Morgan’s staff trains these dogs in basic obedience and fundamentals of service for PTSD/TBI veterans. They are taught to interrupt attacks of panic, stress and hypervigilance: hallmarks of PTSD/TBI. Over a 3 – 4 week period the dogs are then introduced to the veterans in bi-weekly group classes. In this safe environment, veterans share their stories, events and concerns with each other while they learn about their dogs and their dogs learn about them. Under supervision from Elana Morgan they become the trainers of their service dogs. There are unique aspects to our program. The veterans are saving the dogs’ lives, which decreases the stigma of negative labeling in which those who most need help avoid seeking help for fear of looking weak. The veterans participate in the training of their service dogs in an ongoing program with other affected veterans. The time and cost to get the service dogs in our program is shortened by years and tens of thousands of dollars. Most veterans wait in vain for years to get a service dog. Our program pairs them with a service dog in 6-8 weeks. The cost from rescue to graduation is $5,000 and the cost for the entire two year program of classes and group support is $10,000. There is no cost to the veteran to be in our program or for their service dog.
