Category Archives: Veteran

Air Force, Experience, Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Jamie and SDiT Zulu

HA! I put Wounded Warrior, amazing Jamie, and her SDIT, Zulu, through the fun part of training today at Walmart! Zulu has been at Petsmart, HEB, and other stores, where he knows every command perfectly. He can walk tied to the shopping cart, do meet and greets, sit, down, sit/stay, down/stay, controlled entry and exit in and out of a car and building, heels perfectly – Jamie, still active duty – has done an AMAZING job with Zulu. It’s truly beyond belief. Either Zulu was trained in another life, or Jamie is just that good! As a team, they function perfectly. Covers, come, leave it – you name it, they can do it.

So this time, I rode into training in the motorized shopping carts to greet them at Walmart. Jamie laughed and Zulu’s huge beautiful ears perked up and he did that adorable “head tilt” he does when he is seeing something new and strange! We immediately started walking together, and Zulu wasn’t fazed by the electric cart. He was shaking a little bit because there were SO many people at this hour, but with constant reassurance from Jamie and I and treats when Zulu started to get acclimated, it was a breeze!

Of course, I made Jamie sit in the cart after Zulu got used to it, and she tied his leash at the perfect length so Zulu could heel safely. Zulu quickly adjusted to this new contraption – even when Jamie backed it up and it made that “beeping” noise. We navigated small aisles, and Zulu adjusted his body to the changes in direction and went through narrow spaces without hesitation. I created as many distractions as I could – bouncing balls, a hula-hoop, the large screen TVs, children’s toys, opening and closing the freezer doors with Zulu’s head close to the “whooshing” noise, etc. We did sit/stays and down/stays in the back, and even the Walmart employees were astounded! Zulu stays right by Jamie’s side off leash, and will “cover” naturally.

We finished by sitting at McDonald’s to see how Zulu would do with all the smells and people. He preferred to sit close to Jamie’s side, but away from any possible traffic.

The most beautiful thing happened, too. I was SO glad Jamie got to witness it. A couple came up to us with a little girl in the seat area of a shopping cart. They were watching the training, and asked if a Service Dog could help their adorable daughter, who was sadly born with a condition that left her with only half of her brain. The couple explained that she only responds to certain things and says minimal words – but she loved dogs. She kept holding her little arms out as if she wanted to touch Zulu, and she had the biggest smile on her face. With the parents’ permission, we had Zulu jump up to put his paws on the cart and let the little girl pet Zulu – and Zulu covered her with kisses!! We spent some time talking with them about how a Service Dog could help her, and they were so happy! At the end, the little girl actually said “doggie” the best way she could! It was a tear-jerking moment; one that had a tremendous effect on Jamie. Jamie will hopefully come onto our team as a trainer – she’s that good and has a heart of gold.

Oh – and Jamie will be attending a birthday party for her nephew who loves everything Ninja Turtle, so of course, we had to try on Ninja shirts on Zulu and even a turtle shell costume!!

We will be performing the Public Access Test next week!

Army, Experience, Military, PTSD, San Antonio, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Ryan and beautiful “Carl”

What a WONDERFUL meet and greet and adoption with Wounded Warrior, Ryan, and beautiful “Carl”, who has been so lovingly fostered for quite some time by Sandra. Sandra has been working with Carl on fine-tuning his commands (she can bring him to work because she works at Petco headquarters).

I first met Carl a few months ago – and could NOT believe this is the same dog! Carl was wonderful then, but when we all drove out to meet Carl’s new dad, Ryan, I was literally astounded at how much Carl had learned!! He could almost pass his Public Access Test now, he knew every command so well thanks to Sandra’s amazing training!

Ryan and Carl instantly fell in love! Ryan, a big, strong, tall man who suffers from PTSD and TBI had EVERYTHING ready for Carl – bought the perfect leash, vest, collar, tags, patches, and had read the manual through and through as was clearly evident as we went through basic commands and he caught on so quickly!! Ryan will be a perfect “battle buddy” for Ryan – one game Carl just loves is tug of war – and being a pit, Carl is strong! But Ryan is even stronger!! Ryan was smiling ear to ear after playing and getting to know Carl, giving Carl tons of love and pets. Carl took to Ryan right away.

Ryan manages a very large warehouse and has his own office, so Carl will be able to run around the warehouse or sit in the comfortable little nook Ryan already created for Carl. Ryan has a very strong knowledge of dogs, and it was evident by how quickly he was able to learn and mimic the commands I showed him – no evidence of TBI there!! They walked outside alone together, and Carl heeled perfectly.

