From Candace, our trainer in Ft. Worth, who was putting the “final touches” on training with 30 year-old Erin, who suffers from some developmental delays, and beautiful Tex, from our non-profit, In Dog We Trust rescue.
“The last session with Tex and Erin was wonderful! We went to a local Ft. Worth mall and Tex was outstanding! He needs some more socialization of course, but he has an appropriate startle response. He is also very well behaved when walking in tight crowds. Again, the bond between Erin and Tex is palpable. I have no doubt that given time and patience, they will become an excellent team.”
NOW, ERIN IS ON TO HER HOME IN INDIANA, WHERE WE HAVE HER SET UP WITH A TRAINER THERE TO CONTINUE ON HER OWN! BEST OF LUCK, DEAR ERIN AND TEX! WE WILL MISS YOU!
OK! THIS IS SERIOUS!!! What I need from as many Texas wounded warriors as possible is an email or documentation regarding any physicians, counselors, psychiatrist, etc., who have “recommended” that each of you would benefit from a Service Dog. Congressman Pete Gallego’s office is taking on this matter of the VA saying veterans can benefit from Service Dogs, but the VA refuses to pay for it. PLEASE take the time to send me the information so we can get this changed – even if you already have been through the training process, you deserve reimbursement. My direct email is [email protected]. If you are in the middle of the training process or about to begin, you deserve reimbursement. But I NEED YOUR HELP to make this work. Here is the latest email and phone call I received from Gallego’s office. Of course, I will be filling out the privacy release form for myself to go ahead with these inquiries today. This currently applies to Wounded Warriors living in Texas.
“Laurie,
I have attached a privacy release form for you to fill out yourself. I am going to send an inquiry to the VA as to why they do not pay for the dogs that they are prescribing to Veterans. On the second page of the form make sure you write in detail who it is that writes the prescriptions as well as who makes the decision that the Vet needs a service dog. If we can get the VA to pay for the dogs, it would really help these guys out and it would probably streamline the process and standardize it as well. If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to call me. On a personal note, as a Veteran I wanted to thank you for making this your life’s work!
Kind regards,
Joseph Van Kuiken
Caseworker
Office of Congressman Pete P. Gallego (TX 23)”
From our wonderful trainer, Candace, in Ft. Worth, who is holding pre-approved group training classes as well as individual instruction for her clients to help with socialization:
“The group session with the Bates, Singhania and Ward families was outstanding this past Sunday! We started out at the Heritage Botanical Garden to work on commands. We focused on loose-lead walking, along with a more formal “heel.” We also worked on “cover,” “under,” and “dropping the leash”. All of the SDiTs are improving greatly. After a long walk (nicely) around the main part of the garden, we headed off to a nationally known chain store to practice public manners. All SDiTs are still showing no startle reaction and were all successful at a particularly difficult “leave it” challenge! The day ended with everyone standing in line (as it usually happens) and the entire group did wonderful. Boomer is booming less, Simba is coming out of his shell, and Buddy is learning to read his handler better. I have high hopes for these families and their SDITs!”
WONDERFUL WORK TO ALL FAMILIES AND THEIR SDITS!
Service Dogs For Those With PTSD and Other Disabilities
