- Furthering Defender brand’s commitment to aiding and honoring organizations who serve their communities, Defender is proud to announce the 25 finalists across 5 categories for the 2024 Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE
- CHASE, the presenting sponsor, is donating $5,000 to each of the 25 category finalists to expand their mission
- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs of Williston, Florida, has been selected as a finalist in the category Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach – Presented by Hearts & Science.
- The public can cast their votes for their favorite charitable organizations from October 2nd, 2024, through October 17th, 2024, generating the ultimate category winners
- Based on the public vote, each category winner will be awarded a new Defender 130 vehicle that will be customized to align with their mission of service
- Category sponsors, including Hearts and Science, PELICAN, OUTSIDE Interactive inc., ei3 and Disney will award $25,000 to each category winner
- The winners of the 2024 Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE will be announced at Destination Defender on November 23, 2024, at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California.
- For information and rules1,2 on the Defender Service Awards presented by CHASE visit www.landroverusa.com / www.landrover.ca
Mahwah, NJ – October 2, 2024: Today, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs was announced as a finalist in the Veteran & Civil Servant Outreach category presented by Hearts & Science.
in the fourth annual ‘Defender Services Awards’ presented by CHASE. The awards showcase the British adventure brand’s longstanding commitment to aiding and honoring organizations who serve their communities. Each of the 25 U.S. non-profit and Canadian registered charities across five categories reflect the Defender brand’s enduring commitment to bringing positive impact to communities through acts of service and humanitarian efforts around the world.
Public voting, which will take place from October 2nd, 2024, through October 17th, 2024, will ultimately decide the winning organizations for each category. The winning organizations will each receive a new Defender 130 vehicle that will be fully customized to best address their needs, and awarded $25,000 by their category sponsor, empowering them to further their missions.
Built for purpose. The Defender 130 is equipped with three rows of seating for up to eight volunteers and ample space with 88.9 cubic feet (2,516 liters) of load capacity to enhance each charities’ efforts. The winning organization will be able to customize their vehicle with robust Defender accessories that will meet the challenges of their mission, along with a custom exterior vehicle wrap.
Corporate partners have joined this initiative to provide further support for the respective organizations across the different categories. CHASE, as presenting sponsor, will donate $5,000 to each of the five finalists per category, for a total of $150,000 across 30 finalists. A new premier partner, S&P Global has joined as a sponsor of the awards program. Category sponsors include OUTSIDE Interactive Inc., ei3, PELICAN, Hearts & Sciences and Disney. Each category sponsor will also donate $25,000 to its respective category winner.
Sam Allen, Defender U.S. Brand Director, said: “Each year we are incredibly inspired by the video submissions for the Defender Service Awards from organizations throughout North America and their tireless acts of service for their communities. This initiative is a reflection on the Defender brand’s commitment to supporting and furthering humanitarian efforts across the globe.”
A sixth category, Defender Service Honorees, is designed for past 2021-2023 finalists who have been given a second chance to win a custom Defender 130 vehicle. These worthy organizations did not win their category, however their continued support of their communities and need for a capable vehicle warrants a second chance.
Public voting will take place from October 2nd, 2024, through October 17th, 2024, to determine the ultimate winners of the six categories of the 2024 Defender Service Awards. To view the finalist videos and vote, please visit Defender Service Awards at https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events-and-sponsorships/defender-service-awards/index.html
The winning organization from each of the six categories will be announced at this year’s Destination Defender event. Encouraging participants to embrace the impossible, the weekend celebration will take place from November 22-24, 2024, at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, California, and will feature Defender experiences that channel the adventurous spirit of the brand. A special evening celebration on November 23rd will be held to announce the six winning organizations.
The Defender family of models, 90, 110, 130, continues to expand and evolve to suit the many uses by their owners. Defender OCTA, the new high‑performance hero will be available in North America for the 2025 model year. Featuring a V8 Twin Turbo, producing 636hp, 6D Dynamics Air Suspension, and active exhaust system, Defender OCTA will offer an unparalleled breadth of capability, comfort and composure, whether on‑road or off‑road. New for 2025 model year, optional second‑row Captain Chairs are available in the Defender 130 to provide comfort and luxury with aisle access to the spacious third row.
To learn more about the 2024 Defender Service Awards, please visit https://www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html
- ABBREVIATED RULES. NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Begins on June 17, 2024, to Oct 17, 2024. TO ENTER MUST BE 18 YEARS OR OLDER IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA, AN ELIGIBLE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION, AND HAVE AT LEAST ONE DIRECTOR THAT IS 18 YEARS OR OLDER RESIDING IN THE 50 UNITED STATES AND D.C., PUERTO RICO, OR CANADA. Contest is void where prohibited by law. Contest subject to the complete Official Rules. Visit www.landroverusa.com/experiences/events‑and‑sponsorships/defender‑service‑awards/index.html or www.landrover.ca/en/experiences/sponsorship/defender‑service‑awards/index.html for Official Rules and prize descriptions. Sponsor: Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, 100 Jaguar Land Rover Way, Mahwah, NJ 07495.
- Information and rules on the ‘Defender Service Awards’ presented by Chase can be found here, and Canadian rules can be found here.
ENDS
About the Defender Brand
Defender embraces the impossible. Each member of the Defender family is purposefully designed, highly desirable and seriously durable. A modern-day hero that respects the past but at the same time anticipates the future.
Available in 90, 110 and 130 body styles, with up to eight seats, each has a charisma of its own.
A beacon of liberty since 1948, Defender supports humanitarian and conservation work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and the Tusk Trust.
The Defender brand is underpinned by Land Rover – a mark of trust built on 75 years of expertise in technology and off-road capability.
Defender vehicles are designed and engineered in the UK and sold in 121 countries. It belongs to the JLR house of brands alongside Range Rover, Discovery and Jaguar.
Important notice
JLR is constantly seeking ways to improve the specification, design and production of its vehicles, parts and accessories and alterations take place continually. Whilst every effort is made to produce up-to-date literature, this document should not be regarded as an infallible guide to current specifications or availability, nor does it constitute an offer for the sale of any particular vehicle, part or accessory.
Further Information
Joe Stauble
PR Manager JLR North America
T: 201.818.8127
Jstauble@jaguarlandrover.com
Jeff Ehoodin
Land Rover PR Senior Specialist
T: 201.906.7818
Jehoodin@jaguarlandrover.com
Media website: https://media.landrover.com/
Social Channels:
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@defender
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Defender
Twitter/X: https://x.com/Defender
Instagram:http://instagram.com/defender
YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/LandRover
About Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to training and donating highly skilled medical service dogs for individuals living with disabilities, with a focus on U.S. military veterans and first responders. With an emphasis on enhancing the lives and independence of their recipients, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs has successfully paired hundreds of dogs with deserving individuals, making a positive impact on families and communities across the nation.
