Before I joined the training program at SD4V, I did not leave my house. My world consisted of my chair and the TV. But then one day my wife showed me a picture of a puppy at the Greenville Humane Society, and there was no question in my mind this was the dog for me. We picked up Shylo that day. Initially, I was very nervous about leaving the house and participating in the training. But I knew to be a part of the training program I would need to leave to go somewhere. So, I told myself, “This is something I’ve got to do!” None of us could ask for better trainers. James and Cassidy were supportive, especially with text messages they sent. I was surprised when we learned something new each week. I didn’t expect that! Fortunately, Shylo responded well to training and I’m grateful to him for our connection and going through it with me. Shylo learned the task Brace, which is not often used but will be helpful in the future. With Push, he places his foot on top of mine which grounds me and Cover is a task he often does on his own providing an atmosphere of security. The program has done exactly what I was told it would do so I want to become an advocate for the organization and participate in events. I could never pay back for what they have done for me, but I can pay it forward. My world is no longer my TV, it’s much bigger now. I’m going to many concerts, visiting family and friends, eating out, and traveling. Shylo learned the task Push one week before we went to Disney World and he did it several times during the trip, always calming me. My wife Shannon recognizes that I am more independent and take more initiative now. She sees a big difference in me, and I give her credit for showing me the photo of Shylo as a puppy. That picture is what got me out of my chair and started the process for me to change my life. Before each class I would take Morphine to handle pain. Although I still suffer because of the pain, since graduation I no longer focus on it and am free of Morphine. I’m down to one medication and thankful to have eliminated feeling like a zombie. To those interested, I say “It doesn’t cost anything to fill out an application. So just do it. It’s the best move you’ll ever make in your life.”

Dolly and I began training at SD4V, and I found I was apprehensive. Unsure of how well we would do in the training, and how much it would help me. I knew it was going to be a lot of work, however, when the training vest goes on, we both know we have permission to go somewhere together. She’s learned a lot and has come farther than I thought she would. The biggest surprise for me was to realize I did have the ability to train a dog. Once I am allowed to take her to work with me every day, I know relief will take over. Unfortunately, the guys at work are not supportive but my family and everyone at SD4V have provided plenty of encouragement. I am a resource officer at a school and the children at work get excited to see Dolly when she accompanies me, and in turn, she enjoys their enthusiasm. Everywhere we go together empowers us to experience new adventures. The feel of training surprisingly changed once the Public Access class was reduced to just two teams. And although I was expecting to be challenged going into stores in the public domain, no one has had any issues with us being there as a service dog team. It’s wonderful that I can now attend outdoor events for my kids and Dolly loves those situations also. Dolly has learned tasks like Calm, Center, and Cover. Whenever we’re in a situation with elevated anxiety, she automatically does Push on her own even though she has not been trained to do that. That action is very helpful for me. Every day coming into class felt like a test day, a bit stressful as we needed to perform tasks in front of the class. Your performance proved whether you had done the homework or not therefore the stress. But then that’s what a complete commitment to training is all about: no work, no results. My advice to a person considering the program is to determine whether he/she is afraid to tell the world they have a disability because the service dog’s vest brings attention to that disability. BUT…. If you can get past that, a service dog can make a huge difference for that person. Be assured that now, my family recognizes a difference in me and my entire family feels happier and calmer with Dolly around.

My rescue dog Mika was super excited from the beginning of training, and I just thought, “Oh no.” But to see how well she responded to training with the positive reinforcement given was reassuring. I’m proud of both of us. The time spent and effort made was a valuable process and I would do it that way again anytime. I’m not sure how other programs do it, but SD4V’s method works well. Everyone was very supportive. The biggest surprise for me was that I could learn to train my own dog and how effective it was. The trainers James and Cassidy were very focused on our engagement with the dogs, which was helpful. Now I can look forward to life beyond my home such as travel, more outside activities, and Wednesday nights at the pub. Mika has learned tasks that calm me such as Cover, Snuggle, and Push. Some environments make me agitated, and she’s very affectionate and will do some tasks before I ask her. Thanks to the training and now having her at my side, I no longer self-medicate. To anyone thinking about signing up, I would advise them to be sure they are a dog person first and foremost. And if so, then I highly recommend it.

