Graduate Testimonies

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 astogether 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!”

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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 mostmedications 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.

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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 goodfor 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.

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The first time Olivia and I came into the Training Center, she was barking continuously. That class she learned to “swim,” as I sprayed her with the water bottle quite a few times. Now that we completed the training, I feel relief and pride in knowing I have my “battle buddy” by my side and I have a shot at being able to do everything I want. Obtaining the training vest and the in-service vests is one of my favorite memories. I’m also filled with gratitude. The training was a team effort, and I am so proud to know everyone that made it happen. I knew I would receive support, but the level of support from everyone was surprising. The trainers were always available for guidance and advice.

Now I look forward to going out in public more, continuing with Olivia’s training, and being a good ambassador for the organization. The SD4V training program is a fantastic, streamlined process and wasn’t stressful at all. Throughout the program I was able to reduce some of my medications and cut out others altogether.

I often tell people there are three top decisions I made in my life: retiring from the military, getting married, and enrolling in the SD4V training program. I have accomplished the goals I set out to through the training program, and I highly recommend it to any Veteran considering a service dog. Conquering the challenge of training was absolutely worth the time and effort.

Repetition of tasks and progressions made it memorable when it all finally kicked in with Rhett and he showed he wanted to do it. I have peace of mind now that he can be with me more than usual. I no longer am concerned that he won’t be around to support me when I need it.  He’s now a different dog and much more in tune with me. I wish I would have started the training with SD4V sooner.

Rhett didn’t care about learning any tricks, he simply wanted to learn tasks. He haslearned Lean, which allows me to feel more comfortable in public. He places his right paw over my left leg, which comforts both of us. He also does Front and Center. I like Front as Rhett will look around and keep an eye out on our surroundings, which helps me feel safer.

Nothing about the program surprised me, however how well Rhett did during training did. I look forward to going on business trips with him. My wife and I have taken him on driving trips, but never flying so now we can fly since Rhett is a service dog.

Currently I do not take any medications, but I suffer from headaches 24/7 and Rhett helps with the pain. The program has reduced the frequency of that “spinning out of control” feeling and my therapists see a positive difference.

To anyone interested I say don’t wait! Things are not going to get better on their own.

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The training gave both of us confidence, and for me that is not only in everyday life, but also as her handler. Going forward, I hope to continue to be comfortable going out in public places and to give back to SD4V by attending meet-up events. Maisie is an integral part of my everyday routine, and going out to eat or to a hockey game will be the next big step.

Time flew by during training, and it was wonderful to have camaraderie during class plus encouragement from other students and the staff. Support was always given by everyone in the organization. Their support was huge! Initially I preferred to ask questions one-on-one after class, however, eventually I felt comfortable enough to ask questions during class. The handouts provided were great tools as well.

Maisie has learned Cover, Block, Center, and Push and when Block and Push or Center and Push are done at the same time, those actions help me to relax. Everything about the program surprised me; the great in-depth training was consistent and genuine, providing an exceptional experience.

Another benefit I achieved is a reduction in anxiety medications I need, a wonderful result of our teamwork. My sleep is also improving, especially with Maisie in the bed next to me.

For the Veteran considering signing up, they need to ensure their “why” is valid and that they are prepared for the experience. For me, my confidence has greatly improved, and I found the program was the missing piece for me, something that filled the gap that was lacking even with medication and therapy.

Sam initially struggled with some of the agility equipment, especially the tunnel. But the first time he went through without any coaxing, he had conquered his fear and began trusting me more. All other tasks he figured out quickly and his confidence began building as the bond between us became stronger. He worked hard and has come a long way, so I’m proud that I made the commitment to him and the program where I was taught how to train him.

Grocery stores were always a negative trigger for me, and I am unable to stay in one for very long. Now I can go in and shop around with ease if Sam is with me, effectively keeping me calm. It became clear when I went shopping without Sam that all the effort was worth it. I then understood how much he helps me.

There was never a time that I didn’t feel supported at home or during training. It was helpful to start the training with Shane, another Veteran in the program, who was able to sympathize and relate to the experience. Together, the tension was eased, and we were able to keep each other accountable.

Sam has learned the task Push which makes me stop and look at what’s going on around me. He’s great at noticing any increase in my stress level. Cover is his favorite task and he’ll always do this in crowded places, especially in grocery stores. And Center is a bonding task that he does whenever I’m stressed out. It’s my favorite and it not only helps me but keeps Sam calm and focused as well.

Not to sound negative, but the fact that the program worked surprised me. I volunteered with The 22 Project and met someone with a service dog who spoke about the benefits. SD4V is a different type of program where I was trained to train my dog, and I’m glad that it worked so well for me.

