ASSISTANCE IN ACTION

Dozing Dog

Marine Corps Cpl. Carlos Deleonsantiago rests with his military working dog, Fero, at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center

Twentynine Palms, Calif., Feb. 16, 2020, during Marine AirGround Task Force Warfighting Exercise. The exercise focuses on the tactical application of combined-arms maneuver, offensive and defensive operations during combat.

Canine Cuddle

Air Force Airman 1st Class Ashland Busman spends time with Benji, a therapy dog, during a visit to a COVID-19 testing center manned by the Illinois National Guard in East St. Louis, Ill., May 19, 2020.

Therapy Dog

Army Spc. John Ward, a behavioral health technician assigned to the 405th Field Hospital, introduces a service member to Mila, a therapy dog used as a stress reliever for service members at the Javits New York Medical Station in New York City, April 17, 2020. In support of the Defense Department’s COVID-19 response, U.S. Northern Command, through Army North, is supporting the Federal Emergency Managemen Agency to help communities in need.

For military veterans suffering from physical and psychological disabilities, recovery and healing can be challenging, particularly as it relates to their access to quality jobs, education, and other social functions. Yet, relief and assistance can be found in an unlikely place— the unwavering bond between human and animal. In 2012, Canine Support Teams, Inc. (CST) launched the Providing Assistance Dogs to the Brave Men and Women (PAWZ) program. PAWZ was established to address the increasing number of men and women who, after serving our country in the United States military, require a service dog. This program directly connects expertly trained service dogs with disabled veterans throughout the U.S. to support their personal, social, and occupational independence.

Since its founding in 1989, CST has served more than 300 veteran families in gratitude for their service to our country. At no cost to the recipients, CST trains service dogs to support disabled veterans who are seeking enhanced mobility, independence, and companionship. The CST staff and volunteers work hard to ensure that the average wait time to match a dog and client is only 12-18 months, as compared to the industry standard of three to five years. Whether their disability is obvious or invisible, CST is committed to helping veterans reclaim their independence.

The Service Dog Journey

Volunteer Puppy Raisers and professional CST Trainers spend two years raising, providing medical care, and expertly training dogs to assist qualified veterans with disabilities in their everyday lives.

For the first 18 months of the dog’s life, CST’s volunteer Puppy Raisers socialize the puppy with as many outings and experiences as possible (e.g., restaurants, stores, and shopping centers, using public transportation, processing through TSA security).

The exposure and experiences are critical in helping potential service dogs become confident, calm, and focused amid distractions while “on the job” with their future clients. Puppies also complete basic obedience classes under the direction of our trainers, receiving American Kennel Club Star Puppy and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certificates.

Dogs then enter CST’s unique Prison Pup Program for Advanced Training, the longest-standing prisonbased service dog training program in the nation. In partnership with California Institute for Men and California Institute for Women in Chino, CA, CST Trainers work with carefully vetted Inmate Trainers on a weekly basis. Using Operant Conditioning, which places emphasis on recognizing and working with the dog’s temperament to motivate it to perform a given task, dogs learn the specific service dog tasks needed to support their veteran client (e.g., walking with and beside a wheelchair or walker, retrieving dropped items, turning lights on and off, opening and closing doors, pressing elevator buttons, pulling off socks and sweaters, and barking to alert for help in emergencies).

Upon completing Advanced Training, the dog is matched with their veteran-handler and intensive Team Training takes place at the CST facility in Murrieta, CA, over a ten-day period. The training covers obedience, public access, and task training, including Basic Service Dog and Public Access Laws (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and associated regulations), as well as the veteran’s rights with regards to their service dog and how to respond when questioned or denied access to accommodations, employment, housing and the like. Additionally, there are workshops on dog behavior, training philosophies and techniques; First Aid and health care for dogs; having a service dog in home and work environments; and integrating the service dog into the client’s daily life and his/her family life. Upon completion of the training, the dog and veteran will have passed the Assistance Dogs International (ADI) standardized Public Access Certification Test (PACT).

Throughout Team Training, CST staff (several of whom are veterans themselves) are sensitive to the physical and mental challenges the veteran clients face. Each trainer is patient, kind, encouraging, and supportive to ensure the best experience for each veteran client.

A Lifelong Connection

The placement of a dog with a veteran is just the beginning of their journey. CST is honored to offer veterans complete access to CST’s expert training staff for the “working life” of their partner-dog. In the early is paramount to help acclimate the dog to their new environment and relieve any stress felt by the veteran, their family, and/or the dog. If there are ever any issues or concerns, CST trainers schedule a time for an in-person individualized training to get them on track. The CST staff often forms lasting relationships with their veteran clients and are thrilled to receive pictures and videos of the wonderful experiences the veterans are having with their service dog.

Client Spotlight

Michael Mileham was born in London in 1947. He immigrated to the U.S. in 1953 and would eventually serve in the Vietnam War. For his service and sacrifice, Michael was presented with three Purple Hearts, and is the only British subject to receive this solemn distinction. Upon return to civilian life, and thanks to the GI Bill, Michael enrolled in the LACC Film Program. He eventually started a production company that made documentaries, industrial films, and music videos.

Michael has had a very successful, award-winning career working with artist like Dolly Parton, The Beatles, Elliott Gould, Michelle Pfeiffer, and the Monty Pythons, to name a few.

Michael became a member of the CST family in the early 2000s, and recently received his third service dog, Angel, through CST’s PAWZ program.

“Michael is grateful to Canine Support Teams for providing him with three beautiful service dogs. Each dog who has supported him have truly enriched his life,” says his wife Marilyn Mileham.

Now retired in in Joshua Tree, California, Michael, his wife, and Angel enjoy visiting art museums, photography, traveling, and getting out into nature. Angel has helped Michael to not only navigate each of his favorite activities, but also to enjoy the constant companionship his service dog provides.

To learn how you can assist Canine Support Teams through advocacy, volunteering, or financial support, visit www.caninesupportteams.org. If you are or know a veteran who may benefit from a service dog, please email cstmain@caninesupportteams.org.