Mary Jo Brandt
COO
T: 800.398.6102
mj@medicalservicedogs.org
For many veterans, transitioning back to civilian life after serving in the military is fraught with physical and emotional challenges. Among these, mobility issues caused by injuries received during their service stand out as a significant barrier to achieving everyday independence and quality of life.
Service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities, including those related to mobility. For veterans, service dogs offer physical assistance while also having the ability to alert in advance to PTSD episodes such as anxiety/panic attacks, nightmares, seizures, and/or diabetic alert etc.
This article explores how service dogs are revolutionizing mobility for veterans, shedding light on their training, specific tasks, and profound impact on the lives of those who have served. As we explore this topic, we’ll uncover the incredible ways service dogs are helping veterans regain their independence and navigate the complexities of daily life with confidence and ease.
The Many Ways Service Dogs Can Assist with Mobility
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we can train and pair dogs for veterans who have lost a limb or have suffered other injuries that have left them permanently disabled. These dogs are trained in various tasks, including retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, turning light switches on and off, providing physical support for balance or stability, and more.
Moreover, service dogs can also help with tasks that may seem small but significantly impact a veteran’s daily life. For example, they can assist with fetching items from the refrigerator or pantry, hitting buttons to open doors or elevators, etc. These seemingly simple tasks can be challenging for those with mobility issues and can often lead to frustration, loss of independence, and depression.
There are different levels of mobility among those who require assistance, so each dog is specifically trained to meet the needs of its recipient. Some veterans may have vertigo due to a brain injury or a leg that gives out, so a service dog can be trained to provide them with balance. The service dog can also be trained to brace for veterans who need help getting out of a chair or bed.
For assistance with mobility, our service dogs are trained to wear balance harnesses, which look similar to a guide dog harness and feature a bar the recipient can hold onto. During our application process, we get an in-depth look at the veteran’s disability and challenges, training their service dog to their specific needs.
How Service Dogs Are Trained to Brace
When teaching them how to brace, we first teach them to stand by giving them a command. At the same time, we scratch their belly and put a small amount of pressure on their shoulders. When using a service dog to brace, you never want to place pressure anywhere else on their back. Bracing on a service dog using any other part of their body can result in injury, so it must always be done directly over their shoulders.
While training, we gradually add pressure, but a dog should never hold a person’s entire weight. Bracing is a task offering some assistance to aid in balance but is not intended to provide total support.
Our service dogs often learn this command quickly. Once they understand it, we practice various positions, like getting off the ground, sitting down from a standing position, or getting up from a chair. We work with them on the maneuvers with this command to ensure they are trained in various situations where bracing may be needed.
What Other Ways Do Service Dogs Assist Veterans?
In many cases, a veteran’s mobility issues can also be combined with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, or seizures. Using scent samples, these dogs learn to detect changes in blood chemistry, allowing them to alert their handlers to the onset of PTSD-induced nightmares, hypervigilance, anger, or anxiety attacks. This same methodology is applied to teach service dogs to recognize changes in blood sugar levels or impending seizures, giving recipients advance notice to take necessary precautions.
Additionally, service dogs are trained to respond to chemical imbalances that trigger anxiety or panic attacks by nuzzling, licking, standing over, or pawing at their handlers. These actions remind the individual to take medication or use relaxation techniques. For those with PTSD, service dogs provide an added layer of assistance in public or unfamiliar settings through a task known as “shielding.”
Positioning themselves between their handler and an approaching stranger helps prevent potential triggers, thereby reducing anxiety and enhancing the handler’s confidence in navigating daily life. These amazing animals provide their recipients with nonjudgmental and unconditional love. In addition, they offer veterans who feel isolated and lonely a way to improve their mental well-being by simply being by their side 24/7, unlike other forms of treatments or therapy that are temporary.
More than twenty-two veterans die by suicide each day, with over 39 daily attempts in 2023, and numbers are rising at alarming rates. Service Dogs play a significant role in preventing suicide. In the last 14 years, we’ve had many people come to us who had suicide attempts and ideations, but with the assistance of our service dogs, we have not had a suicide among our recipients.
Service dogs also may help veterans dramatically reduce the number of medications they take. Many veterans take multiple medications to manage their nightmares, anxiety, etc. With the assistance of a service dog and under their doctor’s care, they can often reduce or get off their medications.
A service dog’s presence can also improve a veteran’s overall life. In the US, we have a divorce rate of about 47%; for those with a disabled family member, this rises by an additional 90%.
With the help of service dogs, veterans can significantly improve their quality of life and relationships. Our service dogs help create a more positive home environment and prevent secondary factors in veteran families, such as intergenerational PTSD.
How You Can Make an Impact on Veterans’ Lives
In conclusion, the transformative role of service dogs in the lives of veterans cannot be overstated. These remarkable, highly skilled canines enhance mobility and independence, foster emotional healing, and build confidence.
As veterans navigate the complexities of life after service, the unwavering support of a service dog can make all the difference, providing a sense of purpose and stability amidst challenges. By addressing both physical and mental health needs, service dogs play an essential role in restoring hope and enriching the lives of those who have bravely served.
As we continue to advocate for these incredible partnerships, we can cultivate a community of compassion and gratitude, ensuring every veteran receives the support they deserve. Together, we can foster a brighter future marked by resilience, healing, and the joyful companionship and assistance that service dogs so selflessly provide.
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we provide veterans, first responders, and some civilians with service dogs who can help mitigate the challenges of PTSD and several other permanent disabilities, allowing them to re-enter society and reconnect with their loved ones. To learn more about our mission and how you can help provide service dogs for veterans, visit our website today!
Imagine a world where dogs can be trained to perform life-changing tasks that transform the lives of those living with disabilities. For many individuals with disabilities, this world is a reality, thanks to the incredible work of medical service dogs. These specially trained dogs provide critical assistance that enhances their recipients’ independence and quality of life.
However, training and providing these remarkable animals to recipients is complex and costly—an endeavor made even more challenging by the rising tide of inflation. In this post, we will explore the importance of donations in sustaining this vital mission, how inflation impacts the cost of service dog programs, and how you can make a difference.
The Power of Medical Service Dogs
Medical service dogs are more than pets; they are lifelines for individuals with permanent disabilities. From assisting with mobility issues to providing assistance to those with PTSD, these dogs help recipients lead fuller, more independent lives. The bond between a service dog and its recipient is unbreakable, built on trust, training, and a dedication to providing a new leash on life to veterans and first responders living with permanent disabilities.
Rising Training and Care Costs Due to Inflation
Historically, the expense of creating an entirely competent medical service dog was significant, with an average cost of about $37,000 for each canine. This cost incorporated inclusive training programs, healthcare, nutrition, and maintenance, all overseen by highly skilled professionals. However, the financial environment has witnessed drastic changes recently, causing a surge in these expenses due to inflation.
In the year 2023, inflationary pressure affecting all industries resulted in a steep increase in the price of dog food. The cost initially rose by 15%, but it later jumped to an astonishing 30% increase. This inflation didn’t spare utility bills, fuel prices, and other essentials either, leading to a rise in the cost of maintaining our facilities and enabling staff to assist beneficiaries.