To anyone considering training I would say it’s beneficial and unique, but they must be ready for the work it takes. It will help, but you must be fully committed to improving your symptoms.Training continues after graduation where it’s helpful to be out in public and apply the lessons learned. Don’t plan on your life remaining the same while you train your dog. There’s no point in doing it if you don’t use what you both learned to alleviate your symptoms.

Sam and I have gone through a lot together facing my mental and physical health challenges where some days were easier than others. Now, I feel accomplished and proud. My quality of life has really improved and I’m able to go anywhere with far less anxiety and fear, including to shopping malls and movies. Sam has truly become my best friend and constant companion. I’m pleasantly surprised at how much better I feel and how capable I am when out in public with Sam by my side. I intend to buy an RV and travel the country for a while, staying at National Park campgrounds for a month at a time. I look forward to sharing that experience with Sam.

I’ve trained Sam to do tasks Center, Hugs, and Cover. He automatically does Cover for me at payment registers, leaning against my leg to alert me that someone is nearby. He’seager to be near me and sleeps in the bed with me, providing comfort during nightmares. Occasionally that even means I have a dog butt in my face during the night.

Although I’ve not reduced my medications, my doctor and therapist are aware I’m in the program and have been very supportive. This has been a life-changing experience for me.I’m eager to share my story while encouraging others to seek help. Some Veterans I have talked to are concerned about the travel distance from where I live, but I’ve told them the one hour and 20 minute drive to class every week was absolutely worth the time and road miles.

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The training program and environment is unique, and it forces the Veteran to work on themselves. We are trained to train our own dogs in small group classes. I would gladly go through training again and am now a proponent of the curriculum, often talking it up to others I meet. Cassidy and James are really good trainers, and I found the exercises and tasks we learned were easier than I had thought it would be. The amount of time required for classes and at home training was a bit of a surprise, so I feel anyone interested should be ready for that. I plan to come back as often as possible to be an advocate for other veterans in training, and if possible return for a “tune up” training.

I have found that I do not need to take my medications as often anymore, including those that would help me sleep. I am more comfortable now with public speaking and being in crowds, and I experienced little to no anxiety when recently attending an event in Washington, D.C. There I spoke with a few law makers and felt confident doing so with Pippi by my side and focused on me

The agility equipment and tasks I was trained to do with Pippi worked really well to build Pippi’s confidence. I think she believes I’m her service human as much as she is my service dog! She’s been wonderful for my whole family.  I’m looking forward to taking her with me to college classes next semester.

In closing I have to say the entire SD4V program is impressive!

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When I got my dog Sasha as puppy, she was full of energy and all over the place, so at the start I wasn’t at all sure we could do this. In time as she matured and as we trained, I learned that at times some her nervous energy was in response to me being uncertain and nervous. That was a pivotal moment. As training progressed, she transformed from an over-excited distracted dog to a focused dog, and we became an in-sync team. Sasha and I really grew together through the program, which made all the difference.

After completing the program, I now feel I’m a more disciplined, stand-up citizen. Theprogram had more of a positive impact than I had ever felt it could. I am less likely now to get anxious and/or angry, and people have noticed a difference in me. Sasha helps me every single day and I really can’t do anything without her. Sasha automatically performs “Front” when we’re in stores. She can feel if my nervousness is escalating and performs that task to ground me. She also does what I refer to as “Crowd Control” circling around me when we’re in a busy area.

The SD4V team was always there and when I was going through some difficult times in my personal life that affected training. I was truly supported by everyone and therefore never afraid to ask for help.

One of my life goals was to own a food trailer business, a dream now realized. I enjoy owning my own business. Although I live on the coast of South Carolina, I would like to move back into the Upstate as better services are offered to Veterans there.

I’m glad I took the risk to train my own dog, rather than obtaining a turn-key dog from another organization. I enrolled in the program with my main goal being to reduce my anxiety and am proud to say that it worked. I also gained a loyal companion who is by my side every day

I encourage any Veteran that feels a service dog could help them to go through the program. For me it was well worth the time and effort, and honestly was the best decision I have ever made!

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In truth, Lucky did better than I did, and I believe there isn’t anything she cannot do.

She quickly learned tasks I taught her - Snuggle, Center, and Cover. My favorite go-to is Snuggle. Lucky really loves Cover and automatically does that now to ground and protectme.

