AM Tampa Bay's Natalie Aquilia got a chance to visit K9 Partners for Patriots facility in Brooksville.
K9 Partners for Patriots is an organization transforming the lives of veterans and active duty service members struggling with the effects of PTS, TBI, and/or MST by rescuing homeless dogs and teaching veterans to train them as their own service dogs in a safe and judgment-free, family environment.
During my visit, I got to see what goes into a service dog training session with the Veterans that were in the middle of their 19-week training program with K9 Partners for Patriots.
The facility is fantastic and very unique that it has so many moving parts that all come together for one reason: to save veterans lives.
Gregg Laskoski, Communications Director of K9 Partners For Patriots, gave me a tour and explained to what goes into each training session.
1 of 3 2 of 3 3 of 3
In the training center, they have a special area where veterans and active duty service members that are in the process of training can act out real scenario's to teach the dogs how they should act in each setting.
Here's a video of my experience at the K9 Partners For Patriots.
If you want to help K9 Partners For Patriots, you can foster temporary homes for service dogs before their training.
However, before having the dogs train with veterans, they must be able to alert positively to the scent of adrenaline because that innate ability is what makes them ideal partners for veterans with PTSD, TBI, and MST. The dogs are rescued from shelters, and once they pass our tests and know they qualify to become a service dog, it is crucial to place the dog with a foster who will help it socialize and get it ready to be matched with a veteran.
Which is why K9 Partners For Patriots in need of your help to foster these dogs.
Here are commonly asked questions about Fostering:
What do the fosters do?
They provide a temporary home for the dogs that we know will soon be matched with a veteran. Many of the dogs that enter the program come from animal shelters and rescues. The foster provides a valuable role in giving the shelter dog care & attention and the chance to get used to a home.
How long does fostering take?
2 to 3 weeks and generally less than two months
What is required to foster?
Fosters must be willing to involve the dog in family activities and allow the dog to live indoors as a member of the household. Have one-on-one time, play time, and walks the dog on a leash.
The fosters must be brought to the K9 Partners For Patriots training facility once a week to observe classes and help socialize the dog.
K9 Partners For Patriots will provide all fosters with dog food; cover all medical expenses and also offer some assistance with gas cards to cover fuel expenses.
For those who want to learn more about our Foster Care program click here.
There is also an event coming up:
Saturday June 15: K9 Partners for Patriots Fundraiser
Blue Pelican Marina,5000 Calienta St., Hernando Beach
6 pm to 10 pm
For more info on how to get involved with the fundraiser click here