Leslie Ridlon, US Army, and Marine Corps veteran, joined AM Tampa Bay to discuss her experience with K9 Partners for Patriots and how the program helped her.
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.
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.
To learn more on the organization or how you can help click here