I’ve always tried to avoid taking a lot of heavy medications and although I still take some, I believe I could reduce them at this point. I still see a therapist regularly who is supportive of my participation in SD4V training and believes it has helped me. My physical health since graduating has improved because I must get out and walk every day. When Lucky puts on her vest, she knows and is excited that it’s time to work.  

Any Veteran interested should do the research to know the investment of time they will need to make, both in attending a weekly class and practicing at home. The monthly graduate meet-ups will be good for me, and I plan to attend as many as possible and maybe return for a “refresher” training at some point.

The support from trainers James and Cassidy made all the difference. Lucky and I learned a lot through the process of training and the program is executed very well. Of course, it’s not just a program, it’s a family. The role models are the graduates that join us in classes to encourage us, and they provide great support along with the excellent trainers. I’m a lot calmer now and my wife Nancy has noticed the difference.

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After my discharge, Service Dogs for Veterans was recommended to me by my VA therapist.  When I was accepted into the program my reaction was 50/50; I was both excited and anxious. I knew it would help me, but I was reluctant to be in public. Although during the training program there were times when I was uncertain, I hung in there because I’m not a quitter. The fact I was surrounded by other Veterans was truly helpful throughout.

Bill suggested ways to bring the best out in my Doberman, named Wednesday, and that was a game changer. Other Veterans in the class were supportive and James was especially so. He would say, “It’s a process; trust the process.” The fact I knew I could always reach out to him as needed for suggestions or support was positive.

I now am ready to enjoy life again. Having learned the ADA challenge response, I know I can take Wednesday with me wherever I want to go. I trained her to perform these  ADA tasks: Cover which is a security measure with her facing backward watching my 6:00. Center is important in an environment like a store because she moves with me, and I can feel her making me feel protected. Snuggle which shows affection, natural behavior for Dobies.

I was surprised to discover that what I had been the most anxious about didn’t exist. I had anticipated a military environment, knowing that Bill and James are both Veterans, however, that concern was quickly eliminated when I met them both.

Just knowing that Wednesday and I can go anywhere together is exciting. I’m interested in researching history so with Wednesday as a Service Dog, we can go together to historical sites like cemeteries for my continued research. I’m glad I’ve been able to make changes to my medications that enable me to sleep much better.

The program is great the way it is, and to anyone considering it I would say, “You will never feel alone.”

Once accepted into the program I was excited about the possibilities but anxious about the unknowns. It was a big relief to find my class size was only five Veterans. Being in a large size class would have added to my stress. Driving two hours each way from Lexington SC was also a concern, but the encouragement I received made it worth the effort.

Admittedly, I was a bit hard on myself whenever I believed we weren’t doing as well as my classmates and their dogs. However, Jessica and James made allowances for Pablo’s small size and gave me phenomenal support. I’m especially thankful for James who unwaveringly stuck by me, reminding me to “trust the process and the training.” Because of that I stuck with it and am amazed at how far we have come.

I could never have imagined how much my dog and I would bond – It’s crazy how the training made that possible. We’re really connected. Training is definitely about teamwork and clearly, Pablo feeds off my emotions.

Once I learned how to get Pablo’s attention, my anxiety was reduced. Pablo has learned tasks  Hugs, Front, Center, and Reverse Center. Hugs are an important anxiety reducer for me, and I put him in the Front position when we’re shopping so that I know where he is. With Center and Reverse Center, having him lean against me is helpful both for controlling him and reducing my anxiety. Having achieved ADA-compliant status is especially exciting because it means I can travel with Pablo without leaving him at home.

At the conclusion of the Intermediate class, Pablo received his Service Dog In-Training vest.

It was a major surprise for me to see the overnight change in Pablo’s behavior when he was wearing his little in-training vest. Now that we’ve graduated, when I reach for his Service Dog vest, his head pops up and he goes into professional mode; totally proud body posture!

The SD4V training was such a success for me that I would do it all again in a heartbeat. My husband and family have already noticed a reduction in my anxiety level, plus an additional bonus is that I’ve been able to reduce one of my medications by half. I’m already talking to other Veterans offering encouragement about the program. This

was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I learned a lot about myself that’s been helpful as I was taught how to train Pablo.  I’m amazed, “I never expected to receive such support from a dog, and I no longer feel so alone in the world!”

Seeing the progress that I and my 1-1/2 year old rescue Lab mix dog Heimdallr were making with the other teams in our class, was rewarding. I knew coming into the program that time and effort would be required, but we both loved it, and the homework we did definitely paid off. I credit my wife for her amazing support throughout training. It was not always easy for her, but she made sacrifices to attend classes with me and support me in every other way. The staff was also very supportive, and I appreciate all that was done to help us succeed. “I now feel unstoppable” and prepared to deal with whatever comes my way. No longer will I be taking on challenges by myself, now I have a loyal teammate by my side.

