Service Dogs 4 Servicemen, Inc., ServiceDogs4Servicemen.com is a Non-Profit organization 501(c)(3) based in South Florida whose mission is to place fully-trained Service Dogs with US Military men and women Veterans in need of PTSD Support and/or Mobility Assistance.
Affording a high-quality Service Dog is often difficult for those on Veteran’s Benefits. SD4SM is here to provide excellent Service Dogs at LOW cost to the Veteran through sponsorship.
We rely on donations and fund-raising to support the overhead expenses of Housing, Caring for, and Training a Service Dog.
Veterans are selected through an application process and matched with an appropriate Service Dog.
We provide on-going training and assistance for the Veteran/Service Dog Team and their families for the life of their dogs, as well as educational programs for both public and private entities. Our Service Dog programs are our way of saying “Thank You” to the men and women who serve our country.
Training can also be provided for those Veterans who already have a dog ready for training.
PLEASE Help us give thanks to our Veterans by donating to SD4SM TODAY!! Our Service Dogs Save Lives!!
WHAT ARE SOME SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
AND HOW CAN A SERVICE DOG HELP?
PTSD Service Dogs provide an extra pair of eyes to "Watch My Back" when stopped out in public.
People with PTSD are often stressed by crowds. The PTSD Service Dog is trained to lead their handler in and out of a crowd. By focusing on the canine companion, the person is less aware of the crowd and can follow the dog to their destination. Service Dogs 4 Servicemen retired greyhounds are about 25 to 28 inches tall at the shoulders and over 70 lbs. People will usually clear a path for the "Hero" dog team. Smaller breeds can do this also.
PTSD Service Dogs provide an extra pair of eyes to "Watch My Back" when stopped out in public. The handler places the dog behind them where it will stay and create a barrier for their owner. The handler feels more at ease knowing their back is protected. Handlers may also place the dog in front of them to provide a more comfortable distance between themselves and another person.
PTSD Support dogs are very good at sensing stress and providing relief as needed by their Veteran owners. The PTSD dog learns to accept hugging and comforting and will seek attention. The Veteran by caring for their Service Dog has a reason for getting up in the morning as dogs need to be fed and walked. A dog can be a very good companion for anyone but especially for a war Veteran with PTSD can provide focus, and security, and independence that they would not have without their dogs.
To become certified, the dogs go through four to six months of intensive training. The dog must demonstrate its obedience by passing a Canine Good Citizen "CGC" test. This test includes ten obedience exercises. The American Kennel Club nationally recognizes this test. Additionally, the dog must pass a Public Access Test "PAT" to demonstrate their behavior and Service Dog tasks in an indoor public setting.
