Category Archives: Military

Experience, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

HOORAY FOR MAXIMUS AND HIS NEW DAD, WOUNDED WARRIOR, DONALD

HOORAY FOR MAXIMUS AND HIS NEW DAD, WOUNDED WARRIOR, DONALD!!!

After over a month of planning and preparation, Wounded Warrior Donald, who was receiving treatment at Laurel Ridge, finally set off for sunny California with his new SDIT, Maximus! (now renamed “Boris”). Thanks to a great team effort with amazing fosters from San Antonio Rocks and the entire SA Rocks team, Donald spent a lot of time getting to know Boris and bonding – which was instant! Donald’s doctor wrote the prescription for Boris – who got to also meet two other Service Dogs placed with Wounded Warriors staying at the Laurel Ridge facility permanently until discharged.

Donald first saw Boris on our website, and over a month ago started emailing and calling me every day about him! We talked extensively about Service Dogs, their special training needs, his ability to take care of a Service Dog, and general knowledge about having a Service Dog for his PTSD and other medical issues. He read our manual thoroughly, signed our contract promising to take care of Boris for life, and already put me in contact with two Service Dog trainers back in California that have agreed to work with him. I have made contact with each trainer. Donald filled out the SA Rocks application, and they accepted him after professionally confirming that he was capable, ready, and able to take care of Boris – which I know Donald can!

Equipped with all the necessary items, I picked up Boris at 4 am to make it to the airport by 4:30 where I met Donald. We checked in (it was United Airlines – even though I called ahead and arranged the flight), the “supervisor” at the check in desk asked to see Boris’ “paperwork”, to which I answered, “No, I have already called in and arranged with your Disabilities Department that Boris will need no paperwork because he is a medical alert dog”. Then, she said, “I’m going to check on this.” To which I said, “I’m sorry, ma’am, there is nothing to check on. It is illegal for you to deny Donald and his Service Dog entrance onto the plane”. She walked off in a huff. United has always given us the biggest problems. So then, as always, I requested a gate pass to help Donald through the Security checkpoint. We stood in an EXTREMELY long line, very nervous about making it to our gate in time – and the “greeter” at the end of the line clearly saw the dog – when we FINALLY got to go through security, they said, “Oh – if you have a Service Dog, you get to go through the preferred passenger line and cut through”. Thanks for telling us! In any case, knowledge for you all to know.

We did make it to the gate just in time, and Donald and Boris were first to board. They made it to California just fine, and training begins Monday!!

Equipment, Experience, Military, Mobility, Navy, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Talk about inspirational people!

Talk about inspirational people!! All of you are such inspirations to us at Service Dog Express!!

Here is an update on 53 year-old Wounded Warrior John, and his 8 year-old SD, Sancho. They keep on truckin! Even though John has suffered many strokes and a heart attack, he still wakes up every morning focusing on the positives in his life – especially the love he has for his best buddy, Sancho. They continue to go on walks with John in his scooter, and some days, John will walk without being in a scooter to keep his legs moving. He takes SUCH good care of Sancho – teeth cleanings, joint supplements, and keeps himself busy by reading all he can about dog training. John has difficulties finding words sometimes because of his strokes, and his memory can sometimes escape him, but nevertheless, he persists and usually expresses more concern about how I am doing when we talk or visit than how HE is doing. What a compassionate, selfless man! Here is a recent update from John’s wonderful caretaker, Mary:

“Hello,
These are the photos I forgot to send yesterday. This is a quiet Walmart. We went here to get some vitamins and flavored water with my sister, Kathy, who suffers from schizophrenia. A few customers noticed Sancho’s adorable shoes, and he attracted so much loving attention! Sancho was on his best behavior – as usual – and everyone there talks about how calm and sweet Sancho is! The bottom picture is John talking with the optician at the Walmart.”

NEVER GIVE UP!!!

Military, Mobility, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATULATIONS to Wounded Warrior, Blake, and SD Zoid

A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS to Wounded Warrior, Blake, and his now SD, Zoid!

Due to deployments, Blake is usually in a wheelchair and met the amazing Zoid through Cherry Jenkin’s In Dog We Trust rescue after contacting us. It was love at first site. Our trainer, Brenda, who is a paraplegic in a wheelchair with her SD Murray, trained with Blake and Zoid about how to use and work with Service Dogs while in a wheelchair. They did an amazing amount of work together and Blake followed training advice to a tee! He and Zoid have an indescribable bond.