Heimdallr is first and foremost my companion. He’s learned ADA Tasks Front, Cover, and Center. These help ground me, allowing me to focus. Being in a crowded environment can be overwhelming, but feeling him against my leg in one of his Task positions is effective in keeping me calm.

The biggest surprise was learning how many volunteers are involved in SD4V’s program behind the scenes. I have high praise for the program and overall feel that I was well prepared for graduation. My long-term goal is to return to college to pursue a degree in microbiology with a more immediate goal of just getting out of the house. Previously I was reluctant to do so and now that has all changed – I’m looking forward to it!

I am interested in attending the monthly graduate meetups in my area and hope to participate in public events scheduled for the coming months. I will encourage those who ask to give thought to undertaking this most rewarding experience but caution them that it requires commitment not only to the dog but to the program “that will enable them to live life again”

I most remember the very first class – Anela was pulling me all over the place, totally distracted by the other dogs, and paying no attention to me. I thought good grief, maybe this wasn’t such a good idea. Then Bill demonstrated the SD4V ‘busy walk’ technique with Anela, and the immediate rewards she received for complying. Anela quickly responded. It was as if she saw the rewards she earned by paying attention, far outweighed her impulsive behavior. That helped ‘set the tone’ for Anela and I training together and made all the difference for both of us.

My wife Amber was with me every step of the way, even when I first brought Anela home as a stray that had found me at my place of work. James and Cassidy deserve great credit for their training and ongoing support that made it worth the time and effort required of me. It’s a good feeling to see how far Anela has come and now that I am the trained handler that she deserves, I can take her anywhere. Going out is easier with her as a distraction. Once I learned how to communicate with her, the connection we developed is amazing.

Anela has learned ADA Tasks Front, Cover, Back, and Center. Front, Back, and Cover help define the perimeter of my personal space which is comforting to me out in public. Center is important because her physical touch helps me relax, relieving anxiety while letting me know where she is. Her presence makes it much easier to focus and avoid over-stimulation, helping me to stay in the moment.

Because I had no preconceived ideas about training, everything about the program was a pleasant surprise. At appropriate times James would advise me to “trust the process”. Because I did, I now have the skills and knowledge to continue reinforcing what she knows and do additional training with her.

I am really looking forward to now being able to go out more with Anela and no longer needing Amber to go with me. I hope to go to classes as a Veteran’s Advocate and attend graduate meetups in my area and attend SD4V public events.

To any Veteran considering the program, I say definitely do it if it’s an option and nothing stands in your way. This program develops a wonderfully strong bond that would not be likely in an alternative program where someone else trains the dog. “It’s all about learning.” Training the dog yourself creates that bond and the calm training environment, knowledgeable and supportive trainers, the curriculum, and the volunteers were all keys to our success. “Just do it.”

Initially, I was a bit anxious because my Weimaraner dog Baron was young, but we had a breakthrough moment when he began to catch on to the progressions and we started working as a team. Although I still have anxious moments, I’m more confident. We’ve come a long way and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team. The time, effort, and drive it took made it all worthwhile and I would do it all over again.

Through the training, I taught Baron to perform tasks Center, Cover, Push, Front, and Touch. Each one has a specific purpose but overall they all remind me that I am never alone; I have a partner. “It’s a comfort thing.”

The biggest surprise for me was how involved and supportive the entire organization is and how much time and investment is put into it by the trainers. I could always ask questions and know that I would get the answers that I needed. The training timeline gave us the time we needed to learn.

SD4V definitely has done a great job for us. The trainers and volunteers demonstrated that they genuinely cared not only about the program but also about helping the Veterans understand the reasons for the training steps. And now that I know how to do it, I want to continue training Baron.

There has been a positive impact on my family. Baron is always ready to go and although he is a beloved pet to my children, they understand that sometimes Baron is working with their dad. I can now be the dad I want to be for those young children and enjoy outdoor experiences with them.

My quality of life is now so much better. No doubt about it, my decision to train Baron as my Service Dog in the SD4V program has been the best decision of my life. I plan to be involved and attend events regardless of the travel time required and I will no longer limit myself because I can now “step out of my box”.

Because of the training, I received to teach Lucy, she now has a high level of trust in me and will listen and focus, proving the time and effort it took has certainly been worth it.

The support and encouragement given by SD4V trainers and volunteers were continual all the way through the program. My husband Mike was by my side in all the classes and that was a great help. My biggest surprise was simply that Lucy and I could do it, and during the third beginner class, I began to feel comfortable that we could succeed. Now, having Lucy as my Service Dog will make things much easier to do, especially enabling me to go out and about.

