Initially it was crazy thinking I would be training my own service dog as I was unsure whether the idea and the program really were for me. However, as classes progressed and the closer I got to my rescue German Shepherd dog Roo, the realization hit me – YES, it was for me! When we started training, Roo caused me to be nervous, drug me around during the first few classes, and was a nightmare out in public until the trainers taught me how to control him. Now that we have made it through the program, I’m quite proud of our progress. I’ve met the goals I set at the beginning of training. There is relief that comes with that. The support received from the staff, the volunteers, and fellow classmates was instrumental in our positive result. Building camaraderie all through training with the other Veterans was like being in a military unit. Roo has learned tasks Hugs, which he does on his own and is highly beneficial for me. Push, when he leans against me, is another great one that lets me know he’s there, and Cover is where he watches my back and will alert me if someone comes up. We are still training and are working on Center, a task where Roo stands in between my legs and will maintain eye contact with me. There is so much for me to look forward to now that Roo and I have graduated as together as a team. Roo loved using the agility equipment during class and that got me moving, so now I’m inspired to work out again. I also go out more with my family now and am much more relaxed at events. Another positive is that I’ve quit smoking and am looking into reducing the medications I take. My plan is to get off everything. So all in all, throughout the entire program there were many good surprises that far outweighed the times we struggled with training. To any Veteran thinking about a service dog I say, “As long as your head is in a good mind set, do it. RIP THE BAND-AID OFF!”

My journey has been tough but since my rescued Mini Aussie-Doodle Maison and I have graduated as a Service Dog team, I now feel relief, especially since I have a history of starting things and not finishing them. It was absolutely worth the time and effort. I’m proud of Maison and of myself. Throughout the program I’ve connected with a lot of Veterans. Knowing that other Veterans are going through it too helped me feel that I am no longer by myself. I initially didn’t know what to expect, but it was interesting to see the progression from day one to now. Rather than relying on deliveries, I can go to the grocery store. I feel calmer in public. Even my autistic granddaughter feels better with the Maison around. Maison and I Snuggle every day in the morning, making a great start to the day. It’s almost as if he’s saying, “We’ve got this Mom!” He’ll perform the task Cover, watching my back in public. He also performs Center when we are in public. When he does Push it makes me aware that I am agitated at that time. Joining the program has been the best decision I’ve ever made. Before, if I thought about the trauma I experienced, there was not any outlet for me other than to crawl into bed and stay there. “Now, I feel more engaged in life.”

Although I heard about the program from a previous graduate, I had doubts. I had no concerns about my dog; I just didn’t know what to expect from the program, and I was unsure how it would be for Zane and me. My Poodle Zane didn’t really want to do the agility equipment during class; however, one day it clicked, and he just did it. I could tell his confidence was up and he finally felt comfortable going through the equipment. He has learned the task Front which brings down my anxiety and creates a sense of gratitude. I appreciate that he is sitting in front of me, and we can maintain eye contact. The task Center, when he sits in between my legs, also relaxes me and is useful when in crowds. And Push allows Zane to show affection, a task he voluntarily does on his own quite often. He will lean into me, and I can pet his head. The most memorable part of the training program was the encouragement we received. We both worked hard, and the initial doubts I had in the beginning disappeared as we relaxed and it became more fun. The enjoyment made it worth the time and effort required. Not only did the trainers and other staff provide their support but my classmates did in many ways as well. Now that Zane and I are a team, there is so much I want to do. Being able to just go out is great. All of the goals I set at the beginning of the program have been met and my life is completely changed. My anxiety is reduced, and depression is less, so most medications I take for both have been cut back. To others I say it’s a must to try it out and see what happens. Everyone has a different situation. I never thought I’d have a Service Dog, but after going through the training, I still cannot believe the difference hat my dog and the SD4V program have made in my quality of life.

Beginning the training program was a challenge because I was stubborn, and my German Shepherd Vampyra was young. Clearly it was going to be difficult. Therefore, it was quite a process getting her ready for training, and once involved we required some additional time during classes. But once I was able to keep her focused, we learned a lot of things. Now that I can read her, I know exactly what’s going on. The extra help Lead Trainer Cassidy gave me along with the general support from Veteran and Trainer James and Executive Director Bill made me feel like SD4V was never going to give up on me, even when I was ready to give up on the program and myself. The length of the training is long but I’m proud that I actually accomplished a successful finish. Consequently, I’m able to go out and into stores I have not visited for years. Next, I hope to fly on a plane to Pennsylvania. It is significant that I no longer take my anger out on others. Anxiety medication that was meant to be taken every 6 hours was an everyday thing, but I rarely need it at all now with Vampyra as my partner. Vampyra has learned to do certain tasks that level me. Front, when she stands in front of me, helps when shopping as I know exactly where she is and that her focus is on me. Center is a task she really loves and tries to do all the time, which is good for keeping people in crowds from trying to approach us to pet her. She will stand in between my legs and maintain eye contact with me. Up/Hugs is cute; a great way for her to show her love and focus on me. She is now confident and trusts me. I’ve spoken with several other people and let them know how much a Service Dog helps and especially the program at SD4V. They supported not just me, but all of us in the program and I’m glad they did not give up on me.