Ryan gave a beautiful donation to Sandra for all her hard work – something he didn’t have to do – but he was so appreciative. Ryan is so much fun to talk to – he’s got a wonderful sense of humor and can’t wait to play with Carl and wrestle around – but only after the work day is done! Ryan also read the training manual so thoroughly, and with three children, he clearly grasped the concept of Carl being HIS dog – but 25% of the time, he can just be a family dog.

Ryan has a convention to drive to for three days, and there will be hundreds of people there – something that would ordinarily be overwhelming for Ryan. He now feels so much better knowing Carl will be by his side – and I explained that he needs to focus on Carl if his anxiety starts building too much. Ryan even called the Hyatt ahead of time to let them know Carl will be staying there overnight with him, and they welcomed Carl with open arms! This three days together will be a perfect bonding time for the two of them!

We will start formal training when Ryan returns!

BEST WISHES, CARL AND RYAN! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL YOU DID, SANDRA!!!!!!!!!!

Anxiety, Army, Experience, Military, San Antonio, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

SO HAPPY FOR JAMES AND SADIE

The meet and greet with Wounded Warrior, James, and Sadie, the fully-trained Service Dog generously donated by her former owner, Kendra, in New Jersey, couldn’t have gone any better! There was an absolutely instant bond between James and Sadie. James was at home with his wife, Gina, and their son. They were so impressed with Sadie’s beauty, and I showed them a bunch of commands that Sadie knew, then had James repeat them. Sadie was perfect! She even loved playing with their puppy, “Colby”, and Sadie wasn’t fazed by their three cats. James was SO happy! Much thanks to Jill, who fostered and worked with Sadie to get over her separation anxiety from Kendra, and took Sadie all over – even to the rodeo – where Sadie just sat there cool as can be! The whole family was overcome with joy at this gift for James, who is just now seeking treatment for his TBI resulting from 25 years in the military (he is still active duty) and his over a dozen major concussions. We wrote down all commands so that he always has something to refer to, went over feeding and potty schedules, brought some extra bags of Sadie’s hypoallergenic food, toys, bed, etc. We took a walk outside with Sadie, and she heeled wonderfully with James. He couldn’t be happier! I think his favorite (well, certainly my favorite) command is “Sadie – LOVE” – where Sadie would go up to James and put her paws on him, wrap her arms around his neck, and slather his face with kisses!

James has already taken Sadie to work at San Antonio Military Medical Center, where everyone has fallen in love with her. He said his anxiety levels are already so decreased with Sadie by his side! And, since he works on one of the floors as a case manager, he will be able to share that love with all his patients!

Kendra, Sadie’s former owner, and her mother, Lori, who flew Sadie in from New Jersey, are so happy that we found just the perfect person for Sadie. I have no doubt Sadie will continue to have the very best life possible – a huge backyard to run and play in, and a loving, supportive family that will do anything for her. Since Kendra had a TBI and anxiety, Sadie’s knowledge of when symptoms start to come on will easily transfer over.

James and I will continue training together out in public until they are comfortable – but it won’t take long! The first night, when it was time for bed, Sadie was already cuddled up in James’ sleeping spot! That’s something his wonderful wife, Gina, will have to adapt to!! I have no doubt that Sadie will alert to James’ almost nightly night terrors, and will take wonderful care of him – she was already doing covers from the front and back by the time we left about 3 hours later.

THANK YOU DEAR KENDRA FOR THIS LIFE-ALTERING GIFT YOU HAVE GIVEN ANOTHER AS YOU CONTINUE TO HEAL, KNOWING THAT SADIE’S LOVE OF WORK IS MORE THAN YOU NEED NOW THAT YOU ARE GETTING BETTER!!!

SO HAPPY FOR YOU JAMES AND SADIE

Experience, Marine, Military, Self Training, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Update from Wounded Warrior Andrew and SD Mozzie

From our dear client, Wounded Warrior Andrew, who adopted and trained with “Mozzie” (formerly “Ozzie”). They passed their Public Access Test a little while ago, and now Andrew is back home in Maine. He wrote this wonderful update!

“Hello!

Thought I’d update you with how Mozzie and I are doing (very well together!).

