Category Archives: Wounded Warrior

Army, El Paso, Hearing, Military, New Mexico, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEAR ABBY

CONGRATULATIONS TO DEAR ABBY, WHO PASSED HER PUBLIC ACCESS TEST WITH FLYING COLORS (AND LOTS OF ATTENTION) WITH HANDLER MICHELLE!!

Abby is a 2 year old deaf Dalmatian, who Michelle (also our trainer in New Mexico) has trained as her Service Dog using hand signals to perfection. Abby absolutely LOVES when that vest goes on and they go to work! Michelle has mobility and severe pain issues, and Abby’s bond with Michelle is so close that Abby can sense every time Michelle is in pain. She offers Michelle light mobility, and helps to calm her when her pain reaches unbearable proportions by alerting and snuggling. Abby can tell when Michelle is getting weak or sick even before Michelle realizes it.

Michelle drove all the way from New Mexico to have her dog properly evaluated by me for the Public Access Test. We did every single command in the test, and Abby was perfect. She went under at the restaurant, loaded and unloaded safely, can sit, down, sit/stay, down/stay, walk with dropped leash and stay in a perfect heel, is not fazed by visual distractions, and perfectly navigated through Target by a shopping cart, just in a heel, was able to have me take the leash while Michelle moved 20 feet away, and did meet and greets with children, male and female adults – everything. And she does it all with hand signals and leash work. Abby THRIVES at this – the attention she drew from shoppers was overwhelming – and she loved every minute of it!

Toward the end of the session, Michelle started looking pale. Abby immediately changed her focus to Michelle and I noticed Michelle’s color. Indeed, shortly after that, Michelle began developing a severe migraine. At that point, Abby was by her side, focused on Michelle, applying deep pressure and comforting her. Abby was the one who let us know her handler had had enough! (the test had already been passed).

Michelle has done an absolutely amazing job training Abby. She could have easily given up because training a deaf dog is obviously much harder than training a dog that can hear – but Michelle has worked tirelessly with Abby – never pushing her past her limits. Abby is gentle, takes treats delicately, and clearly defies any negative stereotypes about Dalmatians and their ability to be Service Dogs. You should see the joy on Abby’s face when that vest comes out – and the joy she feels is palpable when others ask to pet her. She even automatically goes into a “down” when a little child wants to pet her.

Abby and my Service Dog, Bonnie, loved being reunited. They met over a year ago. Michelle and her boyfriend Nate had a wonderful visit. I am so proud of the two of them!!

Again, congratulations to Michelle and dear, sweet Abby!  Laurie

Air Force, Anxiety, Army, Coast Guard, Marine, Military, Navy, PTSD, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Congratulations to Elizabeth and SD Beatrice

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. ELIZABETH S AND HER OUTSTANDING NOW SERVICE DOG, BEATRICE!!

From Laurie:  They passed the Public Access Test at the mall despite all the crowds! I am so proud of Elizabeth! She is WAY too humble to take credit for all the work she did training Beatrice in between sessions, but she did an amazing job and Beatrice is the PERFECT Service Dog. Most importantly – the way that Elizabeth shares Beatrice with all who ask to pet her – children and adults – is beyond beautiful. Elizabeth realizes how much joy Beatrice brings to everyone she meets – and Elizabeth shares that joy openly. Of course, when it’s time to work, Beatrice works – but the beauty of it is not only that Elizabeth has an amazing Service Dog that does her job – but that she teaches others and shows by example. I must say, the funniest part of it was going through the fancy department stores with their Gucci and Armani and perfectly coiffed sales people with a small horse and surprising them at every turn! I think Beatrice preferred the new perfume by Estee Lauder the best. TEE HEE. My husband, Joey, even tried to taunt Beatrice with a French Fry at the food court, but Beatrice showed him!

I am going to miss my dear, dear friend Elizabeth and beautiful, drooling Beatrice when they move!! Elizabeth’s new job will entail her continuing to help our Wounded Warriors – but now that she has Beatrice by her side, I think just seeing that humungous, loveable Service Dog will heal others better than any drug!!

 

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

Wounded Warrior Jesse and SDIT Rocco

From our trainer Andrew, who is working with Wounded Warrior Jesse, and his SDIT, “Rocco”.

“During this session, we worked mainly on teaching Rocco to back up, and to perform a moving wait (handler keeps moving, dog waits). These are fairly simple to implement into our training, but require diligence nonetheless. We filled some of our time with laughter and allowing our dogs to show off funny behavior to relax everyone. We worked on more complex behaviors like various ways of bringing the dog into the “helping” position to get ready for light bracing, etc. Then we worked on distractions, like putting Rocco in a sit/stay and then running by whole making loud noises while having Rocco not move. Then after a few more blooper laughs it was all over.”

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

Wounded Warrior Bud and Action Jackson

From our trainer, Cherry, who is working with Wounded Warrior Bud, who suffers from PTSD, and his SDIT, Jackson!

“Today was our first training session. Bud suffers from PTSD and his little battle buddy is Jackson.

Bud did not have good experiences with other training agencies in the past. After an hour with me, he felt relaxed and confident about where his training was going with him and Jackson. “I’ve learned a lot today” he told me.

Bud was a bit apprehensive at first but I soon had him laughing and relaxed and taught him ways to use Jackson to ease his anxiety which he really appreciated.

I showed him a few techniques to use when people approach and wanting to pet his beautiful dog, Jackson. “That makes me feel so much better!” he said, knowing that he could use his battle buddy to calm him down in times of stress.

Today we concentrated on “stay” and “cover”. I have given them homework and Bud is excited to show me what they can do the next time we meet.