Freedom! Once again, I have freedom. It was exciting to begin training and I had great fun giving Cassidy, our trainer, a hard time. The support we received was 100% more than I expected from classmates and everyone else involved. I had family pushing for me to get a service dog after seeing the positive results our daughter is having with hers. So now I’m glad to see the same benefits for myself. My rescue dog Prince has leaned tasks like Back/Reverse Center, Center, and Block/Cover. He does Center willingly as if saying, “I gotcha Dad!” And I like Block/Cover because he’s got my back and is alert to what’s going on behind me, helping me to feel safe and secure with him in that position. Sometimes he tries to do Cover for my wife which is a bit much for her since he’s such a tall dog. And it took her a bit to adjust to the amount of attention Prince receives when he’s doing Snuggle. But all in all, we are both encouraged. As a result of our partnership, we acknowledge the time, and effort has been worth it. Now we look forward to flying to travel abroad or maybe going on a cruise. One of my medications has been reduced and I take Prince with me when I go to appointments at the VA. To anyone considering SD4V for training I would say, “What’s your hold-up?”

I hesitated on obtaining a service dog for years. Initially I was scared and uncertain of what to expect during the training at SD4V. However, everyone was very nice and now that I see the difference it’s made, I’m so glad I decided to join the training program. It was all memorable and I’m excited and proud of what we’ve accomplished. Probably the most fun part was watching my dog Snow use the agility equipment. It gave me the chance to relax while she pretty much did all the work. The entire program was worth the time and effort required and I felt supported all the way through. I just went with the flow and although my medications have not been reduced yet, I really do feel great. Even my physicians have noticed a difference in me. Snow has learned various tasks to perform. While Snuggle brings down my anxiety, she likes that one the best since she knows there are treats involved. Center is a good task as it gets her attention, and we connect while her eyes are on me. Hug always makes me relax and smile. When she comes to sit with me I find I’m less nervous or anxious. I’m looking forward to traveling with Snow. My husband and I discussed it and because he must remain behind for work, so Snow and I are going together to Mexico, just the two of us! I’m also looking forward to all the other adventures Snow and I will have together! To any other Veteran thinking about getting a service dog, I would say “Do it!”

I was initially nervous when we began the training program at SD4V. But now I have great relief. From the beginning to the end the most memorable part of the classes was the huge change that I saw in my rescue dog Liberty. The time and effort we put in was worth it and I felt supported all the way through, not only by those in the program but especially with great support provided by my family. Skepticism plagued me at first as I wondered how we could possibly have progress or achieve much being scheduled to go just once a week to the training center. However, the biggest surprise was how well that set up worked. Liberty has learned the task Cover which I particularly enjoy because she’s watching my back. And with Center, she sits between my legs putting pressure against me which grounds and comforts me. My anxiety is especially eased when she lets me know she’s there for me by doing Push. The biggest advantage of all of that is that I have been able to get off some of my medications and get out more as I enjoy sitting to people watch. Any activity where Liberty and I can bond more is a huge benefit. The only suggestion I have for SD4V is to use the phrase “trust the process” more often. That really is imperative for all of us in training. If we do that, then it will be as life-changing for others as it has been for me.

Excitement overcame me as I began the training program at SD4V with my rescue dog, Pete. Support from my wife and children helped a lot to make that process easier and the time and effort spent allowed us to successfully complete the program. My wife Cary was surprised at how quickly Pete and I picked things up during training. Watching my dog use the agility equipment was the most memorable part of the classes. There were times I knew he was afraid, however he did it anyway, proving that he trusted me. This accomplishment created a stronger bond for the two of us. Pete has learned tasks such as Cover, protecting my back so I always know if someone is coming up behind me. And when I get nervous, he lets me know he’s there for me, again watching my back when he performs Front. Push comforts me, helping me to calm down as Pete leans into me. Now that I’m comfortable leaving the house I want to exercise more and get back into shape. I’ve stopped self medicating and am pleased to say I’m one year sober! Pete helps me to make it to work on the days I don’t want to go. Crowds are not my favorite thing but now I worry less about them with Pete watching my back which allows me to go out more often. Seeing how well it has worked for me, a few friends have applied to join the program. As for me, being able to do whatever we want without thinking about every detail of the situation is nice. So, to others in need I say, “Do it!”

