SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) — A new program helps veterans find dogs in the animal shelter to be trained as service animals.
Paws for Patriots aims to help dogs from Caddo Parish Animal Services by helping veterans find service animals.
One veteran speaks on the importance of service animals.
“I got your six. It’s a really good motto in reference to what a service dog is. That dog is going to have your back 100% through the thickest part of your darkness,” said retired Marine Jeremiah Johnson, who enlisted to serve his country in 2009.
Life after the military hasn’t been easy. PTSD, finding housing and battling mental health issues have all been issues veterans like Johnson face.
“It’s a struggle. It truly is, because sometimes you don’t see the light at the end of the tunnel when all there is is stress and darkness,” Johnson said.
Caddo Parish Animal Services launched this new program in November after Eric Hoffman, of the First Responder Support Team (FRST), and Sarrah McGovern, with Companions of Caddo Parish Animal Service (CCPAS), met at an Out of The Darkness Walk.
“These dogs, they don’t ask to come here. They could be an amazing dog and then end up on the euthanasia list because there is just not room,” McGovern said. “So we’ve got two lives that could have possibly ended that are being brought together. And I think we’re winning on that.”
CPAS Assistant Director Kelvin Samuel, a 26-year veteran of the Air Force couldn’t agree more.
“It gives them a sense of responsibility, something to wake up to, something that’s always there for them. And guess what? We have tons of animals that are here with no fault of their own and they’re looking for their person as well. So, we can pair these two together. It’s going to be great,” Samuel said.
Through a combination of research from McGovern and Hoffman and fundraising from FRST and CPAS, Johnson was able to connect with a dog that will complete training to meet ADA standards and provide him with the support he needs and deserves to move forward with his life.
“I am excited. For many years as I’ve said. I’ve struggled, and in my experience with FRST, I can’t be happier. They see me where I’m at and how we can grow,” says Johnson.
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