Such increases represent a substantial financial challenge, underscoring the relentless rise in the overall cost of producing service dogs.
The extensive training regimen for a medical service dog goes far beyond basic obedience. These dogs are equipped with specialized skills tailored to assist with various disabilities. The rigorous training process, spanning months, ensures each dog can reliably perform tasks that enhance their human partner’s independence and well-being.
Beyond training, significant investments are made in each dog’s health and nutrition. Regular veterinary care, quality nutrition, and preventive measures constitute a considerable portion of the overall costs, all of which have been affected by inflation.
The Role of Donations in Our Mission
Donations are crucial in bridging the gap between rising costs and the ongoing need for medical service dogs. Financial support from the community enables organizations to maintain the quality of training and care these dogs receive. It also allows for the expansion of programs to reach more individuals in need.
When someone sponsors a dog, they receive “Pup Dates” every quarter, which include a picture of their growing puppy and a paragraph or two about what the dog is currently learning. Sponsors can follow the dog up to the point of pairing and then receive a thank-you video from the recipient. This transparency ensures that sponsors know exactly how their money is being utilized.
Our Training and Pairing Process
In addition to extensive training and care, the Recipient Relations Department works with recipients from the first inquiry through the pairing process and throughout the life of the team. Office personnel and the Finance Department help keep bookkeeping, documentation, and more in order. The Development team is another critical component, helping to bring in the funding required to care for, train, and pair our service dogs with recipients.
Once the pairing process begins, we cover the full costs of bringing the recipient to our campus, where they will be trained and paired with their service dog. We pay for these expenses to ensure there are no financial roadblocks for our recipients.
How Your Donation Makes a Difference
Your contribution, no matter its size, makes a meaningful difference. It ensures that the next service dog can complete their training and become a lifeline for someone struggling to regain their independence and confidence. Together, we can help cover the unseen costs behind each service dog’s journey and continue transforming lives, one incredible dog at a time.
With our community of supporters, we are able to make recovery and independence a reality for many veterans and others in need. When you support Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, you give those in need a life-saving companion who can give them their life back.
If you are inspired by the incredible work of medical service dogs and want to make a difference, consider making a donation today. Your support will help us continue our mission and ensure that more individuals can benefit from the companionship and assistance of a medical service dog.
Sponsor a Service Dog Today!
The rising costs of producing medical service dogs pose a significant challenge, yet the need for these incredible animals continues to grow. Financial support from the community has never been more critical. It enables organizations to maintain the quality of training and care these dogs receive and expand their programs to reach more needy individuals.
By donating to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, you are not just contributing to the cost of training and caring for these animals. You are helping to create unbreakable bonds between service dogs and their human partners, transforming lives and fostering independence.
Join us in making a difference. With your support, we can continue to provide life-changing service dogs to those in need, ensuring everyone can lead a fuller, more independent life. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to our mission.
Medical service dogs play an essential role in emergency situations. They are trained to assist individuals with various permanent disabilities, including but not limited to physical disabilities, seizures, and PTSD.
In times of crisis or emergency, these dogs can provide crucial support and assistance to their handlers. Their quick response time, calm demeanor, and specialized training make them valuable assets in emergencies.
Training Service Dogs to Assist Recipients with Permanent Disabilities
Training service dogs and pairing them with recipients is an in-depth process that involves getting to know the recipient and creating a relationship with them to ensure we fully understand their needs. This allows us to train the service dog to assist them and make their life more complete.
Our service dogs are trained through an expertly crafted proprietary program. They are evaluated at each stage, and the training lasts about 15 months to ensure we know the dog and what it is best at. They are observed closely, and we work with their strengths, never forcing them to do tasks that don’t work for them. Our service dogs are also sensitized to noises and other distractions they may encounter in daily life and in public to ensure they are always in tune with the recipient’s needs regardless of the environment.
In many cases, depending on the recipient’s disability, we acquire scent samples from the individual collected during a medical episode. We use these samples to teach the dog to recognize the recipient’s specific scent, which allows them to alert their recipient to an impending medical episode.
Additionally, our service dogs can be trained to assist recipients with mobility by helping them open doors, retrieve dropped items, and provide a way to balance when standing, transferring from their wheelchair to bed, or providing balance while standing or walking.
They can also be trained to shut off lights, bring them medication, pick up dropped items, open and close doors, and more. Service dogs can even be trained to push a medical alert button to notify authorities of a medical emergency. We also teach the dogs to remain calm in loud or chaotic situations, allowing them to provide critical assistance during emergencies.
In cases of PTSD, a medical service dog can provide the recipient with shielding and grounding from flashbacks or anxiety/panic attacks and can wake them from
nightmares. Overall, we train our service dogs to match the needs of the recipients they will be paired with. This ensures that the recipient’s needs are met to face daily life and the public easily.
How Service Dogs Assist Recipients During Medical Emergencies
During an emergency, the presence of a medical service dog can bring a sense of assurance for the recipient’s well being. They are trained to stay by their recipient’s side and perform whatever supporter or tasks when they need it most.
Our dogs are trained to assist recipients with a range of permanent disabilities. For example, if a recipient is going to have a seizure, a service dog can detect the seizure due to the chemical changes in the recipient’s body. This allows the dog to alert the recipient 10 to 15 minutes prior to the seizure so they can lie down in a safe place with the dog lying on them or underneath their head to prevent them from injuring themselves.
Service dogs can also be trained to bring the recipient their medication during a medical episode, which is especially helpful for those who live alone. This scent training is crucial and also assists recipients with PTSD. If a recipient is about to experience a PTSD event, the service dog is trained to smell when the oxytocin and cortisol are out of normal range. This allows the dog to alert their recipient and redirect them so they can calm down before they have a severe event. PTSD causes a range of emotions, but a service dog can help calm the recipient before the episode escalates.
One amazing example of the impact of our service dogs is the story of a first responder we paired a service dog with who was injured during the Oklahoma bombing that occurred in the 1980s. This recipient was left with a traumatic brain injury that caused tremendous seizures. These seizures were so severe she was unable to lead a normal life, even in her own home. Oftentimes, someone who has seizures will have auras prior to the seizure, which helps the person to be aware of what is going on. However, this recipient’s seizures were so severe she didn’t have the chance to have an aura and prepare for the seizure. In many cases, the seizure is only part of the issue; the catastrophic events or injuries that can occur due to the seizure are also a major
concern.
With the lack of auras, she was bending down to empty her dishwasher one day and suffered a seizure with no time to prepare herself, causing her to fall down onto the dishwasher rack face first, suffering severe injuries. In another incident, she was with a family member at a big box store. The family member only turned their back for an instant, and the recipient suffered a seizure and fell down, hitting a metal shelf and then the concrete floor. She broke her jaw severely, requiring a cadaver bone to replace her broken jaw bone. This was a pivotal moment for her, encouraging her to reach out to Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs for help.