My two children and husband have seen the positive changes the program has made in me. Mike’s job requires that he be away from home frequently, and now he doesn’t have to be concerned about leaving me and our family alone. The training has taught me patience, something that’s especially needed for a 12-year-old to raise.

Lucy has learned ADA tasks Cover, Front, and Snuggle. These are important because they help me to focus my energy on Lucy rather than paying attention to people around me. That will allow me to be involved in various SD4V events that require going into a public environment. I have now regained the confidence needed to do that.

My wife and a friend encouraged me to look into getting a service dog, then my therapist referred me to SD4V. After my intake call with Cassidy, she went to work looking for a rescue dog for me. When she sent me the video of Rex, I knew I had found my future service dog!

Beginner class was very stressful when I started because I had been mostly dependent on my wife when I went out in public, and when I did, I avoided much outside interactions. Now I was in a class with strangers without my wife. I did not know what to expect so I can’t say I was prepared for the program, but knew what I wanted. I discovered that I enjoyed watching the other Veterans in class teaching their dogs, but what was most memorable to me was seeing my evolution as Rex’s trainer and Rex learning the skills to for him to become my service dog. Each time I saw him “get it”, I knew we were on our way.

Every training session became a “Yes! We can do this!” Rex has learned that all good things come from me: food, fun, treats, etc. which continues to reinforce the bond between us. The handouts from James and Cassidy were really helpful. There was never a time when I couldn’t reach out to them for answers and advice. Their support was great any time I needed it.

Achieving the level of accomplishment to be an SD4V graduates is a relief; a steppingstone to our next level. I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve learned and am looking forward to continue training now that we’ve graduated to become an even better trainer. It was great motivation to graduate because I knew then I could sign the transfer of ownership for Rex from SD4V to me!

I’ve taught Rex Center, Reverse Center, Cover, and Block. All of those tasks help to ground me and remind me that I’m not alone. Focusing on him increases my comfort in public by distracting me. I can trust him to protect me. The Reverse Center is a task especially important and one I taught him after watching videos at home. I can go anywhere now. Rex helps me deal with massive crowds and I’m already visiting national parks, something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.

My wife says I am not the same person I was before getting Rex and doing the SD4V program. Another benefit is that I am no longer self-medicating, which I was doing prior to training. My newfound freedom is magical, and my wife considers it a miracle! I’ve discussed with James various ways that I can continue to be a part of the SD4V family. To others who express interest in getting a service dog through SD4V, I will always say "Do it!"

That organization referred me to SD4V. After my intake call with Cassidy, my family and I started an intensive search for the right dog at local shelters. With Cassidy’s help, we found a lab mix named Duke that was waiting for a new family, and he checked all the boxes!

Initially I was anxious with concern about how much the program would help me and how I would do, but I was surprised how quickly and easily both Duke & I picked up on the training, and how well we were able to do our daily homework practicing at home. The level of support I received not only from my family, but from the professional “vibes” I experienced during my initial intake interview, in addition to interactions with Bill and the trainers during classes, have been key to our success.

I taught Duke the following tasks: Push, Snuggle, Center, Block, and Cover. Center is one I use the most because it allows Duke to push and snuggle at the same time, and when out in public that really helps ground me with less anxiety. Block is a task I also use in public because Duke secures my personal space, enabling me to concentrate on what I’m doing.

I’m greatly relieved to know that Duke and I can continue to train after graduation since I now know the techniques I’ll need. I consider the use of my hand that SD4V teaches to direct the dog, to be a “genius idea”. It was a great surprise to see so many other Veterans with issues like my own going through the program. Because I live almost 2 hours away, that will limit my ongoing involvement at SD4V in Greenville. But I’m hoping that connecting with other graduates who live in my area will be beneficial. My best recommendation is that all involved on the SD4V team continue doing what they are doing!

Koda is a German Shepherd so that alone causes folks not to approach me. Now that we have graduated as a Service Dog team, my anxiety is reduced along with a change in my medication. That certainly makes it worth the time and effort required for success.

Koda has learned Cover, which mean he’s watching my back so I have no need to constantly be looking over my shoulder. He does Center when he senses I’m becoming anxious, so he calms me, and if he does Push, it’s like a hug while creating needed space. When he Stands Up, he’s simply letting me know that he is there for me.

I compliment James and Cassidy for their wisdom. They were always quick, immediately responding when I had questions. Their support along with that of my family and the service dogs family means that I no longer am dependent on my husband, nor does he need to leave work because of my anxiety. I’m able to get out more and feel better about that.

