Tripawd pawrents know that a three-legged animal can put a smile on anyone’s face. Tripawds also make excellent service dogs for wounded military personnel, as soldiers from the San Antonio-based group Service Dog Express explained to us recently while Wyatt Ray was training at a local Farmer’s Market.
Service Dog Express “provides training of service dogs for wounded warriors/veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and civilians with disabilities such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, manic depression, etc.
The group also trains service dogs for children and adults with disorders that lie on the autism spectrum, and clients with epilepsy, diabetes, hearing, and mobility impairments. Service Dog Express also trains Therapy Dogs according to the guidelines set forth by Pet Partners (formerly the Delta Society)” and even offers basic obedience training.
We talked with Beverly, a former military psychiatric nurse, who now trains dogs for Service Dog Express. She explained that the group is always on the lookout for Tripawds who are a good fit for the program, since many human amputees often find extra comfort in dogs who are also missing a leg or have a physical challenge.
Wyatt agrees that he thinks wounded warriors are just as awesome.
Canine candidates are carefully selected from reputable rescue groups in the San Antonio region. All dogs have been assessed for temperament and trainability. They all know various commands, but are not fully trained Service Dogs until paired with a client.
Please support this pawesome organization by visiting Service Dog Express online, and tell them Tripawds sent you!
I have a puppy that was born with just 3 legs and a little nub. I was wondering if you would be interested in this dog as a service animal for a wounded soldier as a therapy dog? Please let me know where I could donate her. Thank you. Nancy Smith
Nancy if you have a Tripawd for adoption please post in our Tripawd Rescue Forums. Thanks.