We trained a dog for her, helping her completely transform her life. With the help of her service dog, she can now function alone in her own home because the dog always alerts her in advance of her seizures so she can safely prepare. The service dog also helped her gain the confidence to take public transportation, go out to lunch with friends, and do other activities she wouldn’t have been able to do before.
While in public, the service dog was able to alert her to a seizure and push her down on the bench she was sitting on to ensure she was safe while having a seizure. The bond between a medical service dog and their recipient is powerful, and it truly shines during times of crisis. These remarkable animals are not just pets; they are trained professionals who dedicate their lives to helping individuals with disabilities.
Support Our Mission
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we are grateful for the life-changing impact that our service dogs have on their recipients. We rely on donations to continue training and pairing these amazing animals with individuals. Your support can help us provide more service dogs to assist veterans, first responders, and civilians with permanent disabilities. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and give them a sense of hope and security in times of crisis. Thank you for considering supporting our mission and helping us change lives, one service dog at a time. Questions? Contact us today to learn more!
In the heart of every service dog, beats a story of unwavering loyalty, unparalleled dedication, and a profound connection to those they serve. These remarkable animals provide life-changing support to veterans and first responders, guiding them through their darkest hours toward hope and healing. However, the path to becoming a Guardian Angel in canine form is both demanding and costly, a reality often unseen by the wider public.
Our society owes an immense debt of gratitude to these four-legged heroes and the organizations dedicated to training them. Yet, as we peel back the layers of their journey, we uncover the significant financial investments required to prepare each dog for their noble role. This blog post aims to shed light on the extensive training and healthcare each medical service dog undergoes and underscore financial support’s crucial role in covering these escalating expenses.
The Costs Behind the Compassion
Traditionally, producing a fully trained medical service dog was a costly endeavor, with expenses averaging around $37,000 per dog. This figure covered comprehensive training programs designed to meet the specific needs of their future human partners, along with healthcare provided by our highly trained staff, food, and upkeep during their training period, which our dog care specialists provide. However, the economic landscape has shifted dramatically, with inflation pushing these costs even higher.
In 2023 alone, we’ve witnessed the price of dog food soar, reflecting the broader inflationary pressures affecting all sectors of the economy. Initially, we faced a 15% increase in the cost of dog food. Shortly thereafter, this figure leaped to a staggering 30% hike. Inflation has also caused a rise in utilities, gasoline, and other necessities, increasing the cost of running our facilities, sending staff to work with recipients, and more.
Such increases represent a substantial financial challenge, underscoring the relentless rise in the overall cost of producing service dogs.
In addition to the extensive training and care the service dogs receive, there is a Recipient Relations Department that includes teams of people who work with our recipients from the first inquiry through the pairing process and throughout the life of the team.
Office personnel and the Finance Department are another part of our service dog costs, helping to keep bookkeeping, documentation, and more in order. The Development team is another critical component, helping to bring in the funding we require to care for, train, and pair our service dogs with recipients since each dog is donated at no cost to our recipients.
Once the pairing process begins, we also pay in full the costs of bringing the recipient to our campus, where they will be trained and paired with their service dog. We pay for these expenses to ensure there are no financial roadblocks for our recipients.
The Price of Preparation
The extensive training regimen for a medical service dog goes far beyond basic obedience. These dogs are equipped with specialized skills tailored to assist with a variety of disabilities, including mobility issues, PTSD, and more. The training process is rigorous, spanning months to ensure each dog can reliably perform tasks that enhance their human partner’s independence and well-being.
Beyond training, significant investments are made in each dog’s health and nutrition, ensuring they are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of their future roles. Regular veterinary care, quality nutrition, and preventive measures constitute a considerable portion of the overall costs, all of which have been affected by inflation.
How Your Donation Makes a Difference
The rising costs of producing service dogs pose a significant challenge, yet the need for these incredible animals continues to grow. Financial support from the community has never been more critical. It enables organizations to not only maintain the quality of training and care these dogs receive but also to expand their programs to reach more individuals in need.
Your contribution, no matter its size, makes a meaningful difference. It ensures that the next service dog can complete their training and become a lifeline for someone struggling to regain their independence and confidence. Together, we can help cover the unseen costs behind each service dog’s journey and continue to transform lives, one incredible dog at a time.
Hope on the Horizon
Despite the challenges posed by rising costs, the stories of transformation and renewed hope continue to inspire. Each service dog that graduates from training and becomes a steadfast part of the team with their recipient reaffirms the value of our collective investment. These stories are not just about the financial resources required but about the lives forever changed by the dedication, love, and support of a medical service dog.
In a world that often feels divided, the mission to train and provide service dogs stands as a beacon of compassion and unity. It reminds us of the powerful bond between humans and animals and the extraordinary ways in which that bond can heal and uplift spirits.
Your support, your advocacy, and your generosity are more critical now than ever. Together, we can ensure that the financial hurdles do not impede the noble work of preparing service dogs for their vital roles. We invite you to join us in this mission, extend your hand in support, and be part of the remarkable stories of hope and resilience that unfold beyond the leash.
In closing, we extend our heartfelt thanks to every individual who has contributed to this cause. Your support not only helps cover the tangible costs but also fuels the spirit of hope, determination, and love that defines the heart of every service dog. Together, we are making a difference—one dog, one human, one story at a time. To learn about how to donate, visit our General Donations page today!
In the heart of every service dog, there beats a story of loyalty, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to their recipient. These remarkable animals traverse the path of life alongside their recipients, not just as service dogs but as vital lifelines, offering independence, comfort, and an unparalleled sense of security.
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we witness daily the profound impact these heroes on four legs have on the lives of veterans, first responders, and individuals grappling with unique challenges. Yet, the effectiveness and well-being of these diligent canines hinge on the pillars of comprehensive care: veterinary care, nutrition, and ongoing training.
The Heartbeat of Health: Veterinary Care for Service Dogs
As with humans, regular health check-ups are fundamental to a service dog’s well-being. These appointments serve as prevention measures and early detection of any potential health concerns that may arise. At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, our veterinary team works tirelessly to ensure the physical health of our service dogs, providing vaccinations, routine care, and emergency medical treatment when necessary.
Our veterinarian team and animal hospital located on our campus work to ensure the dogs are healthy 100% of the time. The veterinarian staff is also available to handle any sickness or other issues that may arise with our paired teams across the country.
The Fuel for Service: Nutrition & Exercise
Nutrition is not just about sustenance; it’s about vitality. For a service dog, the right food and diet are crucial to maintaining a healthy weight and optimizing their energy levels. We meticulously recommend diets that keep our service dogs in peak condition, enabling them to perform their duties effectively. When a service dog enjoys his carefully selected meals, he isn’t just being fed; he’s being equipped to face his day with vigor and vitality.
Service dogs who become overweight can experience various issues, such as joint problems and decreased mobility, which can significantly impact their ability to assist their recipients. That’s why we prioritize nutrition as a fundamental aspect of our service dog care.