Unfortunately, Blake recently found out he developed lung cancer due to exposure to toxins while deployed. He is moving to Arkansas to be near family while he undergoes treatment for this. Luckily, through Skype and videos, as well as through emails and on the phone, Brenda has determined that Blake and Zoid are now an official SD team!!

We at Service Dog Express have the utmost admiration for Blake and his always upbeat, positive attitude. We are confident that Zoid will be there for him as he fights this new battle, offering comfort and support. Please send prayers for healing, and please honor Blake by showing how much his resiliency is an inspiration for all of us!!!

Experience, Houston, Military, PTSD, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATULATIONS to Ronnie to SD Roxy

CONGRATULATIONS to Ronnie, a Wounded Warrior with PTSD and TBI, who, with the excellent training of Kendra, passed his PAT with now SD, Roxy!!!

“We met at target to do Ronnie’s PAT. I am SO proud of the hard work and dedication of this team! They did beautifully on the PAT and they PASSED!!! Roxy was born to do this work; as a matter of fact, when I was trying to get a picture she kept getting up to do covers because people were walking behind Ronnie! She just does it without having to be told! These two make the perfect team and are so inseparable, they love each other so much and it shows!!!! Congratulations you two!!!!”

Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Equipment, Experience, General, Marine, Military, Navy, PTSD, TBI, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Manakenn Art 2014

Look at this beautiful artwork done by former client, Wounded Warrior Ken, with SD Mozart!! For each sculpture he sells, a portion of the proceeds he will donate to our non-profit, In Dog We Trust!! THANK YOU AND BLESS YOU KEN!!!!

Helping Veterans suffering from PTSD the oppurtunity to adopt service dogs to assist in their rehabilitation at no cost
Helping Veterans suffering from PTSD the opportunity to adopt service dogs to assist in their rehabilitation at no cost
Army, Experience, Military, Mobility, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Blake with SDIT Zoid

From our dear, beloved client, Wounded Warrior Blake, with SDIT Zoid. We will miss you, Blake!!! We are all praying for your health, strength, and that this move will make your life easier!! Of course – we will continue contact with you and answer any questions you have concerning Zoid and making sure he passes his PAT! Remember that you can legally train your own SD – but we will Skype with you or you can send us videos of you and Zoid performing all the Public Access Test tasks. We are all just a phone call or email away – especially our wonderful trainer, shown in the picture, Brenda, who has been working with you and can help you the most because she has a SD and is permanently in a wheelchair – and thriving, just like you will!!! We love you, Blake!!!!

“Just emailing you to let you know that I may have to make the move to Arkansas to stay with my family for the foreseeable future. I really wanted to stay but with my health it’s not really possible. I want to of course keep Zoid and continue training and to have him pass the test. I’m not sure what we can do but if there is anything we can do to continue training, or any recommendations for me that would be great! Thanks for everything you, Service Dog Express, In Dog We Trust, and everyone who helped bring Zoid and I together. If it wasn’t for him, I honestly don’t think I would be in the wonderful place I am today. My health may not be the best, but he brings my spirit up literally all day long.”

Dallas-Fort Worth, Military, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Dawn and her Wounded Warrior’s Husband’s SDiT Nova

From Candace, our trainer in Fort Worth, who is working with the Morrison family to train Dawn’s husband, a Wounded Warrior, who suffers from PTSD.

“Dawn Morrison is helping her husband train their tripod German Shepherd Dog mix, Nova, while her husband is receiving treatment. While gathering some baseline information, I noticed that Nova was having some problems maintaining an upright position during walking tasks. I also noted that she would dip on her one front leg every 5 steps or so. I decided to offer some suggestions on strengthening her legs, and increasing her endurance. We also went over some basic command work such as “come,” “sit,” “down,” and “stay.” She knows the basics, but what the Morrison family needs to focus on is getting her response time quicker. We did include some walking, but a good portion of the session was focused on education and action planning, as Nova did require a significant amount of rest. They were given a lot of information, but they were implementing the correct strategies with training his SDIT, so she was doing extremely well.

Today, I could tell the difference in Nova’s endurance level. She was able to tolerate more activity and training, subsequently lessening the down/lag time between commands. However, it was noted that she was dipping on her one front left every 5-7 hops. I was concerned about her joint integrity and offered some advice to help protect her from possible injury. I also saw that she needs some major work with “heel,” and walking in general. I think this will be an uphill battle for the Morrison Family as it is a little harder for Nova to regulate her speed. However, good news on the horizon, as they found someone who is donating Nova a prosthetic leg!! In the mean time, they will wrap up her leg and continue the basic to advance obedience work, until Mr. Morrison is out of treatment and back home with his family. At that time, more specialized training and socialization will begin. I’m so excited to be a part of their journey!”