He’s enjoying the snow like *crazy*, and we leave in two weeks to begin our Appalachian Trail hike for the summer. We’ve been hiking a few days a week in our own, each of us wearing our training weight, and he absolutely *loves it*.

If you’d like to follow us as we hike this summer, I’ll be posting on my website (http://www.bemental.me/trail-journal/).

I hope you are all doing well!
Andrew & Moz

Anxiety, Army, Epilepsy, Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Ryan and Blue

From our trainer, Beverly, who met for the first time with Wounded Warrior, Ryan, who suffers from severe anxiety and epilepsy. She writes:

Attached is a picture of Ryan and his dog “Blue”. I went to evaluate Blue and discussed the process with Ryan on our first visit to see if Blue would be suitable for Service Dog work.

Blue is young and quite energetic, but we had decided, since he already has a bond with Blue, to do a few sessions and see how regular training impacts her focus and ability to work with Ryan. Ryan described that on walks she did very well, with minimal pulling and seemed attentive (not losing focus due to her young age.) However, a couple nights after that session, Ryan texted and asked for assistance to find another dog. He said that unfortunately, he realized that Blue’s energy level was too much for him, and he’d like an “older more established dog.” I will work with Ryan to try and find the right dog for his needs.

Army, Experience, Military, San Antonio, Self Training, TBI, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Kendra’s selfless act

Here are some bittersweet pictures of the day Kendra, our client from New Jersey, and her mother flew in with TBI and PTSD trained Service Dog Sadie, so that they could hand her off to a client that needed her more than Kendra now that she is recovering. It was a very, very difficult day for Kendra and her dear, loving mother – but they knew in their hearts that there was someone out there who could fully utilize Sadie’s amazing skills. Sadie is staying with the most wonderful foster – Jill – and will be meeting her hopefully new “dad” with PTSD and TBI, Wounded Warrior James, this coming week!!

Kendra and her mother arrived back home in New Jersey, and they have definitely felt the absence of this amazing Service Dog that they have had for almost her entire life. But both Kendra and her mother are so strong – they fight back their tears with the reminder that Sadie will continue to help someone else and retain the amazing, loving spirit that only Kendra could have instilled in Sadie.

Here are some pictures of the last day they had together. Of course, they will always have visitation rights!!!!

BLESS YOU, KENDRA AND MOM LORI!!!

Anxiety, Military, MST, Psychiatric, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Vietnam Era Veteran and her SD

From our loving trainer, Brenda, who is working with Denise, who is a Vietnam Era Veteran with PTSD due to MST while on active duty, and her SDIT, Sandy.  She is currently in a wheelchair, and sometimes can walk with a cane.  Brenda writes:

At this session, Denise and Sandy nailed down all the basic commands! Sandy was a bit stubborn with learning “down” at first,  but was doing great by the end. We worked a lot on directions working with the wheelchair –right, left, back up, and turn around, so that Sandy knows where to go or be carefully situation when we go out in public for training.

At our next session, we met near the bus stop and took a bus to HEB. We walked around practicing Sandy’s ability to adjust to heeling in next to the wheelchair in all different directions. I am so impressed with how much Sandy has learned since our last session! Denise has been doing great work with her!  Sandy was very patient while Denise and I browsed around HEB, and caught on quickly not to sniff food or people. We went to Jack In the Box to restaurant train. Once we got Sandy under the table, she stayed under and laid down to take a nap while we ate. Sandy does not ever beg for food. When the bus was too tight of a squeeze for Denise to turn around in with the wheelchair on the way home, we discovered that the perfect way for them to board was Denise going in backward, and Sandy following her onto the bus!

Military, PTSD, San Antonio, Seizure, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warriors Paul and Dawn with SDiT Skye

A wonderful update from our outstanding trainer and owner of In Dog We Trust rescue, Cherry Jenkins. Cherry is working with Wounded Warriors Paul and Dawn, who are married and both suffer from PTSD. Dawn also suffers from epilepsy. Cherry writes:

“I met Paul, Dawn, and gorgeous Skye – their Italian Mastiff – for our first training session.

Paul and his wife Dawn had told me they had done some training with Skye, but I was blown away by how much they had done! It was almost as if we were doing a practice PAT at our first session! Skye walks perfectly off-leash next to Paul as seen here in the photo, and “sits” and “stays” beautifully. Her heeling is perfect.