Additionally, regular exercise is essential for service dogs to maintain their health and well-being. Our organization trains recipients to ensure that all our service dogs receive appropriate exercise and playtime, promoting physical and mental stimulation once the dog is paired.
The Path of Progress: Ongoing Training
Service dogs, much like humans, thrive on growth and learning. Our commitment to our services and recipients doesn’t end when they become a team; it evolves. When we first begin training the dog, our experienced trainers meticulously teach the dogs various skills, from fundamental obedience to executing specialized tasks.
These tasks are intricately designed to assist individuals dealing with disabilities. By harnessing the intelligence and empathy of our four-legged friends, these tasks can range from providing balance support, and retrieving dropped items to performing crucial life-saving alerts during medical emergencies or unsettling night terrors.
Apart from task-oriented training, the overall well-being of the dogs remains our utmost priority. Hence, our trainers also emphasize the importance of acclimating dogs to social settings and public experiences. Through a combination of socialization exercises and desensitization practices, we continuously prepare our dogs to remain calm and collected in various environments, ensuring their readiness to serve as reliable service dogs.
While our training is extensive, the service dogs need continued training once they are home with their recipient. Through quarterly phone calls, we stay connected, offering guidance, answering questions, and ensuring the service dog’s ongoing training meets the dynamic needs of the recipient.
And when challenges arise that can’t be addressed over the phone, our trainers are ready to travel, offering personalized, hands-on assistance. This ongoing support ensures that each service dog and its recipient can overcome obstacles together, strengthening their bond and enhancing the dog’s effectiveness.
The Power of Your Support: The Paw Prints Club
Our Paw Prints Club is more than a community; it’s a force of change. This unique community unites individuals from all corners, each carrying a shared passion for our mission and a mutual desire to leave an indelible impact on the lives of those we serve. Membership at Paw Prints Club comes with more than just a badge; it’s an opportunity to see your contributions transform lives through the inspirational stories of our recipients delivered straight to your inbox every quarter.
Not only will you witness our puppies’ journey as they train to fulfill their purpose, but you will also be privy to early updates about our much-anticipated events. What’s more? Paw Prints Club membership comes with an exclusive perk of discounted prices on our online store. So, prepare to be a part of our noble mission and enjoy the journey we embark upon together.
Small monthly donations from people like you directly contribute to the wellness and effectiveness of our service dogs. Each contribution ensures access to top-notch veterinary care, premium nutrition, and continuous training support, empowering these incredible teams to thrive. To help put the impact of your donation into perspective, here is an example of what different donation tiers can achieve:
- $100/month: covers the price of one month’s worth of dog food (Bully Max) for one dog
- $50/month: covers the price of a Guardian Angels vest
- $20/month: covers the price of a dog leash, collar, or toy for one dog
With over 400 teams paired, our mission is far from complete. Each day brings new opportunities to enrich the lives of those in need through the support of service dogs. Your generosity enables us to extend our reach, touching more lives and creating more stories of hope and independence.
We invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Together, we can ensure that every service dog continues to offer the unwavering support their recipients rely on. By contributing to the Paw Prints Club, you’re not just supporting a cause; you’re nurturing a life-changing partnership that reverberates through the lives of service dogs and their recipients.
In every wag of a tail, every gentle nudge, and every moment of unwavering loyalty, there lies a story of hope and resilience. These stories are made possible by your compassionate support. Together, we are strengthening the pack, one service dog at a time. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit our Paw Prints Club
As part of our commitment to helping veterans and their families, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs would like to remind our supporters and recipients of the CTU Patriot Scholarship. (more…)
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, 80% to 90% of our dogs are paired with veterans. We see an array of disabilities within our veteran community, with the most prominent disability being PTSD. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a debilitating chemical imbalance that often affects veterans who have experienced trauma during their time in service. It can manifest in many ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression. For those living with PTSD, it can feel like there is no escape from the constant fear and stress.
In many cases, PTSD could be combined with a Traumatic Brain Injury, diabetes, or seizures. Mobility issues are another common disability we see in our veterans due to injuries they experienced during the time they served. Some may have back pain, limited mobility, or severe mobility issues. For these veterans, service dogs can provide much-needed physical assistance and various tasks that can transform the life of a veteran.
Using scent samples, our dogs learn to alert to changes in blood chemistry, which allows them to alert to the changes that occur when PTSD-induced nightmares, hypervigilance, anger, or anxiety attacks are approaching. The same training can be applied to our dogs to recognize changes in blood sugar or seizures and alert the recipient ahead of time.
Additionally, depending on the need of the recipient, our dogs are trained to brace or help the person with their balance while walking or standing by wearing a special harness, help our recipients from a sitting or lying position, pick up dropped items, and many other tasks. When teaching the service dogs to aid the recipient in mobility tasks, they are custom trained to assist with the individual needs of the recipient. This may include opening and closing doors, turning on/off lights, retrieving dropped items, and providing physical support while walking or climbing stairs.
Our dogs are also taught to redirect their recipients. They are trained to pick up on the chemical imbalances that cause their recipient to experience anxiety, panic attacks, or other emotions and react accordingly. This can include nuzzling, licking, standing over, pawing, etc., which results in reminding them to take medication or use a relaxation technique that we teach when the dog alerts them.
In addition to these practical tasks, our service dogs also provide a sense of non-judgemental and unconditional love for their recipients. Many individuals with PTSD may struggle with feelings of isolation and loneliness, but having a highly trained service dog by their side can greatly improve their mental well-being.
Overall, our multifaceted approach to training service dogs for individuals with PTSD and other disabilities ensures that they are equipped with the skills and specific tasks needed to truly make a positive impact in their recipient’s life. Our dogs are dedicated and ready to assist those living with PTSD and other disabilities.
In addition, service dogs can help individuals with PTSD feel more confident when out in public or unfamiliar environments. They are trained to shield, which is a simple, non-aggressive task, where they put their body between an approaching stranger and
the recipient, providing a sense of safety thus preventing potential triggers. This allows individuals with PTSD to navigate through daily life with significantly less anxiety.
How Service Dogs Can Change and Save a Veteran’s Life
Twenty-two veterans die by suicide every day, with 39 suicide attempts each day as of 2023. These numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate. At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we believe it is critical for others to understand that veterans face high suicide rates. We are extremely proud that after 14 years and many, many people coming through our doors with suicide attempts and ideations, that due to our amazing dogs and their training, we have never had a suicide.
Additionally, the divorce rate in the US is approximately 47%. This goes up by an additional 90% when there is a disabled family member. After pairing hundreds of teams across the country, our divorce rate is less than 3%. Our service dogs for veterans and other individuals make a major impact on the quality and stability of their relationships. There are also secondary factors within families with veterans such as intergenerational PTSD. Children growing up in a home with a disabled parent who has PTSD can be impacted for the rest of their lives. By pairing the individual with a service dog, we can create a new and positive environment for the entire family, putting a stop to the damage of intergenerational PTSD.
