I decided to enroll in the SD4V Training Program back in 2023 after my service in the Army Reserves resulted in anxiety and hypervigilance. I was nervous at first, but I was also excited about learning. I had not realized the program was so big with so many graduates having succeeded. Other Veterans, the trainers, the volunteers, and a dog named Elsa gave great support. It has been nice having a new community to be a part of, with people who have different experiences and views. My dog Bleu is a rescue, born outside and almost sent to a shelter. I sent my daughters to get her, and they named her after my favorite color. Watching Bleu shine on the agility equipment was a memorable part of classes. My favorite task Bleu has learned is Snuggle, often done at home while watching TV. Push and Center make me feel close to her, safe and grounded. Cover helps us focus on each other rather than on things going on around us. Bleu is not just a dog; she is a family member and always has our back. I have found that going hiking or even simply going for a walk are great outlets for me. Stepping out into nature gets me away from the news and social media, two things that I find drain and depress me. Although my medications and dosages have remained the same, I have not needed to increase or add anything. The entire program is organized and runs smoothly. The resources provided helped as did constant support from everyone. There were no surprises. I often tell others about the benefits and recommend they investigate the program. With this training I’m ready for two important things; new adventures and new beginnings. Bleu and I have grown so much, and this program gave us something to feel excited about. For me...It has been life changing.

I served in the Air Force in Flight Operations from 2002-2005. My rescue dog, Jaxson, is my best friend and has helped me through panic attacks, chronic fatigue syndrome, and depression. After battling these symptoms for years, I was so ready to complete the training at SD4V to enable me to get out and actively do more. Unable to relax and “turn off” when active, I was unaware of how many things I had been missing. Since graduating, I am excited to be able to say “yes” to events and outings without worrying about all the details. My level of hyper-awareness is much less when Jaxson is with me. When our trainer, Cassidy, would come to the gym and watch the dogs while they remained “on place,” my classmate, Anna, and I would work out. It is thrilling now to be able to go to the gym accompanied by Jaxson. My health is in a great place now, and I’m able to get back to the things I love, such as fitness competition and modeling. The entire staff was wonderful, and I even made some new friends while in training. That all made it worth the time and effort involved. I have no negative feedback and plan to become a volunteer. Jaxson was trained in four tasks to mitigate my symptoms—Cover, Center, Guard, and Chill. During Guard, Jaxson will watch my back so I can focus on what is in front of me without worrying. This is especially helpful in a crowded area. Center is another task that we enjoy, as he will stand in between my legs, watching me and anyone around us. We are learning to walk while he is in Center as well. I like to ask Jaxson to Chill, as he will lay down during Cover, facing forward or backward. All the tasks remind me that he is there for whatever I need. Getting back into fashion and the fun things I usually had to say “no” to are things I can now look forward to. Jaxson is my family, and now he and I can go everywhere together!

I served in the Air Force as a Driver/Dispatcher in the late 1970’s. Unfortunately, a car accident ended my military career early and has caused chronic knee issues. I also experienced a traumatic event during my service, and struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety, especially out in public. To combat these issues, I decided to enroll in the training program at SD4V in the fall of 2023. Nervous anxiety was pretty apparent before we began training and I was unsure how I would do it. But the second week of classes, my dog Loki did a complete 180-degree change. I was impressed how effective the training was in building his confidence and I knew that if one week could make such a difference, then we were going to be okay. I honestly did not have any expectations. The diversity of people in the program, the various tasks we could learn, and the different training levels were a surprise for me. Despite all those differences the training is exceptionally smooth and not stressful from beginning to end. Because there were times when I did not think I would make it, the support from my classmates and everyone in the program was appreciated. It is wonderful to know that you are not alone and having the dog as your trained partner forces you to not be isolated. Having much less anxiety now, I no longer rely on medications as much and I look forward to attending more events. My mother and I have planned a trip across the country with Loki in June. Loki has learned the task, Cover, which is helpful in crowded places. And Brace helps because my knees can cause me to wobble, so it is comforting to know he’s available to provide support needed. I suffer from bipolar disorder along with depression, and Loki can sense when I’m experiencing symptoms and immediately move in to do the task, Snuggle. All those tasks build confidence for both of us. So, to another Veteran considering training, I would say, “JUST DO IT! It will make such a difference in your life.”

Initially, when I enrolled in the training program at Service Dogs for Veterans, I wondered what I was getting myself into and what it was going to be like. Everything flows smoothly and is not stressful. I will never forget the first time my dog Daisy went through the tunnel during classes with agility equipment. Now, when my daughter pulls out her play tunnel at home, Daisy willingly goes through it. The biggest surprise for me was learning the number of people who have already been through the training successfully and I am grateful that I was accepted. I can look forward to enjoying time out with my family, going to festivals, out to eat, and traveling together to visit extended family members and friends.To anyone expressing an interest, I would say it is 100% worth it, no matter how long it takes. It does help everyone differently and that is important to remember. The support received has been through the roof. I feel more confident going out, even without Daisy, and I look forward to taking her everywhere. Soon we will be visiting my wife’s family,and I am especially grateful that we finished the program before we must leave. Zoey is staying home for a few days so I will be flying alone with Daisy.The tasks Daisy has learned are Center, which is great for balance; Up, which grounds me and eases my anxiety; and although she already keeps a good eye out for me, she performs Cover, whenever I ask her for that. I have been able to get rid of several of my medications and I am trying to work towards reducing others. After going through the program though, I would not have it any other way. There is no doubt I would do it over again if I needed to and I am happy to highly recommend it to others.