Service Dog Funding Approved In Fiscal 2016 State Budget

Service Dog Funding Approved In Fiscal 2016 State Budget
Rebecca Leonard
News Staff Writer

BOSTON — Combat-wounded veterans often face many struggles when they return home from the service. Many suffer from physical and emotional wounds that make it hard for them to live a normal lifestyle.

Luckily organizations such as the National Education for Assistance Dog Services have developed programs that allow for wounded veterans to acquire an assistance dog at no cost.

“Whether it’s a veteran with a physical impairment, PTSD, head injury or someone who needs assistance in public situations, this program truly makes a difference,” state Rep. Kimberly Ferguson, R-Holden, said of the Service Dogs for Veterans Program created by NEADS.

Ms. Ferguson, announced that the funding for NEADS’ program was included in the state’s budget for 2016, which was approved last week.

This is the third year Rep. Ferguson has obtained this funding.

The program will receive $85,000 that will go toward training three service dogs. The costs include the trainer, transportation, food and health expenses.

According to John Moon, head of Programs and Community Engagement at NEADS, training these puppies is a year-and-a-half period beginning when they are 8 weeks old. Obedience training and task force training at a correctional facility helps mold experienced service dogs.

“It’s very important for them to be exposed to many different environments,” Mr. Moon said.

Only half meet the requirements after training. After running for 10 years, the Service Dogs for Veterans Program has placed 92 dogs with veterans at no cost.

In order for these veterans to have the ability to get these dogs for free, donations have been made by businesses and money has been given by the state.

Many veterans believe that people who haven’t served won’t understand their emotions, or will be uncomfortable with their physical limitations. The service dogs love unconditionally and allow the veterans to feel more comfortable with themselves.

“Veterans with PTSD have had to push down their emotions, and the dogs help them find their emotions again. Having to care for something like a dog really helps them,” Mr. Moon explained.

The Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center has shown Gardner veterans interested in assistance dogs the application on NEADS’ website.

“It is an honor for NEADS to be able to serve our veterans with what we feel are the very-best-trained service dogs in the United States,” said NEADS CEO Gerry DeRoche.