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Sandra LaFlamme

How Service Animals Helped Me Overcome My Head Injury

When I was a child, I suffered a head injury that drastically changed my life. I was no longer able to do the things I had been able to do before, such as run or talk the same way. While it was difficult, I eventually found new ways to gain function and create a sense of accomplishment in life by doing something that felt natural to me—riding horses.

Growing up, my parents arranged for me to have reading tutors like Mrs. Morrison and horse riding lessons as part of my rehabilitation process. From the very beginning, it felt like the horses understood what I was going through and wanted to help me heal. They were patient and kind with me, not caring that I had suffered a serious head injury.

Riding horses gave me the physical balance and strength that I needed after my head injury. As time went on, they also helped build up my confidence and gave me an outlet to express myself without feeling judged or alienated because of my disability. Riding horses also taught me how to take responsibility for another living creature’s well-being; something which has stayed with me throughout adulthood.

After many years of riding horses with patience and dedication, I began entering show arenas, where I experienced recognition for all of my hard work in overcoming my disability and learning how to ride competitively again. This recognition provided a major boost in confidence which made it easier for me to transition back into “normal” life after suffering such a traumatic experience at such a young age.

Horses have played an invaluable role in helping me overcome the physical, emotional, and psychological effects of suffering a severe head injury as a child. Through them, I have been able to relearn how to be physically active again while gaining purpose from taking care of an animal who accepted me through thick and thin. That’s why my service dog is named Cowgirl. Although there are still hardships associated with living with this disability on a daily basis, having horses and now Cowgirl as my service dog in my life; has made it much easier for me to navigate through these challenges while experiencing joy along the way. Giving back and growing this giving program has enabled me to pay it forward the way my reading tutor, Mrs. Morrison did for me. I owe this therapy so much more than words can express!

We can all help support Canines For Heroes in any way possible, whether it be donating money directly or helping to spread awareness. From providing companionship and protection to acting as a service dog, these animals are making a huge difference in the lives of veterans. A donation may seem small, but the ripple effect of our donations is what will bring positive change and greatly improve the quality of life for many veterans. While giving financially is beneficial and strongly encouraged, simply being an advocate for the cause is extremely important as well. Be aware of organizations like Canines For Heroes that are looking out for those who served out nation and aiding them beyond their call of duty. Act today; donate your time, energy, or money to make a difference!

Training a Service Dog: Specific is Terrific

by Sandra LaFlamme | Jan 21, 2024 | Belgium Malinois, Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Not every dog has the temperament or aptitude needed to work as a service dog. Every service dog must receive extensive training to ensure that they have the cognitive ability and temperament to take on the task of being their owner’s helper. Additionally, they need to receive proper training to meet their owner’s specific lifestyle and recovery goals. Failure to do this can result in a dog that is not fit for purpose, doesn’t provide the intended assistance, and hinders the owner’s recovery process.

Kelso Has The Keys

by Sandra LaFlamme | Jan 12, 2024 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

We focus on building a bond of trust and mutual respect between the dogs and their recipients. We believe that when the dog is engaged, it continues to bond, grow and actually becomes more capable. This leads to a better quality of life for the recipeint. The more engaged the dog, the more its abilities shine through. This is achieved by practicing advanced actions, which include verbal and nonverbal commands, sound cues, and complex tasks that involve decision-making skills.

The Sarasota Department of Emergency Services: Providing Premier Public Safety Services for Sarasota

by Sandra LaFlamme | Jan 5, 2024 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Emergencies can happen anytime and anyone can be at risk. That is why it is crucial to have reliable and efficient emergency response teams that are always ready to provide assistance. In Sarasota, Florida, we have the privilege of having a highly certified metro...

Giving the Gift of Joy to Veterans and First Responders: Canines For Heroes

by Sandra LaFlamme | Dec 28, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Canines for Heroes is a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to Veterans and First Responders who are suffering from PTSD. Every day, we witness the life-changing impact a service dog can have on a family. From the child who gets their parent back to the...

My Service Dog from Canines For Heroes: A Bright Future Ahead

by Sandra LaFlamme | Dec 11, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

They say that the first step towards overcoming an addiction is accepting that you have a problem. And that’s exactly what I did 8 months ago. Admitting that I needed help and couldn’t do it alone took a lot of courage, but it was the smartest decision I’ve ever made. After seeking help from a reliable program, I found myself on a path towards sobriety and a bright future overcoming my PTSD. And to top it all off, I have my service dog from Canines For Heroes by my side, who has become an essential part of my recovery journey. I want to share the story of how my service dog has helped me not only stay on the right track but also provided me with a sense of purpose and hope.

Give the Gift of Healing This Thanksgiving

by Sandra LaFlamme | Nov 21, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Give the Gift of Healing This Thanksgiving . Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the things we are grateful for, including the sacrifices of our Veterans and First Responders. Many of these individuals return home with PTSD, which can cause severe anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Finding Calm in Chaos: The Story of a SWAT Officer and His Service Dog

by Sandra LaFlamme | Oct 27, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Being a SWAT team member for the Sheriff's department is not an easy job. The day-to-day operations can be intense, stressful, and unpredictable. It requires a lot of mental and physical strength to perform the duties effectively. As someone who has served in the...

Vinca – The Essential Worker Who Changed My Life

by Sandra LaFlamme | Oct 14, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

Vinca – The Essential Worker Who Changed My Life Everyone has someone who comes into their life and changes everything. Sometimes we don’t even know we need that person until they’re there. For me, that person is an animal named Vinca, my service dog from Canines For Heroes. She’s more than just a companion, she’s an essential worker who helps me in so many ways. I’ll share just a few of the ways Vinca has changed my life for the better.

When I first got Vinca, I didn’t really understand just how much she would help me. I knew that service dogs could be trained to do things like retrieve items or open doors, but I didn’t realize all the other ways Vinca would make my day-to-day life easier. For example, she helps keep me calm in situations where I might feel anxious or overwhelmed. Simply having her by my side is often enough to quell my anxiety. My military flash backs are now to a minimum and I feel more free to be me.

Changing Lives: How Canines for Heroes Helps Veterans and First Responders with PTSD

by Sandra LaFlamme | Sep 24, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Veteran

War and natural disasters leave emotional and psychological scars on the people who put their lives on the line. Veterans and first responders often deal with the aftermath of trauma, with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) being one of the most common issues. In some cases, PTSD leaves sufferers feeling helpless and hopeless. For a long time, prescription medicine and therapy were the only treatments available, but Canines for Heroes is changing things. The non-profit organization helps these heroes get back their independence by supplying them with highly trained service dogs. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Canines for Heroes and how we are making a difference.

An Opportunity To Have Fun and Do Good

by Sandra LaFlamme | Sep 6, 2023 | Dogs, First Responders, Service Animals, Uncategorized, Veteran

The annual Backwoods Blast is just around the corner and excitement is already in the air. This event, on October 22nd from 11:30 am to 5 pm, is an opportunity to have fun and do good. The Backwoods Blast is a celebration with a purpose – It’s a fundraiser for...