Returning from active duty, some veterans find their world shrinking to the walls of their own home. Isolation is an all-too-common reality for those living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to Cy Burgess, executive director of Service Dogs for Veterans (SD4V), that can change when a service dog gives them hope to step back outside — this time with four steady paws beside them.
Before SD4V, Navy veteran Joe Kelly was homebound. Since completing the program, he and his dog Shylo go everywhere together, and he now serves as a veteran advocate.
“I left my house twice a year, when I had to get bloodwork done for the VA. Then a picture of a puppy in a pumpkin bandana got me off the couch,” Kelly said.
The bond between Kelly and Shylo was sealed during eight months of training. Unlike some programs, SD4V does not provide pre-trained service animals. Leaders of the nonprofit say their approach builds stronger teams and lowers costs.
“Our approach isn’t like ‘turnkey’ operations,” Burgess said. “Some train the dog first and then have a vet work with it for about a week. That can cost $25,000 or more, but we can cover everything for under $10,000.”
Veterans pay $99 upon admission and another $99 after the initial phase and are responsible for ongoing care and supplies. When SD4V helps a veteran find a dog, they work with rescue groups and match owners with compatible animals.
Applicants are evaluated on living conditions and experience with dogs, and often, there are follow-up home assessments. SD4V also strongly recommends that each veteran be in therapy through the VA or a private provider.
After initial instruction, veterans complete much of the training themselves and continue beyond graduation. SD4V trainers then help them navigate public places and adjust to noise and crowds. Burgess said many dogs become so in sync with their owners, they perform some tasks without formal training.
“If a person suffers from night terrors or severe sleep disruption, a dog might pick up on that stress and wake them,” Burgess said. Kelly added that Shylo has even offered “cover,” ensuring no one stands behind him.
James Ault, now SD4V’s director of training, said he was suicidal 10 years ago. After rescuing his dog Elsa and completing the program, he began training other veterans in 2020, and since then, he has worked with more than 130 graduates. He also enjoys traveling and public speaking.
Founded by Navy veteran Bill Brightman, SD4V has operated for 15 years and graduated more than 200 veterans and their dogs. Still, Burgess said there is more work to do.
“There are about 300,000 vets in our area. The VA says 7 percent of all vets deal with PTSD — that’s over 20,000 people,” Burgess said. “One of our vets said it best: the program is saving a soul on both ends of the leash.”