Simply put, The SD4V TRAINING WORKS!

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,

During the Intermediate classes, it became apparent that Moses was beginning to pick up on my anxiety, sensing when I was uncomfortable. Trainers James and Cassidy were quick to respond to my questions and always followed up with me. Along with my family, the SD4V family gave me their full support. As they trained me to train my own Service Dog, the information presented was done in a way that was easy to understand. The only surprise was my own high level of motivation.

Previously public outings had been somewhat of a problem, so I avoided going out much. But now with Moses, there has been this huge change for my family. I’m excited and ready to do things with them, even attending church with the dog by my side. He accompanies me to school and my full-time job. Although there have been no changes in my medication, I have noticed a dramatic decrease in my anxiety.

Moses has learned ‘Cover’, ‘Block’, and ‘Snuggle’. Cover and Block are important to me because they relieve anxiety and let me focus on what I need to do without always looking over my shoulder. He likes to Snuggle and knows when I need that too.

My family had delayed relocating to North Carolina while we were in training but now that Moses and I are a Service Dog team, we are ready to get on with our lives. I’m trying to persuade a friend to apply and would strongly recommend it to any Veteran. To the SD4V team, I say “Keep doing what you’re doing.”

When I started classes, I was anxious and not sure I could do it. I know I can tend to doubt myself. But whenever I got discouraged and thought about quitting my Godparents Janice & Duane – who attended all the classes with me – pushed back and insisted “You can do this!”

There were a few very memorable moments in our training journey. One was when I saw trainer James and his service dog Elsa demonstrating how exercises were to be done. That inspired me. Another was later on; I could see that Lilly had become a completely different dog! Looking up, paid attention to me, and wanted to do the exercises and do them well to receive her treats and my praise. Also, the fact that SD4V was a newly found brotherhood, actually a family for me, was particularly important. The trainers always worked alongside us, patiently, not just telling us how to do things, but showing us. That constant positive support “made me want to give it my all”. I taught Lilly to do tasks Front, Center, Block, and Cover – all make me feel more secure and help to establish my personal space in public.

Lilly and I are already doing sightseeing like touring the Biltmore House and Gardens. We have other tours planned and I intend to go back for agility training to build our confidence. These are things I could only have imagined doing prior to training. In addition, I plan to become a Veteran Advocate by participating in monthly graduate meetups and being with a class all the way through their training

In the beginning, I had my doubts about whether I could complete what I’d started. And honestly, I’m still a little surprised and proud of myself that Lilly and I not only finished, but we did so well and enjoyed it all. Also important is that I learned a lot about myself. I feel like I’ve grown a lot over these past 8 months.

Bill, Cassidy, and James along with my God-parents supported me throughout the training. I believe anything about the program should change. They should just keep doing what they’re doing. I tell others “Do the SD4V program, Training your ‘sidekick’ forces you to get out and participate in, and enjoy life again!”

After she reviewed my paperwork and met me and Sherry, my wife, in our home, she soon contacted me to see if I would be interested in a Great Dane rescue. I said definitely, YES! Ordinarily, the decision to place a rescue dog with a Veteran occurs gradually with an initial meeting, then a weekend stay, and finally placement. Jacquie brought this awesome Dane named Atlas for a meet-and-greet in our home. It went great. So great in fact that when Jacquie was ready to leave with Atlas, Atlas refused to leave us. He had a great connection with me, felt at home with us, we adored him, and so Atlas remained with us! We all felt this was meant to be.

Atlas proved to be extremely smart while I was training him. He readily learned new obedience skills and then ADA tasks. During classes, my part was just a matter of becoming comfortable learning to be his trainer. The continual encouragement given in class was amazing and when I would ask Bill’s advice, I found that his suggested solutions as well as those from the other trainers always worked.

As a graduated Service Dog team I look forward to doing outreach at nursing homes and maybe children’s hospitals because Atlas loves children. Bill recommended Paws2Care as a source for therapy dog training, believing it will help prepare Atlas for therapy work. Atlas loves to play and sometimes “guilts” me into being active. Because I’m moving more, my ease of movement has increased, I’ve lost weight, and because of it all, I have a noticeable behavior improvement. Medication dosages are now reduced and I have not had the need to see my psychologist for three months. Truthfully, I cannot imagine life without Atlas as “he gives me a sense of purpose that I needed”.