Both Dawn and Paul are retired military and both have the need of Skye, so Skye will be doing “double duty”. It takes a very special dog to be able to do this, and a very serious understanding by both members of the household that if the trainer agrees that the dog can take on such work, the owners must be very attentive to the dog’s behavior to make sure it is not overworked emotionally. Skye has bonded wonderfully to both Paul and Dawn, and will be outstanding working in this capacity.

We will be meeting next week to take the training to restaurants. This is one incredible SDIT and such dedicated owners who take their Service Dog training very seriously. It is an honor to train with them.

Air Force, Anxiety, Military, Mobility, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Jamie and SDiT Zulu

Laurie had the AMAZINGLY distinct pleasure of meeting and training with Wounded Warrior, Jamie, who suffers from a back injury and anxiety, and her MAGNIFICENT German Shepherd, ZULU!!!!

Laurie writes:

When I first opened the door, I was simply aghast at how strikingly beautiful this dog was. If I could handcraft a German Shepherd, it would look like Zulu! From the very beginning, Zulu was polite, responded to Jamie’s commands, made absolutely incredible eye contact, took treats gently, and already knew “sit”, “down”, “sit/stay”, “down/stay” (even when I disappeared out of sight), “heel”, “wait”, “leave it” with food, “load”, “unload” – just incredible. And Jamie herself – what an amazingly compassionate, gentle, kind, and brilliant person – who I felt like I had known for years!!!

I was astounded at how much training she had already done with Zulu. I asked her how she did it! She was so humble – and just smiled and shrugged her shoulders and said that she and her partner read the manual (an added star for her!), but had already done training with Zulu by themselves based upon their knowledge of dogs and what they had seen with the military dogs (using POSITIVE reinforcement only). Zulu, who is 18 months old, is playful yet extremely gentle with her little tiny Maltipoo brother, “Sarge”, and they get along famously. Zulu has that adorable quirk in German Shepherds with big tall ears where if you say something in high-pitched voice and tilt your head, she tilts her head along with you – then again, then again! It was adorable!! But truly, the eye contact was impeccable. I encouraged Jamie to use the “watch me” command as often as possible to reinforce this.

After I had done all these commands with Zulu on our first meeting, then Jamie demonstrated the ability to do exactly the same – except, of course, the stays were a bit more difficult because Zulu has an amazing bond with Jamie, and doesn’t like it when she disappears around the corner!! After the session, we went into the backyard, and Zulu amazed me AGAIN! Jamie can throw the ball, tell Zulu to “get it”, Zulu runs like wildfire, Jamie says “bring it”, then with “give it”, Zulu will either drop it right at her feet, or we worked on having Zulu gently put it in Jamie’s hands. Jamie will continue to work on this because with her severe back pain, it will be beneficial for Zulu to be able to retrieve items. We will continue to work on that with different household items.

At our second session, we met at Petsmart. Zulu performed perfect heels with the prong collar held upright in just the perfect direction and fit. I tried many different types of distractions walking behind Zulu and dropping items, and Zulu did not break her heel. We navigated through aisles using the words “left” and “right”. There weren’t many dogs there at the time, but the ones that were there, we asked if Zulu could meet, and whatever breed or size they were, Zulu did a loving, appropriate “sniffing” how-do-you-do, and all dogs reacted positively to her. We did several meet and greets, and Zulu had a bit of difficulty staying in the “sit” position because she wanted to approach the child or adult, so we will work on that. We did meet and talk with a Vietnam Veteran who was in a motorized wheelchair, and he just loved Zulu. We gave him treats to put in his hands, and it was a bit awkward for him because of his arthritis, but he was absolutely willing and excited and Zulu was gentle taking the treats, and then let the man pet her as we stood and talked with him for about 10 minutes. Zulu was patient, eventually just lying down while we finished our conversation. That is important for a Service Dog.

We then took a shopping cart, and safely tied Zulu’s leash to the cart giving her just the right amount of leash to heel alongside the cart, but not so much that she could go in front of the cart – which is extremely important. You always want the dog to be in a heel position next to any shopping cart so that it can still respond to commands such as sit, watch me, etc. Zulu adapted flawlessly, even when Jamie did maneuvers like backing up quickly and taking tight turns. Zulu repositioned her body easily to each change in direction.

Next, we will meet at Walmart at 6 pm when it is busy! And I forgot to mention – Zulu already naturally responds to Jamie when her anxiety levels are high or she is in pain by going to her and applying pressure or just snuggling to comfort her. These two will be ready to pass the PAT in no time!!