Objective: An innovative program to train service dogs for veterans by utilizing the RRUFF Special Needs Area, local dog rescue organizations, veterinarians and approved service dog trainers. Program Criteria: All donations will be deposited in the “Healing Heroes” account and will be used as designated by RRUFF unless otherwise specified by the donor. A donor may restrict use of the funds for a specific veteran, or any other reasonable criteria established by the donor and agreed to by RRUFF. Healing Heroes program is available to ALL qualified veterans, regardless of their community or school affiliation. Approved trainers must abide by the RRUFF User Agreement. All trainers must provide proof of insurance and name RRUFF as second insured. Qualified veterans would receive a scholarship, when money is available to provide training from puppy to certification. All veterans are required participate in the initial informational class taught by program trainers. The informational class will go over how to get a dog, what type of dog to get, service dog training commitments, certification, etc. This class should be held once a month (or as needed) and is the first step all veterans must take to be enrolled in the program. Veterans will complete trainer’s application, participate in the evaluation process ; and if they are training their own dog, the trainer will assess that dog to be sure it meets the necessary guidelines to qualify as a service animal. The trainers will work with veterans individually to discuss their training and canine needs. Veterans will be responsible for obtaining their own canine. RRUFF can help with animal resources (rescues, shelters, breeders). RRUFF will provide a canine resource list. The trainers will set forth their requirements for all training in this program. They will also train additional trainers if there are interested veteran candidates that meet all requirements. RRUFF will do grant writing to raise funds for this program. RRUFF representatives will do regular presentations to community service groups, including veteran’s groups for the purpose of education and solicitation of donations for the program.
