Dog Tag Buddies is proud to announce the graduation of two service dog teams today, marking the culmination of two years of intensive training.
The following is a media release from Dog Tag Buddies.
BILLINGS, Mont. – Dog Tag Buddies is proud to announce the graduation of two service dog teams today, marking the culmination of two years of intensive training. These veterans, alongside their dedicated service dogs, have completed a rigorous program designed not only to train the dogs but also to equip the veterans with essential strategies and tools to navigate the challenges they face daily.
Over the past six months, Dog Tag Buddies has celebrated the graduation of eight service dog teams.
Over the past six months, Dog Tag Buddies has celebrated the graduation of eight service dog teams. These dedicated teams have participated in hundreds of hours of guided training sessions and independent practice. Training a service dog is an intensive and challenging process that demands perseverance and dedication.
Dog Tag Buddies is an integrative therapeutic program dedicated to enhancing the daily lives and social mobility of veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. Our mission focuses on empowering veterans to lead more fulfilling lives through the profound bond they build with their service dogs. This relationship helps veterans recognize and manage the symptoms of their hidden injuries, discourages self-isolation, and instills a renewed sense of purpose.
“Building a relationship with a carefully chosen dog sets the foundation for success for both the veteran and their service dog,” explained DeeDe Baker, Executive Director of Dog Tag Buddies. “Our model involves the veteran and their family in the training process from start to finish. By helping our veterans lead better lives with a service dog, we contribute to their growth as spouses, parents, employees, and community members.”
Graduate, Josiah Wallingford stated he is so grateful for this program. “It has changed my life. It gave me so much more than I knew was possible.” Josiah and his dog, Bee, looked forward to their weekly training sessions, which became a reward for all mundane day-to-day activities.
Despite the proven benefits, the Veterans Administration does not currently recognize service dogs for Post-Traumatic Stress or Traumatic Brain Injury as a valid treatment modality. As a result, veterans pursuing this option receive no support from the VA. Dog Tag Buddies fills this critical gap by providing our services at no cost to veterans during their training. The comprehensive cost of acquiring, training, and caring for each service dog over the two-year period is $25,000. While graduates take on the ongoing expenses of having a service dog, Dog Tag Buddies remains a constant source of support.
Our program ensures veterans can participate by creating a unique model of having trainers strategically located throughout the State of Montana. Current training areas include Missoula, Flathead Valley, Helena, Great Falls, Havre, Bozeman, and Billings.
Having a program like Dog Tag Buddies in Montana is essential to addressing the health and well-being of our veterans. To learn more about our program or to donate, please visit dogtagbuddies.org or call us at 406.969.1227.
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