This is an awesome team. Jackson adores his Daddy, and Bud just loves his little buddy Jackson. These two are set for great things to come!”

Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Mark and Genevieve (Genni)

From Wounded Warrior Mark, who was paired with Genevieve (Genni) from SA Rocks. Mark has been having some difficulties with Genni’s “skittishness”, but it looks like they are making progress. Will keep you up to date. For now, he wrote:

 “To All,
Today was a good day…. Genni has started turning for the better. Still skittish with sudden noises, and some types of materials (metal street covers, marble) but has been performing well in public.

Genni’s vest… Complete with ‘Infidel’ patch…

v/r
Mark”

 

ADA Rights, Experience, Military, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Vietnam Veteran, Jacky

Another wonderful update from Vietnam Veteran, Jacky, who did our long-distance training program from New Hampshire solidly for over one year, sending videos of every training session, every Public Access command, and more! This is what she wrote!!! Of course, the manager had no right to ask for Seeley’s papers, but the Service Dog gave the papers to the manager himself!!

“Dear Laurie:
I thought I would send an update on the latest news. We are traveling south to Patrick AFB, FL in our RV. Today, we made it to Meriden, CT and stayed at the Comfort Inn right off Interstate 91S. Seeley had to show all his Service Dog papers to the manager. I have him trained to give his pouch to another person, which he did! I don’t think the manager expected such a well behaved dog!

I am so proud of Seeley. What a big difference from last year’s trip south.

My best to you.

Jacky and Seeley, a Service Dog Express graduate!!!!

Dallas-Fort Worth, Military, Psychiatric, PTSD, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Kathryn and her SDIT Abigail

From our trainer Candace, who is working with Wounded Warrior Kathryn, who suffers from PTSD and Adjustment Disorder, and her SDIT, Abigail.

“This session was an assessment/training to see if Australian Shepherd Abigail has what it takes to be a Service Dog. So far, so good! Abigail is slightly skittish when it comes to loud, unexpected noises, but has quick recovery. She needs some basics and advanced work, but it was clear from the beginning the bond between her and her owner, Kathryn, is very strong. I think, with intense training, Kathryn and her SDiT will be an unstoppable team!

Abigail also gets vocal around other dogs. Once we practiced redirection, Kathryn was able to get Abigail under control in under 2 seconds and was able to avoid vocalizations. This points to the need for more socialization for the two. With Kathryn’s anxiety, this will be a great test and trial for the team. I set them up with a basic training regimen, and Kathryn already has a wonderful plan set up for Abigail’s progression into Service work. I look forward to working with them both. They have great potential!”

Marine, Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Wounded Warrior Sonny with SDIT Colt

From our magnificent trainer, Cherry, who paired Wounded Warrior Sonny with SDIT, Colt. She is training them now. She sent the following:

“A wonderful and magical update from retired Marine, Sonny and his SDIT Colt, who was adopted from In Dog We Trust through Service Dog Express some weeks ago. Sonny and Colt are inseparable, and the bond between them is something very special. Sonny takes Colt almost everywhere with him, and Colt is always on his best behavior. Colt was found wandering the streets at just 3 months old, taken in by a kind lady and then fostered until Cherry took him into her rescue, In Dog We Trust. Just look at the magic of this picture.”

She also writes about their training session:

“Sonny and Colt, sounds like a song! Our training session went extremely well – the bond between these two is quite amazing. Colt always stayed close to Sonny, which of course is wonderful!

Sonny was concerned about the number of people wanting to pet Colt, so we practiced “Watch me “, which is a good tool to use so people can see Colt is working and it keeps Colt focused on Sonny and not on the person wanting to pet.

They did great. Colt has a perfect heel, and although it was far too cold and dark to train outside, we discussed a lot about training and practiced in the lounge. This SD team is going to go far!”

ADA Rights, Military, San Antonio, Texas, Veteran, Wounded Warrior

Daniel, Stubby and Cherry

From our marvelous trainer, Cherry, who is training with Wounded Warrior, Daniel!

“Today we had a great first session with Daniel, Stubby and me.

Daniel recently lost his beloved Service Dog Ivan, so after searching shelters and pounds, I suggested he train Ivan’s brother, Stubby.
Daniel had already done a lot of work with Stubby; he was very good at “sit”, “down”, and is learning to “stay”.

We talked for quite a bit discussing ADA laws, as it was still a murky area for Daniel. I explained what businesses are allowed to ask and what they are not. I also told him I would give him a copy of the laws to keep with him at all times so he can show anyone who is uninformed on the matter. Daniel was really pleased with that idea!

Daniel mentioned that he didn’t like people approaching to pet Stubby, so I taught him how to teach Stubby to ‘Watch me”. This will engage Stubby with Daniel and people can also see that Stubby is working. He really loved that idea, too, and wants that to be one of the three tasks for Stubby.

We then discussed “Cover”, and I showed Daniel the quickest way to teach a dog to not only stand in front to cover, but also to press right into his legs for emotional support.I also explained how dogs learn to switch on and off from pet to Service Dog and how they know to pay attention in those times when they are working.

By the end of our hour, Daniel was feeling optimistic and cheerful. Knowing what he’d learned in just that hour made him want to take Stubby out more often. I said I wanted a picture of him and Stubby for Service Dog Express, but he insisted I stood in on the picture! I was very flattered!.. I looked awful and if I’d known I was going to be photographed I’d have changed my shirt from accidentally spilling a drink on myself on my way to his house!

I am so impressed with Daniel; he has a wonderful, supportive family who also made me welcome in their home while I was there.
Good job Daniel and Stubby!