Now that my rescue dog Bear and I are a service dog team and on our own out in public, the real training starts. I thank God I was able to stay with it and see it through from beginning to end. The support I received from my wife Frankie, my classmates, the trainers, and volunteers allowed us to grow into a family during classes. I liked the entire program from start to finish. When Bear did the obstacle/agility course, he proved he was really into the training, enjoying it as much as I. He’s learned tasks like Cover providing comfort and protection because he’s watching everything. When he does Front, I can read his body language and be aware of exactly where he is. Bear often does Lean/Push on his own and leaning on each other comforts us both. Everything about the program surprised me as I was not expecting to learn all the things that we did. Another surprise was to realize that Bear understood that when I asked him if he wanted his vest on it meant it was time to work. Because of Bear and our training, I am now able to control my emotions in public and remain calm. Going out more is my first goal and the training has allowed positive changes in my life. I’ve also been able to adjust my medications. So, to anyone considering the training program I simply say “Do it! Git ‘er done!” Frankie, Tony’s wife, also added that she would not change a thing about the program. The volunteers and trainers blew us away, providing a nice, relaxed atmosphere that everyone can be a part of. Tony seems calmer and is not as easily agitated when he and his dog Bear are together. He is almost a different person.

I never considered a service dog for myself, but the opportunity became intriguing. Unfortunately, when researching a service dog program, I found several organizations that were “fake,” offering no training, only a vest and ID for a fee. However, I did find SD4V, yet I was still unsure how a service dog would impact my symptoms. Now that our training is complete, I recognize it has helped a lot. I seldom need anyone to go with me when venturing out in public, which gives freedom to my family. The relationships I developed with others in class were fantastic. That camaraderie gave support that helped me work through the times I felt we were not doing well. They showed me that we really could do it. I have pride in our accomplishment and the results made the long-distance drive worth it. A few personal things came up during the program that might have interfered however I was allowed flexibility to make up training lessons missed so we could graduate on time. Shadow has learned tasks helpful to me. Push and Center are especially effective in public. I tend to have a racing mind and am concerned about people looking at me. She grounds me causing me to focus on just what is happening with us and not anyone else. Cover eliminates the constant worry about what is behind me. She is aware of other people, lets me know they are coming near, and keeps them at a distance. My husband has noticed the strong bond developed between Shadow and me and all are enjoying the freedom they now have since I only need the dog to accompany me on outings. The grounding Shadow provides is so important. And even our family dog Pixie has benefited from the training we do at home. Although reluctant at first, I now highly recommend the program and would not change anything they do.

Quite honestly, my first thoughts were, “Oh my God! I can’t do this!” I figured I would walk in, and they would say, “No, we can’t train you.” I really didn’t know what to expect, realize I would be training my own dog, or just how the training would go until we started. But everything was great! Now that my rescue dog Tolkien and I are a graduate team I can’t wait to get out there to do all the things I’ve been waiting for, especially Fall activities, such as going to an apple orchard or on hikes. All of it! The Veteran ambassadors, Steve and Gary, were helpful and I appreciated that they were approachable and always there for support. I knew I could call on anyone and they would be available to offer help when needed. Also, watching another dog Zuri go through the agility equipment was especially fun and training on that agility equipment with other Veterans and their dogs was particularly memorable. Tolkien has learned to do Push which is calming for both of us. When he leans into me, I feel safe and grounded. He does not perform Cover as often, so I try not to have my back to people. I like the task Front/Block to be particularly helpful, where he sits in front of me at a display or in a crowd. He keeps people at a distance and in that position, I can always have my eyes on him. As a result of my partnership with Tolkien I have been able to reduce one of my medications and can attend church or to a Bible study on Wednesdays. Improvements in my daily life made the effort put into training worth it. So, to others I would say, “Get in and do it!”