Of course, Nova’s Service Dog abilities will constantly be monitored by their veterinarian

Dallas-Fort Worth, Marine, Military, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Happy Day For Marc and Genevieve

A happy day for Marc, a Wounded Warrior who spent 20 years in the Marines and suffers from PTSD. He found a “battle buddy” in Genevieve!!! He drove down from Austin to first meet Nelly, whom Cherry Jenkins with In Dog We Trust graciously lent her time to see if it was a match, but it just wasn’t the “right” dog for Marc’s particular situation. It’s always important that each client feels completely secure in their choice of dog, and Nelly WILL find that special someone – thank you Cherry. However, then Marc met with Genevieve’s foster from S.A. Rocks, and they spent time together – Genevieve was quite shy at first, but after talking with Marc on his drive home to Ft. Worth, where he is a Nursing Student, the bond is beginning to grow. It was wonderful talking to him – he understood that Genevieve and he will learn and grow and train and bond together – making mistakes together, and having triumphs together. He said it was just like being in the Marines and learning with your actual battle buddies. I have no doubt that Marc and Genevieve will thrive with the help of trainer Candace. Please wish them the best of luck!!!

Experience, Military, PTSD, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Andrew and SD M-ozzie

Look at this beautiful letter Wounded Warrior Andrew, who was paired with Ozzie (now called Mozzie) while at Laurel Ridge, wrote to Ozzie’s previous owner. Andrew is doing wonderfully, and has found a superb Service Dog trainer in North Carolina. I spoke for about two hours with this trainer, and he said Mozzie is brilliant and will make an excellent SD – and that Andrew is completely committed to the process!“Hi Nikki!

I thought I’d send you another update.

I just started training today with Mozzie, (added an M, he doesn’t seem to mind too much , and he’s picking things up really quickly. It was only the first class, but we rehashed proper grooming/handling inspections (ears, eyes, nose, paws, tail, etc.), sitting and standing, and how to potty on command!

I’m currently staying with a couple from our church, and Mozzie is really feeling at home with two other dogs, Kuma and Nala. Kuma is the family’s grumpy old man, but Mozzie and Nala like to chase each other around and play all the time!

We’ve been to the vet for a few shots, had an accident or two in the house, but otherwise have been getting along splendidly. Now that training has begun, I only expect the bond to continue to grow between us.

We go for walks twice a day, and Mozzie goes everywhere with me. To the grocery store, to work, the doctor’s office, even to the bathroom with me!

Thank you again for everything, I hope you and your family are well!

Andrew”

MIRACLES HAPPEN WHEN PEOPLE WORK TOGETHER!!!

 

Experience, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Changing of the Service Dogs

What a bittersweet day it was yesterday! Our dear, dear client, Tracy, who suffers with psychiatric difficulties, and her wonderful husband, Jon, had fully-trained Great Pyrenees, Apollo, as her Service Dog for a year. Unfortunately, even though their bond was strong and Apollo was a wonderful Service Dog, over time, Apollo started bonding more with Jon. Tracy made the tremendous sacrifice to adopt out her beloved Apollo to a Wounded Warrior, Brian, who is currently at Laurel Ridge. Brian was a dog handler in the military, and has extensive experience with dog training. He has a very sad story – the dog he worked with on deployment became extremely special to him, as they saw a lot of combat together. When the mission ended, however, they took the dog away from Brian. This started his PTSD and other symptoms. He tried his hardest to get that dog back, and SHOULD have, but he found out that the military had “retired” the dog and adopted it out! He says it was probably the greatest trauma of his life.

He saw Apollo on our website, and fell in love. Tracy, Jon, and I went to Laurel Ridge and the bond was instant between Brian and Apollo. Brian was so sensitive to Tracy, who was both sad to say goodbye to Apollo, but so happy he was going to someone like Brian. Laurel Ridge is letting him stay there while he goes through treatment. We also saw client Joseph, who was there with his SD, Viva!!

Apollo will be in wonderful hands. And the happy ending to this is that Tracy finally found a dog that suits her better – the beautiful Cooper, lovingly fostered by Margaret Melvin. Cooper is almost fully trained and clings to Tracy in a much more helpful way than Apollo did.

Two SDs and two happy owners! Attaching a picture of Tracy’s new SDIT!!!

God bless you, Tracy and Jon, for your generous sacrifice. You are paying it forward. And thank you, Margaret, for giving the gift of Cooper to Tracy! Here is a picture of Apollo, then a picture of Cooper!