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
Mrs. Borden’s expertise and accomplishments are acknowledged by numerous national awards from various industries and agencies including the 2018 Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year and multiple awards for her organization’s work in mental health and suicide prevention.
She is frequently requested as a Keynote Speaker, and as an Industry Consultant to teach service dog laws to judicial systems, attorneys, and businesses, and to assist in service dog bills in multiple states that were passed into law. In 2020, she started an Institute for Higher Learning and the Borden Veterinary Hospital. Additionally, she has written and teaches college-accredited/VA-approved apprenticeship courses on dog training and service dog training.
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