The word today is freedom, as I now have freedom to do what I want. Two things surprised me about the SD4V program. First, their willingness to accept two dogs together for training as that had never been done before. And second, “the Calm Room” where the dogs and I could chill out away from the pressure of a class environment. Each team grew during training and the support I received was there even from unexpected places. Open time was allowed to come in and practice on the training floor. During those times, whenever I had any questions, Cassidy would come to help me. It’s a fantastic program but you have to work at it and stay the course, even when it becomes difficult. Alberto and Theodoro have learned the task Front which helps in public spaces when they focus on me. Alberto does Cover where he watches everything for me, and they both do Snuggle which lets me know I’m in good shape and well supported. Reina, my wife, has noted that I’m peaceful and more confident, enough to go out, taking the dogs as support. Space has been created for both of us to do more of our individual activities and she’s pleased that I’m in “good hands” while we’re out. We hope to travel more and are flying to New York in September. Also, we plan to spend time in Columbia where Reina is from. Being able to travel “with the boys” makes it all worth the time and effort spent. The medications I take are reduced and my therapist, impressed by the progress I’ve made with my health, wants to meet the dogs. It’s my hope that the organization can raise money to buy the building so that they have consistency with the location and need not worry about a lease running out. As for me, finally, I have relief.

When asked the first word that pops into my mind now that my dog Willow and I have graduated as a service dog team I say, “Party! It’s time to celebrate!” I enjoyed taking the road trip to the Training Center every week with my “girlfriend” Willow, which freed my wife to remain at home. Our training overall was great, even though at first Willow didn’t want to go through the agility tunnel. One day, however, with encouragement, she just ran through. From then on, we progressed to the finish. Although we had to take time off for her to have surgery, SD4V made it possible for us to come back and continue with training. We always felt support not only from the trainers but from the other people in my class. I have issues with anger, and Willow learned the task Center which mellows me out. Feeling her standing in between my legs makes such a positive difference. My wife has even noticed the difference in the level of anger control. I also feel safe when Willow performs the task Front. When we are in public and I’m focused particularly looking at something, she watches my back providing that sense of security. Cover is another task that’s great for me as I no longer have to worry about someone coming up behind me without my knowledge. She makes me aware of everything going on behind me. Now that Willow has her Service dog vest, we have the freedom to go to events. I went camping with my daughter, to a car show, and a dog show. I see us going out more than we’ve done in the past. I also have decreased the dosage on one medication, and I believe I can credit partnering with the dog for that. I have nothing but positive things to say about SD4V. Great Job! And thank you for welcoming me back. It has been a good decision and might make a big difference in someone else’s life.

When I enrolled in the training program at SD4V, I knew it was going to be a journey. I had a long drive to get to the training center, which made the task seem arduous and daunting. However, I quickly learned that building relationships with the other teams, individuals who understood what I was going through, made it worth that effort.Looking back, I didn’t think that classes would be so in-depth each week. So many topics were covered during the entire program. In the Intermediate class, it just seemed to click for my rescue dog Gunner. After that I couldn’t keep up with him! He learned the task Push which reduces my anxiety and pulls me back into the moment. And Center and Cover both offer a feeling of security while providing a safe space where I can relaxwhen out in public.The staff, my family, and classmates gave 100% of their support and my wife was pleased I made the commitment to stick it out regardless of challenges along the way.My goal was to be able to go out more, be active, meet new people and enjoy the festivities my wife organized for our family. I’m proud that I accomplished the goal, and I’ve also reduced my medication dosages. I believe signing up for training was the best decision I could have made.I would not change anything about the program. Between the material provided and homework assignments, it was easy to figure out what was coming up in the next class. Due to the support and understanding of all involved, to anyone considering SD4V I say, “Don’t even think about it. Just do it!”