Our service dogs can also help veterans dramatically reduce their number of medications. Many of them are on multiple medications to manage their conditions of anxiety, nightmares, etc. but with the help of a service dog under their doctor’s care they can often reduce or get off all medications. Our service dogs can accomplish things for our veterans that no piece of medical technology can do. Dogs have an incredible olfactory system that allows them to smell things that have yet to be replicated by any medical device. For example, a trained dog can detect a teaspoon of sugar in a body of water the size of two Olympic swimming pools.
They have abilities to detect and assist veterans that we cannot fathom, which is why Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is dedicated to harnessing this gift and creating positive, life-changing pairings in the lives of our veterans.
Help Change a Veteran’s Life Today
If you are in need of a service dog, reach out to us for more information on our application process. Our team is here to support the lives of those impacted by visible and invisible disabilities. We understand the challenges and struggles that come with these conditions, and we are committed to finding the perfect match between a veteran and their service dog.
Whether you need support or want to show your support for our mission to change lives, you can visit our website to learn more. Don’t hesitate to contact Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs today with any questions.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs pairs dogs with recipients using a thorough approach to ensure the recipient is paired with the service dog that will best meet their needs. We aim to provide a successful, lifelong match between the service dog and the recipient.
Initial Application Process
The process begins with an application form, which collects important information about the potential recipient. This includes medical diagnosis, lifestyle, and specific tasks needed from a service dog. Our Recipient Relations Department carefully reviews each application. We will go through the application question by question with you to ensure that we learn everything about your environment and your needs.
The application includes various questions such as if you have other animals and/or small children in the home, your hobbies and interests, how active the applicant is, whether you work or enjoy recreational activities, and more. This allows us to determine the right match for each recipient. For example, if you work around heavy machinery or enjoy going to the gun range, we would avoid pairing you with a dog afraid of loud noises.
Our service dogs are trained to work appropriately in public, but that doesn’t mean they can regularly cohabitate with small children or other animals. Some dogs are perfectly fine with other animals or children, so we must fully understand your lifestyle and environment to ensure we pair you with the right dog.
We also ask if you plan to start traveling, hiking, walking, or running again or have plans to begin a new hobby or venture, such as boating. Your honesty and transparency during the application process help us to ensure we find the right dog with the right energy level to help mitigate your disability and also so we can find the right dog to become a seamless part of your everyday life and environment now and in the future as your life changes.
Without this detailed information, a service dog could be placed in a home or environment where they are experiencing tension or other distractions that could affect their ability to alert or assist you.
Once the application is accepted, the next step is to conduct in-person interviews and assessments. This allows us to get to know the individual better and understand their unique needs. We also conduct a thorough evaluation of potential service dogs to ensure they have the necessary temperament and skills for the specific tasks the recipient needs.
How Our Dogs Are Trained: The Basics
Our dogs are trained through an expertly crafted proprietary program where we evaluate them at each stage. This training lasts about 15 months, allowing us to learn what the dog likes to do. We work on desensitizing the dogs to common distractions they can experience in public, but we will not force our dogs to do anything they don’t want to do. We work to ensure they are properly socialized and desensitized to common situations so the dogs are prepared for most everyday occurrences.
We also test the dogs with children through our Puppy Huggers program. These are members of the community who come on Saturday mornings to help us further socialize the dogs. This allows us to determine if the dogs want to play with children or if they are uninterested or avoid children. Throughout our entire training process, we observe the dogs closely through their behavior and body language to see what works best for them and what doesn’t work for them.
After the Application Process: The Waiting List
Once you’ve completed the application process and we deem you an appropriate potential recipient with needs that we can teach a service dog to meet, then you will be placed on the waiting list as long as your environment meets all of our required criteria for the service dog to be in a proper working situation.
The time spent on the waiting list can vary depending on how many other people are on the list and how long it takes us to ensure we have the right service dog for you. A range of variables that affect the wait time are taken into consideration, but in most cases, we try to keep the wait to less than a year.
Zoom Calls and Recipient Training
We will begin orientations with you over Zoom as we get closer to pairing you with your service dog. During these sessions, you will begin to learn the expectations in place for you as the recipient. It’s important to understand that when you are paired with a service dog, you are 50% of a team. Learning and practicing these expectations long-term is crucial to ensure your training on our campus goes smoothly and that your time as a team with your service dog is productive for both of you. It takes work on our end and on yours to ensure your team’s success. At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we work to provide our recipients a “hand up,” not a “hand out,” so we do expect you to listen to our guidance, rules, and protocols.
Once a match has been made, our team begins training for both the recipient and service dog. This includes teaching the recipient how to give commands and recognize alerts from the dog, and educating them on proper care and handling of their new partner.
Depending on your specific needs, you will provide us with scent samples. We will provide you with a packet of information on collecting these and sending them back to us. We’ll use these samples to train the service dog to ensure they recognize the scent to alert to. Once completed, you will receive a phone call with about a month’s notice to schedule your in-person training and orientation at our campus.
We’ll schedule your travel arrangements, and you will come to our campus for ten days.
After Pairing and Beyond
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we are always here to help. We check our teams quarterly and re-test the service dog annually to ensure you have all the necessary resources and information to succeed.
We also provide reference guides and videos to ensure you have a resource you can refer to whenever needed. Additionally, a trainer is available during working hours, so you can call to ask questions. Our veterinary team is available 24/7 for an emergency or a medical concern with the service dog.
We will offer you every bit of support you could ever imagine, but you have to play your role in the team by following our expert guidance and protocols. Without this structure, you can quickly untrain your service dog. Without regular practice, the service dog can become complacent with their skills and alerts, leading to issues of how they assist you in your daily life.
Visit our Service Dog Application page today to learn more
Warren, MI — Michigan’s military community and its distinguished supporters will gather for a landmark evening of celebration and purpose at the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event. Taking place on June 6th, 2024, at the renowned Andiamos Banquet Center in Warren, this extraordinary event marks a decade of dedication to the courageous men and women who have gallantly defended our country’s freedoms.
With a commitment to service that shines as brightly as the stars on a June night, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to host this semi-formal occasion. The mission of this year’s event continues to be unwavering: to honor the sacrifices of our beloved veterans and support those in need with the assistance of a trained medical service dog at no cost.
For nine successful years, Mary Lamparter, a resident of Grosse Pointe and the creator of this event, has made it an annual cornerstone of gratitude and giving. Together, the community has raised over $1,000,000 to support Guardian Angels’ admirable cause. All the proceeds directly contribute to the organization’s pivotal efforts — providing no-cost, highly trained service dogs to veterans in need. Deemed essential by the heroes themselves, these remarkable canines offer much more than mere service; they are trained to alert to the medical conditions of their recipients and assist them with tasks they can no longer do themselves.
