A Local Sarasota Hero Still Fighting Silent Battles
Meet Michael, a Sarasota veteran who served with pride maintaining F-18 fighter jets. The engines’ deafening roar left him with severe hearing loss—and the quiet that followed was filled with anxiety, isolation, and sleepless nights.
After a difficult divorce, Michael’s world became even smaller. But his loyal dog, Bella, became his light in the dark. She’s gentle, smart, and devoted—but she’s not trained yet. When she gets excited or startled, she pulls him off balance, making public outings stressful and even dangerous.
🐕 Why Service Dog Training Is Life-Changing
Proper training turns a loving pet into a lifeline for veterans battling PTSD and hearing impairments.
A trained service dog can:
✅ Provide balance and stability in crowds
✅ Offer deep-pressure comfort during panic attacks
✅ Alert to important sounds or cues
✅ Restore independence and confidence
Bella has the heart—now she needs the training to serve the hero who once served us all.
💛 How You Can Help Today
Canines for Heroes is raising $22,000 to train Bella into a certified service dog.
Every dollar goes directly to training, certification, and care—no salaries, no red tape, just results.
Your donation means:
$25 feeds Bella during training
$100 covers one session with her professional trainer
$500 sponsors her certification exam
$1,000 funds an entire week of service-dog readiness
💛 Donate Now to Train Bella for Michael
🐾 Every Hero Deserves a Wingman
Michael’s served his country with courage. Now he needs his community to stand behind him.
When Bella’s training is complete, she’ll be by his side every day—steady, calm, and ready to help him live freely again.
Your support will not only train a dog—it will restore a hero’s hope.
🔗 Learn More & Get Involved
👉 Visit CaninesForHeroes.org
👉 Read more about our medical alert dog training program
👉 Follow our mission on Facebook and Instagram