We most definitely received full support all the way through the program. I could text questions and get answers anytime. And specific help was given when I was having trouble working through progressions at Wal-Mart because I was having trouble remembering the sequence. They helped me know which one to use and how it would help me.

I didn’t realize how fast a dog could learn. Once we began “task” training, then our bond became stronger, especially with Snuggle. Getting the “In Training” vest made us feel like a team. It’s good to have an animal because sometimes unspoken words are the answer.

I’m not a social butterfly and live alone so having Roscoe there for me helps me want to get out. I’m excited to be more involved with society and plan on starting school in person this coming spring. I would not have done that before Roscoe. He’s constantly there for me; my rock. He often helped remind me to do the homework. While doing the final exam with Public Access at Bass Pro, Rosco let me know I needed a “task” before I evenrealized I was getting amped up.

During times of hardship, Roscoe makes me feel safe, reduces my anxiety, is the buddy who watches my back, a shoulder to cry on and a true blessing. Now I can walk outside and face society with his four legs beside me.

Along with our dog Peaches, Sassy had been an emotional support dog for me for a number of years while at home. Regardless of that, I was anxious about giving Sassy additional training to be a Service Dog.

While training on agility equipment it was nice that Sassy would stay with me instead of taking off. Being in class with others helped boost my confidence regarding effectively training her. Both of our dogs support me better at home now. Everyone in the program was there for me all the way through. I can now look forward to going out of the house and being in the world again. I’m actually looking forward to vacation time.

It would stress me out not being allowed to take Sassy to work with me. So, learning clarification regarding ADA legalities was encouraging. I now know how to handle a situation where someone tries to kick me out of a place because of the dog.

My advice to others would be to concentrate on what you need to do for yourself and your dog. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and just do what’s helpful.

James reminded me that this is not the Marines and I was being too critical of myself and my dog Bandana. Realizing that she is not perfect helped me be more forgiving of both of us.

I didn’t like leaving the house or getting out of my box before. I had to learn this is a disability and I need help. As we finished Public Access, I realized the dread of leaving the house wasn’t there anymore.  ALL DOORS ARE NOW OPEN.

Just driving five minutes to class from home was hard at first. But now I want to go out of the state, in particular hiking and camping.

James gave extra support by bringing in another Beagle to show me how we needed to train Bandana to lead with her head up and not nose to the ground, which typical of her breed. It took some doing but hearing Kristen and James ask, “Have you tried it this way?’ helped me to not feel alone or lost in the sauce. Bandana proved she was enjoying the work by wagging her tail while heeling during busy walks.

Often my mind would race when interacting with new people. If a stranger came to talk to me, the entire soup in my brain would be boiling. Now I don’t feel the need to scout places out before I go in. My husband Daniel noticed I’m a lot more confident and well-rounded.  Focusing on Bandana has helped me not worry if people are looking at me.

To anyone interested, I say do not let the discomfort or worry stop you from getting a Service Dog. The discomfort can lead to something worthwhile. It’s a lot of hard work, but a soft place to land.

I consider the sponsors who generously provided financial support to cover our training to be one of the nicest things that has ever been done for me. I come from a family whose members were active in multiple branches of U.S. military. When I adopted a German Shepherd, being a Navy man myself, no other name seemed appropriate for the dog other than Navy.

Often while out in public I would get into fights or have other outbursts that gave evidence of issues other than physical injuries received during active duty when I was stabbed. I had trouble admitting those injuries were not my only challenge, but my wife Tunkie realized a service dog could help with some of those behaviors.

Once accepted in the program, I was excited thinking, heck yeah, let’s roll. Reflecting back on training, I was surprised to see what the dogs in class were capable of and how fast they picked up on tasks. Doing the homework and listening to the trainers made things happen for us. I had never seen dogs stay calm or in “place”.  Now, Navy is no longer under foot or in the way, she’s a calm part of the family. Together we chase waterfalls and venture out to restaurants or stores.

Navy is smart, often alerting me when I was doing something wrong, even before the trainers pointed it out. She is my “wing woman” helping me to be calm and less aggressive. Recognizing I’m getting ramped up, Navy often performs learned tasks that help me even without being asked for it.

I know for other Veterans considering getting a service dog, the process might sound like it won’t work, but it will. “Just do it!”

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My dog Teddy appeared as a puppy after Hurricane Helene. He rushed to us and stuck like Velcro, helping me to realize he could be my Service Dog. At the beginning of training, because I didn’t believe either Teddy or I could do it, I was terrified. Plus, I had a concern about retiring him when that day came. So I found the handouts given during class provided pertinent information regarding that.