What surprised me about the program was the level of patience shown by the trainers. Their always-positive feedback and reinforcement made my apprehension about training vanish quickly. And the support given by my wife Sherry, who is also a Veteran, greatly contributed to our achievements. “Having the opportunity to train your own service dog is absolutely the best approach” and I will continue to encourage the SD4V staff to keep doing what they’re doing.

Clearly, the key to success is being consistent and doing lots of repetitions. That along with training with intent, and following the SD4V curriculum, gave us the training approach we needed to grow as a team. I never doubted my dog’s ability. I was confident that together, we could do it. Once Ace received his Service Dog In Training vest, that made all the difference. He seemed to know he was working. Even before graduating, that spurred us on to start going out and doing things as a family again.

I’ve trained Ace to perform tasks: Cover, Front, and Center. With Cover, Ace watches my back, and both Cover and Front create spatial barriers which define my personal space. Center gives me comfort when Ace touches me and gives me “Eyes”. Because of Ace’s loyalty, attentiveness, and skills, I’m now better able to deal with the daily challenges I have. The things I’m now able to do with my family are what I have been wanting to do, like going shopping with Melissa and our daughter. The time and effort was definitely worth it.

Although I have not reduced my medication as yet, they are more effective now than they had been. I look forward to attending graduations of my fellow classmates as well as participating in monthly graduate meetups, and events such as the car shows. These are all in my plan for the future.

Bill, Cassidy, and James gave me 100% support, and their ongoing communication meant “I never left the class feeling defeated or confused”. To anyone considering the program, I would say do it, regardless of whether or not you’ve previously had a dog. “In addition to providing comforting companionship, having Ace as my service dog is like having an attentive medical device by my side”.

From the beginning, I was impressed with the openness of the training facility, and everyone made us feel welcomed and supported. In fact, the whole program surprised me as I had expected something pretty basic, not as comprehensive as this was. Plus, I realized the other students were just like me, there to improve their lives and work towards graduating as a service dog team. Learning the technique of doing a “re-set” as taught by trainers Cassidy and James was an “ah ha” moment. When we messed up, we would reset so that no matter what happened, we’d get it right while staying calm and positive for our dog to learn from the mistake. It worked!

I’ve trained Chaplin to perform tasks Cover, Center, Push, and Maintain. Cover has Chaplin watching out for whatever is behind me while Push and Maintain calm me. Center reminds me of our connection, letting me know he’s here to support me. Any time Chaplin has his Service Dog vest on, he knows he’s working. And he’s always got a big smile that tells me he loves doing it.

Previously, it was easier for me to stay secluded; never going into stores but waiting in the car while my wife Darlene shopped. If I did go in a store with her, she constantly needed an exit strategy for when she saw me getting anxious. But now, I can be out in public with Chaplin alone or with my family and friends again without having all the anxiety I had before. The training has brought me out of my shell and I’m now whole with hope with Chaplin as my Service dog. I can do new things that are important to me, like taking my grandchildren to a trampoline park. This is just one example of how Chaplin (that I trained!) has made a huge difference in my life and the lives of my family.

My previous experience with VA psychiatrists didn’t help the way the SD4V program has. Another benefit I didn’t expect is I no longer need the meds I was prescribed to help me sleep by blocking out flashbacks – I rarely have flashbacks anymore. “No medicine can do what SD4V and my sponsor Will Ryan, who funded our training scholarship, and have done for us.”

Will is a high school student who had a strong desire to help veterans and worked with the Kid’s Boost organization to raise money for my scholarship. To think a young man would do all it took to organize a fundraiser to help me…WOW! Will became my anchor and was incredibly inspiring to me and Darlene. The trainers gave us their full support from the beginning, and Darlene was by my side in all our classes. With Darlene’s enthusiasm for the progress she was seeing in me and the other teams in the class, she couldn’t help but be an encourager for all the guys in class!

It’s important you know that any doubt I had about the program or myself in the beginning, has gone away due to that support received and what we accomplished.
I will continue to encourage other Veterans to give the program a try. It’s well organized and very effective, while giving Veterans the opportunity to connect with other Veterans in the class. I will always be thankful for this experience.

During the first class, Bentley didn’t behave well at all and was distracting the other dogs, until Bill suggested we move to a position at the end of the room so Bentley could settle down. That made me chuckle because it felt like we were being sent to ‘time out’, but I understood why. Our initial plan was for us to go through to the Companion Dog level, but I learned so much in Beginner and Intermediate classes and by observing the other Veterans and their dogs, that I knew Bentley could go all the way through and I would greatly benefit with him being a Service Dog.

