work day is done! Ryan also read the training manual so thoroughly, and with three children, he clearly grasped the concept of Carl being HIS dog – but 25% of the time, he can just be a family dog.
Ryan has a convention to drive to for three days, and there will be hundreds of people there – something that would ordinarily be overwhelming for Ryan. He now feels so much better knowing Carl will be by his side – and I explained that he needs to focus on Carl if his anxiety starts building too much. Ryan even called the Hyatt ahead of time to let them know Carl will be staying there overnight with him, and they welcomed Carl with open arms! This three days together will be a perfect bonding time for the two of them!
We will start formal training when Ryan returns!
BEST WISHES, CARL AND RYAN! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DID, SANDRA!!!!!!!!!!
SO HAPPY FOR JAMES AND SADIE
The meet and greet with Wounded Warrior, James, and Sadie, the fully-trained Service Dog generously donated by her former owner, Kendra, in New Jersey, couldn’t have gone any better! There was an absolutely instant bond between James and Sadie. James was at home with his wife, Gina, and their son. They were so impressed with Sadie’s beauty, and I showed them a bunch of commands that Sadie knew, then had James repeat them. Sadie was perfect! She even loved playing with their puppy, “Colby”, and Sadie wasn’t fazed by their three cats. James was SO happy! Much thanks to Jill, who fostered and worked with Sadie to get over her separation anxiety from Kendra, and took Sadie all over – even to the rodeo – where Sadie just sat there cool as can be! The whole family was overcome with joy at this gift for James, who is just now seeking treatment for his TBI resulting from 25 years in the military (he is still active duty) and his over a dozen major concussions. We wrote down all commands so that he always has something to refer to, went over feeding and potty schedules, brought some extra bags of Sadie’s hypoallergenic food, toys, bed, etc. We took a walk outside with Sadie, and she heeled wonderfully with James. He couldn’t be happier! I think his favorite (well, certainly my favorite) command is “Sadie – LOVE” – where Sadie would go up to James and put her paws on him, wrap her arms around his neck, and slather his face with kisses!
James has already taken Sadie to work at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where everyone has fallen in love with her. He said his anxiety levels are already so decreased with Sadie by his side! And, since he works on one of the floors as a case manager, he will be able to share that love with all his patients!
Kendra, Sadie’s former owner, and her mother, Lori, who flew Sadie in from New Jersey, are so happy that we found just the perfect person for Sadie. I have no doubt Sadie will continue to have the very best life possible – a huge backyard to run and play in, and a loving, supportive family that will do anything for her. Since Kendra had a TBI and anxiety, Sadie’s knowledge of when symptoms start to come on will easily transfer over.
James and I will continue training together out in public until they are comfortable – but it won’t take long! The first night, when it was time for bed, Sadie was already cuddled up in James’ sleeping spot! That’s something his wonderful wife, Gina, will have to adapt to!! I have no doubt that Sadie will alert to James’ almost nightly night terrors, and will take wonderful care of him – she was already doing covers from the front and back by the time we left about 3 hours later.
THANK YOU DEAR KENDRA FOR THIS LIFE-ALTERING GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN ANOTHER AS YOU CONTINUE TO HEAL, KNOWING THAT SADIE’S LOVE OF WORK IS MORE THAN YOU NEED NOW THAT YOU ARE GETTING BETTER!!!
SO HAPPY FOR YOU JAMES AND SADIE
Ryan and Blue
From our trainer, Beverly, who met for the first time with Wounded Warrior, Ryan, who suffers from severe anxiety and epilepsy. She writes:
Attached is a picture of Ryan and his dog “Blue”. I went to evaluate Blue and discussed the process with Ryan on our first visit to see if Blue would be suitable for Service Dog work.
Blue is young and quite energetic, but we had decided, since he already has a bond with Blue, to do a few sessions and see how regular training impacts her focus and ability to work with Ryan. Ryan described that on walks she did very well, with minimal pulling and seemed attentive (not losing focus due to her young age.) However, a couple nights after that session, Ryan texted and asked for assistance to find another dog. He said that unfortunately, he realized that Blue’s energy level was too much for him, and he’d like an “older more established dog.” I will work with Ryan to try and find the right dog for his needs.