I was invited to be a vendor at a fund raiser event - "Pooches for Patriots" - on November 19, 2011. It was held at the Charleston Rifle Club and proceeds benefitted the Canines for Veterans program which trains, then provides service dogs for disabled veterans. I shall quote from their website:
Canines for Veterans is a national program that provides Veterans with disabilities quality trained service dogs. The program works with military prisoners at the Naval Consolidated Brig Charleston and teaches them how to train rescue dogs as service dogs for the wounded and injured Veteran. Know as the “triple win” the Canines for Veterans program has twice been awarded a Newman’s Own Award for program innovations supporting our military and their families and has recently been approved by the US Department of Labor as an apprenticeship program.
Launched in 2008, the program operates entirely on private donations.
The program operated at the Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune until August 31, 2010. As of September 1, 2010, the program has relocated to the Navy Consolidated Brig, Charleston, South Carolina.
A Canines for Veterans service dog is a constant assistant that can perform 70 commands to assist with everyday tasks for the wounded veteran, including:
- Retrieve and carry objects
- Pull their partner in a wheelchair, push elevator buttons and even transfer money at the grocery store.
- Provide social support by acting as a bridge to conversation and acceptance. When a service dog accompanies a wounded veteran, the focus is on the dog, not the disability.
- Provide balance and stability for an amputee or someone who has lost mobility.
- Be a source of love and companionship. Both the veteran and the dog are a team and make the transition back to independence together.
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