The evening’s program is designed to touch hearts and inspire generosity. As the sun sets on the horizon, the celebration will commence with an exquisite cocktail reception, setting the stage for a night of profound speakers and celebration of our honored guests and the heroes among us. Afterward, guests will indulge in a delightful dinner buffet accompanied by a night of exclusive raffle opportunities. These raffles will feature a diverse selection of auction items generously donated by our sponsors and community partners, adding an extra touch of excitement for attendees.
As the evening progresses, the event will play host to notable and distinguished guests, including the remarkable veterans alongside their service dogs. Their testimonies of bravery and recovery highlight the indelible impact that donations and sponsorship have had on their lives.
In the spirit of gratitude and honor, Carol Borden, the Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, remarked, “This event is not just a celebration, but a mission to change lives, and the support we receive each year truly humbles us. It ignites our commitment to continue the unwavering support of our nation’s heroes. We sincerely appreciate Mary’s unwavering dedication to our organization and her invaluable contributions to the success of this extraordinary event. Her tireless efforts have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for her hard work.”
Mary Lamparter, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Regional Coordinator, Michigan echoes this sentiment, stating, “Over the past nine years, I have been humbled by the tremendous support of our local community, including our defense and military organizations… Creating Celebrate Michigan’s Military has been extremely rewarding, and I have been honored to represent Guardian Angels and promote their dedication to serving our Nation’s Heroes.”
More than a milestone, the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event encapsulates shared values and a collective spirit. The dedication of this evening’s participants has made a genuine difference, offering hope where it is much needed and deserved.
We invite the community to join us in attendance at this memorable event. Come prepared to bid generously in the raffle, as every dollar contributes to a brighter future for our Veterans.
Guests are requested to dress to impress in semi-formal attire, with a touch of patriotic flair in red, white, and blue, to honor our military heritage. For those unable to attend but wishing to make a difference, donations can be made directly to the event to help reach a fundraising goal of $300,000.
On behalf of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we extend our sincere appreciation to our loyal supporters and dedicated sponsors for the past nine years. Your unwavering commitment propels us forward in our mission to deliver highly trained medical service dogs to those who have served and sacrificed.
For more event details, sponsor information, and to purchase tickets, please visit the official events page. Spread the word, extend the invite, and together, we can make the 10th Annual “Celebrate Michigan’s Military” Event our most unforgettable and impactful yet!
Throughout generations, people have worked with dogs in various capacities. After World War I, thousands of German soldiers were blinded by mustard gas due to the multiple perils of war. During this time, it was realized that dogs could be taught to assist the soldiers. Upon this discovery, thousands of German Shepherds were entered into an extensive program where they were trained to become guide dogs to lead people who are blind.
In 1929, the first service dog, a German Shepherd trained as a guide dog, entered the United States. He was imported by a visually impaired man named Morris Frank. The first guide dog foundation started in 1945, where dogs were trained as guide dogs for people who are blind. In the sixties and seventies people began to realize that dogs could alert to a variety of issues, thus assisting people with other disabilities. Whether it was a baby crying from another room that they couldn’t hear or alerting in advance to someone who was having a seizure, people began to see the incredible things dogs could do.
Before this, people who owned or interacted with dogs often just thought the dog was bothering them rather than alerting them to something. In many cases, dogs were not kept inside the home, so they had little chance to experience these situations and alert humans to them. More work had been done with service dogs, spurring the founding of the first service dog organization in the mid 1970’s.
The Evolution of Federal Service Dog Laws
The first federal law involving service dogs was enacted under the American Disabilities Act, which protected service dogs and their recipients. Unfortunately, when this law was written, they used “service animals” and did not define a service animal.
As the use of technology grew, people began to abuse this law. People were going online to purchase fake service dog vests, I.D. cards, and fake letters to take their pets into public places where a true service dog could go. Fake service animals can lead to several issues for service dogs and are highly problematic for recipients who rely on their service dogs for their daily tasks that allow them to lead a more normal life.
With our dogs at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we have had many episodes of inappropriate dogs attacking our service dogs. Our dogs are trained to ignore outside distractions, including other dogs and animals, while working and caring for their recipients. A service dog being attacked by an inappropriate dog can cause a myriad of issues for that service dog team. It can lead to the service dog becoming defensive in the future, causing them to potentially lunge or bark at other dogs in public, which is not proper behavior for a service dog. This can cause a good working dog to be prematurely retired if the issue is severe enough.
In 2012, the government recognized the issues occurring with fake service animals due to the vague language of the former law. The law was changed to specifically name service animals as dogs and miniature horses where appropriate, that are trained to do specific tasks to mitigate the challenges of an individual’s disability. Today, these are the only animals recognized as service animals under federal law.
Congressional Initiative to Improve Service Dog Training
Over the years, multiple non-profit organizations that train service dogs have created a coalition that has set forth minimum standards that others who are training service dogs should aspire to meet. We have consistently met and exceeded these standards at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
Throughout our years of training and pairing service dogs, we have developed sophisticated programs that allow us to do more for our dogs and recipients. These many innovative programs have advanced us dramatically within the industry.
Recently, the U.S. Congress mandated an initiative to study 110 1`protocols to continue improving the service dog industry and set the gold bar for everyone to follow.
With this initiative, Congress wants to explore the variables that go into raising, training, and pairing service dogs with veterans. This initiative is directed by Danny Benbassat, Ph.D., Commander, U.S. Public Health Service, CofS, Assistant Professor, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, and managed by the Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium OTA and acting Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program integrator Jeremy Ramirez, DrPH, MPH, Veteran, U.S. Army, Assistant Professor of Health Informatics, California State University Long Beach Department of Health Care Administration.
Twenty-four service dog organizations, including Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, were chosen to participate in this initiative. Our organization is honored to be selected to provide our input on this initiative. We work hard to ensure that we take the correct measures for our service dogs and recipients while exploring new ways to meet their needs, allowing us to create sophisticated programs that positively change and even save lives every day.
This Congressional initiative aims to discover what we and the other organizations believe are the best practices to put in place. At the end of July, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs will come together in Washington, D.C., with the other organizations chosen for this initiative. At this meeting, they will discuss the findings they have been notating through the exploration of the numerous variables that were set forth. We were practicing most of these protocols with our service dogs already. We are helping to determine what works, what doesn’t, and what modifications need to be made for the entire set of initiatives.
This meeting will allow the organizations to collaborate and discuss their findings in detail and create a final document of expert guidelines, which will then be delivered to Congress. An intermediate person will directly address Congress with these findings. With this initiative, Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and other participating organizations hope to set the gold standard for the entire service dog industry.
Hopes for the Future of the Service Dog Industry
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we hope this Congressional Initiative sparks further change and improvement within the service dog industry, leading to more funding for service dog organizations that provide these amazing dogs for veterans in need. The final decisions on these initiatives will further improve the training and best practices that each service dog organization follows.
We plan to continue year after year to explore other portions of the service dog industry and determine what upgrades and changes need to be implemented to ensure veterans and civilians in need of a service dog receive their life changing, life saving service dog.