After years of military service, the Army gave me a medical discharge due to PTSD, and before Teddy, it was pretty bad.  But SD4V has restored my hope, so much so that I’ll be attending college next semester in person and am looking forward to it. Together we have achieved going out and are enjoying life once again.

The support I received made a difference. I could text any time and get a response with a needed answer. Our success has allowed my medications to be cut down and knowing we’ll still have training support after graduation is amazing.

The biggest surprise came when I realized that Teddy was smarter than me. He goes into learned tasks automatically without being told when he senses I need his support. My wife Victoria used to attend class and remain by my side to lend encouraging support. Eventually, Joe, my Veteran Advocate, noticed Victoria no longer came to class. I had Teddy, and there was no need for her to be with me all the time.

Victoria says, “Teddy took my crown of ‘Service Human’ now that he’s a Service Dog. He automatically performs Hugs or Block when Ben gets amped up. I feel more at peace… I have backup.”

I loved the support we received and was impressed watching everyone in class grow through the process with their dogs while bonding with each other. I’m not a people person, so seeing others struggling helped me know that I was not the only one.

Probably the most memorable moments were first, when Vector’s temporary health issue caused him to poop on the treadmill.  And second, testing our training during Public Access class rather than in the controlled training center’s environment. Having him with me in public significantly decreased my feeling of anxiety.

Vector does tasks like Cover, watching my back even when I can’t. And Block to stop people from walking up on me. When he does Push, putting his paw or head on my foot which he often does naturally, or leaning into me when in a heel position, that contact brings me back into reality during moments I’m not okay.

My wife Elizabeth had me go to her school to talk to the kids and answer questions. She noticed that when I touched Vector my anxiety stayed level and I was undistracted by kids playing ball in the gym across the hall. She also was impressed by the SD4V staff’s willingness to make scheduling exceptions to aid in our success.

Working is important to me. I had planned on military service for 20 years, however, that was cut short and I lost my purpose. Vector is helping me find purpose again, and as a service dog team, I’m excited to get back out there. While I work toward getting a Doctorate in Psychology, I’m looking forward to being a Veteran advocate and show others there is help from something other than medications.  SD4V helped me learn how to keep high expectations but recognize when good is good enough. To those in need I say, “Take the plunge! Don’t wait to reach out like I did.”

“I am able to reintegrate into a society that I once felt disconnected from.”

Initially I was nervous and unsure whether I would have the patience to train my dog Axel. He was always full of energy, and it took a while to calm him down. But I finally realized it was like Boot Camp where you tackle one task at a time then move on to the next one.

A special moment was when Axel’s confidence was strong enough to go through the agility course. The first time we tried the tunnel, he sat down and adamantly refused to go in. When he finally was able to walk through, then that was a great moment. Our bond continued to grow the entire way through the program, especially as we learned tasks.

I had tried training Axel on my own but could only do so much with my skill set. This program became fun and we both learned to enjoy it. The support given by James, a fellow veteran, was helpful when I hit a road block. And Kristen became like a big sister, ultimately creating a family among us all.

Axel has learned tasks like Front which he does to provide space when I’m talking to someone face-to-face, keeping an eye on the other person so I don’t have to. Cover provides that same benefit except behind me. Block is good when I’m in a checkout line to avoid having someone creep up on me. And Push provides a huge comfort, relaxing either of us if we’re anxious.

As we began Public Access, it became obvious how the training worked. Although Axel is still excitable, he will focus and do what he needs to do. Training involved well organized baby steps that built on previous lessons which allowed us to succeed.

Home always was my fortress of solitude, and I never wanted to leave unless I absolutely had to. I can now get out of the house, go to the river or the beach, and abandon being a recluse. I feel comfortable out in public interacting with people and hope to travel to Florida to visit my daughter.

The eight months of training involved a lot of emotion-- with excitement definitely one of them. Everyone at the training center gave us their full support, and without the incredible support given by my wife I wouldn’t have been to learn to trust the process.

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Daisy is trained to do tasks like Front which lets me know where she’s at and allows us to keep each other safe. I like it that I can see her during this task. She often does Cover on her own, but Block burns through some treats while creating great security for me. Push immediately melts my heart every time while dissolving any anxiety I might be having.

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Even before Public Access class, we often would go to Lowes together. When we started going there with an SD4V trainer, we applied what we had learned, which clarified that it was all coming together. We looked forward to every challenge. I knew we’d do well in that familiar environment. Daisy’s focus and steady improvement over time has been great.

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As a result of training, my symptoms have reduced making it nice to go out somewhere and not be hyper vigilant. My wife also has noticed a reduction in my anxiety and she feels it’s easy to take Daisy with us now. At last I can feel normal again.

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I tell people expressing interest in getting a Service Dog to just do it. The payback and reward is worth it, but you must be determined and understand it’s a process.