05/20/2026
Good News From Our Graduates ~ Lidia Tschetter-Bennison & Copper
When asked to share what some of her challenges and difficulties were prior to Copper being trained as her service dog the fall of 2023, Lidia shared that she used to never leave her house unless it was absolutely necessary. She had, and still deals with, a lot of anxiety which makes it difficult to be in large crowds, go to the grocery store, make choices, or even go to in-person appointments. She also struggles with pretty severe depression which adds to the anxiety. Before being part of the Victory For Vets Service Dog Program she sometimes felt there was no way out of this cycle.
Lidia said that her experience going through the program was fantastic! She could not have asked for a better experience. From her first phone call to inquire about the program all the way to the end of Copper’s training, she appreciated that Victory for Vets was 100% involved. She found the process to be extremely efficient and effective in all areas. Copper was already her dog when she was approved to participate and she appreciated getting regular updates on how he was doing during his individual training. She was able to ask any questions she had and found the forms to be very simple to fill out. Certified Canine Services, our training partners, has a beautiful facility with very friendly and caring staff. In her opinion, Lidia said she honestly couldn’t have dreamt of a better program.
Lidia’s life had already gotten better when she originally adopted Copper from the SPCA, but it improved significantly once he was properly trained and certified. She is now able to take her little buddy with her everywhere. Having Copper by her side, no matter where she goes, makes her feel safe because he has become her shadow.
When asked what she would tell another Veteran considering or just starting the Service Dog Program, Lidia said she would tell them that it is totally worth it in the long run. It has made her life 100% easier and more fulfilling. She has other friends that are also Veterans and she knows that actions can speak louder than words for them. The more her Veteran friends see her with Copper, the more open they are to information and the idea of going through Victory For Vets Service Dog Program. She also loves telling people in the community about the ways the organization works.
Lidia shared that she always hypes the program up and would shout it from the rooftops if she could! She talks about it to anyone and everyone willing to listen. She knows that the more the name Victory For Vets gets out there, the bigger impact it will have on the community, not just for Veterans, but for their friends, families, and anyone that is willing to become involved or just have a good time at the events. She said that this program is about spreading love, awareness, compassion and unity and that she has seen that throughout her entire Victory For Vets journey with Copper.
Lidia graduated with Copper from the program in April of 2024 and has been a Committee Member with Victory For Vets since January of 2026. Over the last several years she has participated in many events held by or on behalf of the organization and is now an important part of planning, organizing and running events along with being a voice for the organization wherever she goes. Lidia has volunteered to sing The National Anthem at the last two Victory For Vets events and recently shared her experience with the Service Dog Program and the difference it has made in her life at the graduation ceremony in April.