As we begin a new year, many of us are setting goals and making resolutions for ourselves. For some, this may include finding the perfect job or career that aligns with our passions and values.
Recently, we’ve promoted a few of our staff members, and they have offered their advice for planning your career in 2024: (more…)
Service dog organizations are very complex businesses. While there is a misconception among some people that a service dog shouldn’t be costly when they can just take a dog to a few obedience lessons for a few hundred dollars, they miss the point that we are not simply teaching these dogs obedience. Extensive training and care go into creating a service dog.
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we are creating life-changing service dogs, which is a process that requires a lot of care, education, and attention to be successful. Before delving into the actual cost of a service dog, it is critical to understand all of the elements that go into producing one.
The Complexity of Service Dog Organizations
Our organization has multiple departments, from dog training to dog care specialists to our veterinary team, who are responsible for taking care of the dogs in a number of ways, from cleaning up after them to feeding, watering, grooming, health care, etc. There is a wide range of duties that need to be performed to keep the dogs in top-notch condition.
Our trainers conduct all of the different levels and stages of training to teach the dogs everything from obedience to specialized tasks that assist a person living with a disability with a variety of tasks, from balancing to picking up dropped items to alerting the recipient of a medical emergency or waking them up from a night terror. In addition, they must be socialized, desensitized and receive a lot of practice in public venues.
Our veterinarian team and animal hospital are on our campus to ensure the dogs are healthy 100% of the time. The veterinarian staff is also there to handle any sickness or other issues that may arise with our paired teams across the country.
Additionally, we have our Recipient Relations Department, which works with all of our recipients and applicants for a dog, helping to qualify them. We have teams of people within this department, including an inquiry team, who are the first ones to receive a request from an individual, and they start the conversation about the process of getting paired with a service dog. Once the applicant moves up the scale and is qualified, they work with our recipient relations staff to continue the process.
They may also work with our Experienced Team Panel to answer everyday questions that may arise.
Office personnel and our Finance Department also play a significant role in our operations. They work to keep up with bookkeeping, computer skills, documentation, letters, thank you notes, etc. A lot of administrative duties go into the documentation of training and pairing of a service dog.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs also has a Development Team to bring in the funds needed to care for, train, and pair the service dogs. We do not sell products like a for-profit business. We donate all of the dogs we pair, so our Development Department works to find the funds that keep our organization moving forward.
When you break things down by each department, it begins to put things into perspective on the costs that go into training a service dog.
Training a Service Dog
To train a service dog to navigate the public world successfully, there are a lot of skills they need to learn to become properly socialized and desensitized to deal with all the different situations, noises, smells, etc., that they will encounter in public.
Each service dog is trained based on the needs of their recipient. These skills go far beyond the standards of emotional support, sit, heel, and come. These dogs are trained to detect changes in the recipient’s blood chemistry so they can alert them to an oncoming seizure, high or low blood sugar, or a PTSD episode. The service dog can also be trained to open and close doors, turn on and off lights, and bring food and water from the refrigerator. Additionally, they can be trained to assist someone with their balance or help them get up from a lying or sitting position.
These dogs are trained with highly advanced skills that take time to teach. It also takes time to teach the trainers how to teach these skills properly to the dogs.
So, in addition to the departments needed and the extensive training the dogs receive, this is all part of the cost that goes into preparing the dog to be a service dog.
Pairing the Service Dog
Everything we do is ultimately for the recipient and the service dog. When we are ready to pair a dog, we cover the travel costs for the recipient to come to our campus from anywhere in the country. This includes airfare, hotel, rental car, etc. We cover this cost to ensure the recipient gets the service dog they need to regain their independence. Without covering these costs through our organization, many recipients would not be able to afford to get their own service dog, even if the dog is being donated. We don’t want a circumstance like a lack of available income to stop recipients from being paired with their service dog.
The recipient is brought in for two weeks of training, and then they go home with their service dogs. After that, we have a consistent follow-up with them, starting the first few weeks when they first get home with the service dog and then quarterly after that for the life of the team. We also have traveling trainers who, if there’s a problem with the service dog that can’t be resolved over the phone or by Zoom call, can then fly out to that location. The trainer stays there to work with the team, see what’s going on, and work through that issue with them.
We also have a medical savings program for recipients to help them cope with any veterinary costs, which have also skyrocketed.
Total Cost of Producing a Service Dog
In the past, it would cost around $37,000 to produce one service dog. Now, with inflation, that cost has quickly gone up by more than 10%. For example, dog foods are more expensive, with prices increasing astronomically in 2023.
In a six-month span, first, we had a 15% increase in dog food, then we had a 30% increase in dog food. So that is a considerable expense.
After COVID, there have been many “Help Wanted” signs everywhere due to many people not wanting to return to work. With the government raising the minimum wage in a lot of places and business owners having to raise wages and offer more benefits to draw people back into the workplace, that was another cost increase due to both COVID and inflation.
At Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, we provide excellent wages for a nonprofit organization, and we offer our employees more benefits than most regular businesses because we want to take care of our people. While it creates a great environment for our employees, it does raise our costs significantly.
A lot of funding is needed to achieve our mission. Each piece we’ve discussed in the article goes into each service dog we produce and pair with a recipient.
We search for every avenue to raise funds to produce quality service dogs to pair with recipients and help them lead a fulfilling life.
To learn more about how you can support our mission, visit our Donate page today!
Our dogs are an important part of our lives. Whether they are a pet or a service dog, keeping them at a healthy weight is crucial for a long and happy life. When it comes to a dog being overweight, there are a wide variety of risks that rise in numbers and severity with increasing weight to the point that pet obesity is now categorized as a disease in companion animals as it is in humans. (more…)
As we celebrate her 70th birthday, we invite you to join us in honoring all the work she has done for this incredible organization.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, is a non-profit organization that provides highly trained service dogs to veterans and others in need. These medical service dogs are not only trained to assist with daily tasks, but they also provide companionship and support for those struggling with physical or mental disabilities.
Carol’s passion for helping others and her unwavering dedication to this cause have made Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs one of the leading organizations in providing medical service dogs to those in need. And on her 70th birthday, we want to show our appreciation by asking for donations to support this cause.
We are aiming to reach a goal of $70,000, and we invite you to donate in honor of Carol’s birthday. Whether it’s $7, $70, $700 or even $7000, every little bit counts and will make a difference in the lives of those who will receive these medical service dogs.
(Note: Please feel free to personalize this message with your own words and memories of Carol) Your donations will not only honor Carol, but they will also bring hope and support to those who deserve it.
Carol Borden has dedicated her life to helping others, and on this special occasion, let us show our gratitude by giving back to this noble cause. Your donations will go towards training and providing service dogs to veterans and individuals with disabilities, making a significant impact on their quality of life.
We invite you to spread the word and share this invitation with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can reach our goal and make Carol’s birthday one to remember for years to come.
Thank you for your generosity and support. Happy 70th Birthday, Carol Borden!
https://givebutter.com/carolsbirthday
