Dogs For Life - Training Service Dogs For Veterans

We recently sat down with Dogs For Life Founder Shelly Ferger to learn about this amazing organization and the veterans that they serve.

Dogs For Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for veterans and other individuals in need through training hearing and service dogs, providing therapy dogs for first responders and school resource programs, and owning an off-leash dog park.

Over one million veterans have returned home from service since September 11, 2001. Of these, 20% struggle with post-traumatic stress (PTS) and are facing physical limitations associated with injuries from combat. As they face the daunting challenge of continuing military service or integrating into society, specially-trained assistance dogs can provide a life of independence and dignity to meet the unique needs of these American heroes. PTS symptoms such as hyper-vigilance, anxiety attacks and perceived threats trigger what is known as the “flight or fight” mode, which served these soldiers well when they were in combat. However, if untreated, PTS can become a life sentence of mental illness that affects the ability to sleep, interact socially, and maintain a job or a meaningful relationship. Consequently, veterans account for 20% of suicides in the U.S. and 1/3 of the homeless population in the state of Florida; plus 45% of them suffer from mental illness. Add to this the number of veterans with physical disabilities, and the numbers are staggering.