Life has a way of showing us both its joys and sorrows, often in unexpected ways. For me, the recent loss of my beloved dog Rocky was one such sorrow that left an undeniable void in my heart. Rocky was more than just a pet; he was a companion, confidant, and a source of unconditional love for 14 wonderful years. As I navigated through the waves of grief, I found solace in volunteering at the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) organization—a place where camaraderie and purpose unite to make profound impacts on veterans’ lives. It was here that my dear friend Ryan introduced me to the Canines For Heroes program, suggesting it might bring a new kind of joy back into my life. Little did I know how transformative this experience would be.
Volunteering at the DAV has always been close to my heart. It provides an opportunity to give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and well-being. Each day spent at the DAV is filled with stories of resilience, courage, and hope from veterans who are finding ways to navigate their post-service lives. Amidst these remarkable narratives came Ryan’s recommendation about Canines For Heroes—a program designed not only to assist veterans but also to foster healing through the companionship of specially trained service dogs. Intrigued by this initiative, I decided to explore what it had to offer.
The process began with reaching out to Canines For Heroes Foundation Dog trainer Julie of Top Tier K9. She warmly welcomed me into their fold. The program offers comprehensive training sessions both online and in-person—each meticulously crafted to ensure that every participant gains valuable knowledge about handling and bonding with service dogs effectively. The beauty of this training lies in its adaptability; whether you’re a complete novice or someone familiar with canine behavior, there’s something enriching for everyone involved.
During these sessions, I’ve encountered a team of people whose passion for canine therapy is palpable—not just as instructors but as empathetic guides on this journey towards emotional recovery and empowerment through dogs. They teach everything from basic obedience commands like “sit” and “stay,” all the way up to advanced tasks tailored specifically around individual needs—skills that can transform everyday challenges into manageable situations for those struggling with physical or psychological disabilities.
Before long, I found myself putting newly learned techniques into practice using Blakey—my daughter’s spirited 3-year-old Labradoodle—as my willing student during weekend visits home. Watching Blakey respond positively not only reinforced what I’d learned but also evoked memories of training days past spent joyfully working alongside Rocky himself! This hands-on application proved invaluable; seeing tangible results strengthened both my confidence levels and my ability to bond.
Every interaction reminds me of how special this opportunity is. Today I’m a different person. I have a new spring in my step and I’m excited for this miracle journey. Mike