I know that several of my blog visitors love their pets and critters in their life, but they even mean more to the VETS of past and on going wars. A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of visiting and viewing a graduation of a completely different kind, this was a graduation of heart and souls coming together between our military Vets and their new partners in life, their custom trained canine friend and worker. I’m not soldier, was never in the military, so I have know idea what these men and women have gone through, and will never claim to know, but seeing them and hearing their stories at the graduation, not only brought tears to my eyes ( I very seldom Cry) but opened my heart to these brave men and women, and their needs after they come home. With anxiety, stress, mental and physical needs, these dogs are trained to see early warning signs and indicate to their owner before an attack or problem arrives. They are also trained to help in the physical needs of their owner. The dogs are either bred or rescued, but are hand picked to match each soldier and trained accordingly. This Able Vet organization receives no money from government or military, and rely on contributions from the public. Once you hear the stories of our soldiers, not going into public, or having contact with others, the fear of driving down a road because of flashbacks or the fear of an explosions, or finding other temporary fixes such as alcohol, drugs, you soon find out that there is a need and a responsibility for us to help. These men and women deserve our help, after all they were there when we needed them! Some who have fought for our freedom, and freedom around the world, will never be able to come home because they lost their life while fighting, but for those who do come home and need our help… WE SHOULD BE THERE FOR THEM!
Can you imagine coming back home after years of daily fighting and fearing of your life, seeing explosions from items that look innocent along the road killing and severely injuring soldiers around you or maybe yourself, day after day, month after month and in some cases year after year, and then coming home and trying to switch back to the life you had before, it just doesn’t happen that way, at least in most cases. These soldiers see a dead animal along the road as a possible IED in hiding, or an hwy. overpass that we all have passed under at one time or daily, they may see as a place of ambush or IED placement. The fear and anxiety of seeing and passing either, can be more than they can handle and have an anxiety attack just from the memories, these dogs are trained to see the early signs, indicate it to the owner, and then comfort them to let them know that it will be okay. I have seen six soldiers open up and change their lives because of these dogs and was has been struggling ever since the Vietnam War, to just now finding help.
My daughter is one of the trainers for both the This Able Vet dogs and for other dogs in training for the Police, Drugs, Body Recovery, Recovery and much more. The place of training Extreme K9 has continued to grow and lead in all fields of canine training, and with the help of my daughter will continue to do so.
Thank you my sweet daughter for all the love that you have for your family, friends, pets, and the soldiers hearts that you have touched and helped heal. Where ever your path may lead as a trainer or possibly a different career, just know that your family is proud of you, and that there will be others that will remember and find that your love for all living creatures are unmeasurable. Love ya, your Dad
For CONTRIBUTIONS or to see if there are other ways to help, please visit THIS ABLE VET. Thank You!
