Enter Dog T.A.G.S. (Train, Assist, Guide, Serve). The all-volunteer organization helps veterans train their personal pets to pass the public access test required for service dogs in the state of Pennsylvania.
This new “mission” has given the former soldiers newfound confidence to enter public places and handle crowds, through carefully honed teamwork with their pets. All have been clinically diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder by the Veteran’s Administration which, after initial counseling, referred them to the Dog T.A.G.S program.
You’ll recognize these soldier/dog teams by the camouflage service dog vests made from the owner’s original fatigues. Each vest bears patches identifying the branch of service as well as American Disabilities Act credentials.
What you won’t recognize is the great diversity of breeds. A toy poodle, springer spaniel, terrier mixes and others not typically associated with service dog work round out the field of participants. These are, after all, family pets. Many have been rescued.
I met with the group during a recent field trip to BassPro Outdoor World at the Harrisburg mall. Accompanied by volunteer trainers and a social worker, we wandered through the store, practiced on elevators, and eventually enjoyed lunch at the mall’s food court.
“Queenie”, a toy poodle, was rescued from the York SPCA by “Denny”, a former Viet Nam War vet who suffers an on-going battle with flashbacks. He, too, was reluctant to leave his house. The weekly training sessions at Obedience Training Class of Harrisburg, gave him a new purpose in life and an unbreakable bond with his beloved girl. All of ten pounds, Queenie has even learned to retrieve his cane on command.
“The difference these dogs have made in these veterans lives is amazing”, says trainer Joan Klingler. “Each one needs a challenge and this way the focus is off of them and on the dogs.”
Given the newness of the program and media hype about dog owners misrepresenting their pets as service animals, some participants have been confronted in stores and elsewhere questioning the authenticity of the service dog permit.
This occurred with “Jack” at a store in Lancaster. A shopper rudely approached the veteran snapping “A springer spaniel can’t be a service dog!” That was the last thing this rather shy female member of the group needed.
“The trouble is these individuals look fine and healthy”, Klingler says shaking her head. “Just because you can’t see a disability, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Some of these folks are recovering from brain injuries.”
Such is the case with “Barry” and his chocolate lab/best friend “Hunter”. Barry took a fall, hit his head and after regaining consciousness thought he was back in combat. He was airlifted to the VA Hospital in Lebanon. “For 9 days I kept looking for my gun–even in the hospital–thinking I was back on the front line”, he said.
After completing the program, Barry and Hunter have become welcome regulars at York Revolution baseball games and hockey games. “We go everywhere together”, he smiled.
Another confrontation at a local WalMart store by a clerk launched Klingler into action. “After talking to the manager, we were then welcomed into the store. It’s on our list of regular of field trips now.”
Kim Maugans, along with Klingler and other volunteers launched Dog T.A.G.S. in 2012 specifically for veterans afflicted with PTSD, most of whom could never afford a pre-trained service animal which can cost thousands of dollars.
For me personally, this was one of the most memorable interviews ever–December Pet Lover of the Month honors richly deserved by these courageous veterans. For more information on the program and how you can help please visit their web site at www.dogtagsprogram.org
~ Via The Patriot News
Tags: dog support, emotional support, PTSD, service dog, veteran support