My name is Cassidy Goodman and I served 3 years as an Army Medic, deployed to US European Command Headquarters, Germany.

I had applied to organizations that provide a fully trained service dog along with the high purchase expense, but that was not an option for me. In the SD4V program, I was able to begin training my own dog, a 4-month-old Aussie-doodle, at a minimal cost because of the generous donations made by the community. That was a huge relief.

I really appreciate that family involvement was encouraged. This allowed my husband Andrew to provide great support by being with me during training classes. Our 2-year-old daughter Valerie also enjoyed coming to class where she watched the trainers teach me to train our dog Poe to master obedience and the agility equipment. The fact I could reach out to Cassidy or James any time consistently resulted in wonderful advice that I needed. James generously came to me when it was time for Public Access training, so I did not have to travel to Greenville. Valerie has developed a close relationship with him, even calling him her honorary grandfather.

My involvement has reduced medication and increased my desire as a parent to do things with my children. I can now participate in activities with my family such as going to the park. In the past, I always had to wait for Andrew to be with us.

Poe has learned to perform Center, Snuggle, Cover, and Front. Center grounds me so I can focus on the matter at hand. Snuggle happens at home a lot and calms me. Cover is important because I know Poe is watching my back and I do not have to keep looking over my shoulder. In the Front position, Poe sits on my feet to remind me he is there, and I can reach him to pet him. These aids allow me to go out more. Previously, groceries had to be delivered to avoid going out alone. This was especially true when Andrew was not at home due to deployment.

The entire program was a surprise to me. I would not want anything about it changed. Developing new friendships made for a sense of being part of a family. Their support was a strong motivator to practice at home. It is a joy to see how far Poe has come. The handouts Cassidy and James provided were great backup information and having timesheets to log my practices made me accountable, which paid off in class.

Having developed a great appreciation for the program, the trainers, and the donor community that not only make the program available but affordable, I say to anyone considering applying, “Just do it.”

Watching Sirrine go through the agility pieces was memorable. I knew at that moment the experience signaled an increased confidence for both of us while strengthening our bond. The outcome absolutely was worth the time and effort to attend classes and do the daily homework. The feedback and support given by Cassidy and James were instrumental in boosting my confidence. I had essentially given up on having a normal quality of life but was surprised at how much the SD4V program helped me. “SD4V created an unexpected transformation that for my family and me has been life-changing.”

Sirrine has learned the following ADA tasks: Cover, Front, Center, and Anchor/Snuggle. Cover has Sirrine watching my back which allows me to focus on what is in front of me. ‘Front’ is especially valuable when we are in tight places because it gives me personal space. Center helps to reduce my social anxiety. And Anchor, Sirrine’s own take on Snuggle, has the dog laying on my feet or across my legs which pleases both of us providing that all-important physical contact.

Before Sirrine and the SD4V training, I had lost hope and shut down, unable to even go out or attend events due to severe social anxiety. Now I am hopeful and able to go to parties, help others, volunteer my time, make friends, and do everyday things. My therapist has seen the change and is now recommending the program to others. Although there has been no change in my prescribed medications, they now are more effective.

Renewed hope has me looking forward to staying involved by joining monthly meetups with groups in Anderson and at the Training Center. I will continue to encourage other Veterans to consider the program and tell the training team to “keep doing what you are doing.”