LANSING, Ill. (April 19, 2025) – Holding back tears was tough as veterans were paired with their new best friends at a service dog dedication ceremony on April 19 at American Legion Edward Schultz Post 697.
K9s for Veterans hosted its biannual ceremony when veterans are introduced to dogs who are specially trained to help them cope with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
‘A total game-changer’
K9s for Veterans is an Illinois-based nonprofit organization founded in 2016 by U.S. Army veteran Michael Tellerino.
It has helped more than 200 veterans and first responders transition back into civilian life with assistance of trained service dogs who have been rescued from kill shelters.
“Did the dog adopt the veteran or did the veteran adopt the dog?” was the question posed by Tellerino, who said 22 veterans die each day as a result of PTSD-related suicide.
The dogs offer a connection that can help comfort a veteran during difficult times.
“These dogs are a total game-changer,” Tellerino said.
The Post’s part in the partnership
American Legion Post 697 was chosen to host the ceremony because its Auxiliary Unit raised the funds to provide three of the 14 dogs presented to their owners that evening. Each dog donation costs $7,500, which includes training, food and medical care for the dog’s lifetime.
“What an amazing gift they’re giving to our veterans,” Tellerino said.
The idea to sponsor the dogs was presented by Patty Duzek, secretary for Auxiliary Unit 697. To raise the funds, the group sold T-shirts and hosted a spaghetti dinner and a Bunco event.
Auxiliary Unit 697 president Tina Funchion spoke of how impactful it was to see the Auxiliary Unit’s work come to fruition. She gave credit to the wider Lansing community and beyond for supporting the fundraising effort.
“Our patrons at the Post were very supportive,” Funchion said. “We sent out letters to the community. They were very supportive.”
Service dogs diffuse PTSD symptoms
Tellerino said he knows firsthand the positive impact service dogs have on veterans dealing with emotional issues. His life was improved by a service dog, he said.
“I had anger issues before,” Tellerino said. “I was withdrawn.”
Tellerino’s service dog died two months ago, but he and his new dog were among those introduced at the event. He told attendees about the advanced training the dogs receive.
“They can turn on a light,” Tellerino said. “They can get keys. They can get our medicine.”
The most important function the dogs perform, he said, is detecting and diffusing PTSD episodes by doing things such as barking, licking, or pawing.
“What they’re doing is telling us, ‘You don’t need to be in that bad place,’” Tellerino said.
U.S. Air Force veteran Robert Phillips, of St. Charles, was on hand with his golden retriever, Molly, who recently completed her training.
Phillips said Molly helps ease his anxiety, and can assist him with standing up from a chair and walking up and down stairs. While he can’t put is finger on the reason, Phillips said Molly makes him feel calmer and more focused.
“For some reason, because she’s there, I know I’m going to be OK,” Phillips said.
U.S. Army veteran Kyle Tietz, of Gardner, said his service dog helped him reintegrate into society. Tietz said he used to stay home and play video games, but now he feels comfortable around crowds and enjoys everyday activities.
“I just feel more confident with him around,” Tietz said.
Kenny & Goose, Dave & Sam, John & Murphy
At the emotional ceremony, members of Auxiliary Unit 697 watched as the three dogs it sponsored were officially paired up with three veterans.
Kenny Avery, of Bolingbrook, was paired with his dog, Goose. Stickney resident Dave Hume now has Sam, and Chicago resident John Tate has a new friend in his dog, Murphy.
Tate said he has been training with Murphy for about five weeks, and that the dog helps him to relax, feel more grounded, and not think too much.
“It’s really thrilling to now go through this journey training him to be a service dog,” Tate said. “It’s amazing to see what he’s capable of.”
Ken Kleidon, vice president of K9s for Veterans, said not one of the 200 individuals who have gone through its program have been lost to suicide.
“And that’s why we’re here,” Kleidon said.
Tellerino encouraged veterans and first responders in need of help to contact the organization at (773) 854-1000 and www.k9sforveteransnfp.org.
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