One of the breakthrough moments in training was the feeling of accomplishment for us when he earned his Service Dog in-training vest at the end of the Intermediate level. Another was when Bentley was reluctant to step through the target learning heel progression exercises. He overcame that when the targets we covered with towels, and he happily stepped through. The handouts we were given were definitely helpful, making the home training much easier for me to do. I also enjoyed the companionship of the other Veterans I trained with, in classes. Training my own dog created a stronger bond between us. The result was more valuable because I not only learned how to train Bentley, but I can now continue to do so because I know how.

I taught Bentley to perform ADA tasks Push, Front, and Snuggle. Push is a show of affection that calms both of us. I use Front in crowded public settings usually with Bentley standing on my feet. Snuggle is a move I particularly appreciate because the physical contact he gives me helps to ground me and is a show of love from him. These will be a big help when in public settings. A big benefit I didn’t expect is that now I am able to significantly reduce the medications I take!

I’m thankful for having this opportunity and for the donors who made training possible. I appreciated everything that was made available to me and intend to continue to be involved as a Veteran Advocate and by joining meetups with other graduates.

To all of my military friends, I say, “Look at me, I’m an example of what can happen.” To anyone considering the program, I say “Just get it done, you won’t regret it. It was what I needed to be able to move forward.” Without the training and the support of my family and the SD4V organization, I wouldn’t have this well-trained Service Dog. It was absolutely 100% worth the effort.

The biggest difference between other programs that train the dog and then turn it over to the Veteran is that by training the dog yourself, a much stronger relationship between the two of you is developed. Later you can continue with that training because you now know how to do it.

When my dog Sam earned her In-Training vest after completing Beginner & Intermediate levels, that clearly brought about a great positive change in her. She seemed to understand right away that the vest meant ‘it’s time to get to work’! She had a greater focus on me, sought my approval more, and showed greater appreciation when I praised her. I also saw that the physical contact of rubbing her ears she liked, and it helped ground me.

I taught Sam to do tasks Front, Center, and Cover for me. I put her in the Front or Center position when checking out at a store because it lets me know where she is and that she’s safe. It comforts me when I feel her leaning on me. Cover is important when I need her to create personal space for me.

Although the process was not always easy, it was absolutely worth the effort. My wife, the trainers, and classmates provided needed support. Before SD4V training I avoided crowded environments and all stores. But now I can go to those places because I don’t feel alone and worry about my surroundings quite as much with Sam by my side. Something I’m really looking forward to – my wife and I have purchased a travel trailer and we’re looking forward to meeting new people as we travel around the country.

I look forward to joining the monthly SD4V meetups with other graduates and am already recommending the program to other Veterans.

We named him Luke and it was love at first sight between Luke and me. But honestly, initially, it was hard having another dog with a different name because the name Barrett was always on my lips.

As a Veteran Advocate for SD4V, I saw how their new Training Center enabled teams to progress much faster. That impressed me enough to persuade me to go through Service Dog training again, this time with Luke. I taught Luke to perform 3 ADA tasks Front, Up, and Hugs which are a great help to me.

Life has changed dramatically as a result of my relationship with both dogs. Previously I had been an extreme introvert who wouldn’t answer the phone or the door. Now, I’m very active in the Veteran community, coordinating events and ceremonies, even serving as spokesman for the Wreaths Across America project this past December.

My grandson now assists me with the continued training of Luke, and we go out to do something every day with Luke. As an ambassador and Veteran Advocate for the Veteran community, I phone a group of my fellow veterans each day to check in with them. For the past 30 years, it has been my philosophy that when I receive something I give something back, so my promise is to continue offering my support to those who currently are in training.

What I would say to other veterans: “Dogs give us a reason to go on.” Whether you train once or return for a re-do as I did, my message is that you too can regain freedom, a sense of security, and improved relationships with those you love, while developing new friendships that can carry you through your future.

I found the experience to be amazing because my dog had dramatically changed since we graduated the first time in August 2019. It was great for both of us. I’m in a better place mentally and I think Peppy is happier this time through because of that. The refresher training is just what we both needed. At the new SD4V Training Center, the other dogs were more settled and focused which helped me to be in control while training with Peppy.

When in public, I’m even more relaxed now. Peppy accompanies me everywhere and keeps me calm. It’s reassuring that she can do her ADA tasks of Front, Push and Hugs whenever she senses that I need grounding. And due to the new friends I’ve made with classmates, my social life has improved and am much more active. Oh, and another change is that she sleeps with me now, in her favorite spot in my bed right next to me.

Based on my experience going through the training program twice, I truly believe that continued training is the only way to keep up the dog’s skills. It has certainly improved my life with Peppy. I encourage any graduate to not hesitate in considering a refresher training.