Many Veterans continue with invisible wounds after discharge. By pairing the Veterans with a service dog that has proper training, the organization can support them with their “challenge to come all the way home”

“Today, there are innovative and creative treatments for these men and women veterans. Service Dog studies are showing the benefits to individuals with PTSD reducing depression symptoms by 82%. This ripple effect creates decreased needs for medication, increased community integration, and increased quality of life with a sense of purpose. The ripple effect of a service dog continues to family, friends, employers, and community of each recipient.”

Selected from different shelters and rescues, our dogs are tested for behavior and characteristics a dog must have to start training to be a service dog.

“From shelter to prison, our dogs will transition to their new environment and start their daily training overseen by the trainers at Blue Star Service Dogs. Located in Thumb Correctional Facility in Lapeer, Michigan or in Saginaw Correctional facility’s Veteran block in Freeland Michigan, a dog may be housed for 4-6 months, with their inmate handlers. These dogs learn basic obedience, command training, and pre-task training and basic tasks such as turning off and on lights, picking up objects, and opening doors.

Once paired with a veteran the dog will go home with them and start weekly training at the Training Center in Pinckney Michigan. In those sessions the veteran and dog team learn trust, commands, routines, and complete that emotional bond. 

Training will include several levels of testing including Canine Good Citizen, Canine Good Citizen Community, Canine Good Citizen Urban”

Check out there website HERE for more information on the organization and how you can help donate!