Department of Defense Grant Awarded to K9 Partners for Patriots

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Written by K9 Partners for Patriots

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Grants | News

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October 7, 2015

Discover why flea markets may not be the best environment for service dogs.

Learn about risks, distractions, and considerations for handlers.

1. Crowded Environment: Flea markets are often bustling with crowds, which can be overwhelming for a service dog. The dog may become stressed or anxious in such a busy atmosphere.

2. Distractions: Flea markets are filled with various sights, sounds, and smells that can distract a service dog from its duties. This could potentially compromise its ability to assist its handler effectively.

3. Unpredictable Behavior of Other Animals: Other visitors to the flea market may bring their pets along, which can lead to encounters with unfamiliar animals. This may pose a risk to the safety and focus of the service dog.

4. Risk of Injury: With so many people moving around and browsing items, there’s an increased risk of accidental tripping or stepping on the service dog, which could lead to injury.

5. Exposure to Unsanitary Conditions: Flea markets may not always maintain the cleanest environment, and the service dog may come into contact with unsanitary surfaces or substances.

6. Lack of Accommodation for the Dog: Flea markets may not be equipped to handle service dogs properly, such as providing suitable resting areas, water, or relief spots for the dog.

7. Potential Stress for the Dog: A flea market’s constant stimulation and unfamiliar surroundings could cause stress or discomfort for the service dog, which may affect its overall well-being and ability to perform its tasks.

Given these factors, it’s important for service dog handlers to carefully consider whether taking their dog to a flea market is truly necessary and in the best interest of the dog’s welfare and effectiveness in assisting its handler.

Department of Defense Grant Awarded to K9 Partners for Patriots

Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program

K9 Partners for Patriots is thrilled to announce that they have been awarded the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) Grant (not to be confused with Wounded Warrior). This Department of Defense grant is awarded by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for the period of September 2015 – September 2016 in the amount of $86,501.00.

This significantly paves the way for our Service Dog Training Program to press forward and expand our efforts in the training of Service Dogs with Veterans and Service Members who have been diagnosed with service related PTSD and/or TBI at no cost to our program Veterans and Service Members.

The good work K9 Partners for Patriots will do this year using this provision will be known as “OPERATION RESCUE”.

The tremendous benefits and transformative effects service dogs provide to soldiers and veterans diagnosed with PTSD and/or TBI is becoming more and more evident. Improved family relationships as well as increased social interactions, independence and reduced stress. In many cases medications are reduced or eliminated as quality of life improves.

Furthermore, many of the service dogs in the program are rescued from shelters, giving both the Veteran and the animal a new lease on life. The need for such dogs is growing and the expenses associated with their care and training are substantial.

Our Veterans and Service Members need and deserve our support. There aren’t words enough to express our gratitude for this generous grant award. We vow to use it wisely and do all that we may to provide support through our Service Dog Training Program to our Veterans, Active Military, their families and service animals with OPERATION RESCUE!