Rejected For Service Animal

[Ace]

Went through Puppies Behind Bars to get service dog to help with my PTSD and this is what I got...
Dear Daniel,
Thank you for applying to Puppies Behind Bars for a Dog Tags service dog. We have reviewed your application. Unfortunately, we do not feel we have a service dog that would be appropriate for you. We do our best to match our veteran’s needs with our dog’s needs and lifestyle. Since we only place about 12 dogs per year, we have to make really tough decisions. I am sorry to say that we just feel we have stronger candidates.

We truly appreciate your application and your service to our country. Below are the names of some other service dog programs you may be interested in looking into.

Penny's From Heaven- www.pennysfromheavenfoundation.org

Southeastern Guide Dog Foundation-Link Removed

Assistance Dogs International (ADI) Link Removed

ADI is an umbrella not-profit made up of service dog schools around the globe. Their website lists the accredited programs that they are affiliated with, state by state, and the services they provide.

Sincerely,

Nora Moran

Director, Dog Tags Program

These clowns never asked for my DD214, their website says 15 to 20 a year on service animals trained, and they sent me broken links. What angers me worse is the candidates they have picked are most Poughs who stayed on based and got PTSD such as this one Marine who was triage doctor who got it for things he seen in triage room. If that can give you PTSD enough to warrant service animal use then what is best for me, putting me out to pasture telling me I'm too f*cked up and shooting me in back of the head? I served with 101st 1-187 infantry in Iraq part of first ones in on March 19 2003 look up FARP Shell that's a start for PTSD alone, I got Ar Coms with more f*cked up shit such as April 16th 2003 someone set a toe popper off damn near got me killed wounded 3 of our men and 3 camel jockies, one took a dirt nap while I was trying to save his ass. Not going to get deeper but you get the drift. Hell there is even someone who got out after me served on same squad through whole deal is now rated at 70% PTSD, I'm rated for 100% btw.

 

[Terrier]

@Ace - Don't give up on yourself. I applied to many service dog places, rejected by most. I finally got a dog via one org, only for them to take it back... The second org, I had to return the dog, I couldn't handle the dog. The third time I hired a trainer to find and train a dog, that didn't work out either. So I sit wondering what the hell is wrong with me??? There is a place in GA that seems to be ok, Healing Paws For Heroes. You can find them on FB. I know some folks who got dogs from them. The dog I returned went back to them, and was reassigned to another warrior. Good luck to you, Bro, there is a place out there that will help you get the right dog.

 

[Ace]

@Ace - Don't give up on yourself. I applied to many service dog places, rejected by most. I finally got a dog via one org, only for them to take it back... The second org, I had to return the dog, I couldn't handle the dog. The third time I hired a trainer to find and train a dog, that didn't work out either. So I sit wondering what the hell is wrong with me??? There is a place in GA that seems to be ok, Healing Paws For Heroes. You can find them on FB. I know some folks who got dogs from them. The dog I returned went back to them, and was reassigned to another warrior. Good luck to you, Bro, there is a place out there that will help you get the right dog.

Got so angry and anxiety so high up I ended up puking, bought time for round two as we speak

 

[Deleted member 43454]

Damn, I know it sucks ass to be rejected like that but that's on them for not looking into your background.
I didn't have any dogs for vets in my area last time I checked so I just left that at that. My families Husky is
not trained and I take it for walks every now an again but soon as it acts up I take his ass right back home.
Frustrating I bet, I believe some other members here have gotten service dogs though... they should
have more information or sources...at least some working links not some broken links... that's just messed up.
Not the end of the world though.

http://dogsforvets.com/

http://www.patriotpaws.org/

http://www.dogs4disabledveterans.org/

 

[Terrier]

Here is one in your general area: Dead Link Removed

Glad you came back up for more, keep the faith.

 

[Grizzly]

Ace...I have spoke with a few of the dog training facilities. The issue could very well be your level of disability. 100% PTSD under the DSM will state the patient has issues socially. They are probably afraid that it could be a risk for the animal as much as for you. I'm not sure but I was told that me being 70% would prevent me from many of these groups and receiving a matched animal. You should also have a very in depth Dr's statement and prescription stating that your PTSD would greatly benefit from a service animal / ESA.

I had 2 docs write letters that I would benefit from a support animal. I then began the daunting task of training my own dog. Having had prior K9 training experience It's taken me 2 years. I then had to pass the dog in a public access test.

It's not easy. Ownership requires a lot of patience. Did I say it requires a lot of patience? But I'm sitting here in my office with my SD beside me. He goes to work with me every day. He's full fledged as SD as far as the law goes.

Now...there are requirements legally also. A dog for PTSD is considered an emotional support animal. The ESA is not recognized the same by the ADA as a full service dog. To qualify for a true service dog and have all of the protection under the ADA and DOJ your dog will need to be task trained in skills that help mitigate your disability.

My dog blocks, clears buildings and areas, turns on lights and will distract when I begin to rage out by raising by voice or ball my fists. He'll also put pressure on my chest when I'm having a panic episode. Sometimes he'll wake me in a bad dream. Lastly he is trained to retrieve my epipen.

 

[Sludge]

I'll make a few phone calls on Monday. I work with a number of private breeders that only provide trained service dogs and training to their charges. Quite a few of them work nationally.

More to follow.

 

[combatgoldfish]

Where in Washington are you by the way?

 

[Grizzly]

Also, what exactly are you trying to gain from having a service anima / ESA?

 

[Raven]

There are many organizations that pair vets with rescue animals, not necessarily service dogs.

 

[Ace]

I'm overwhelmed with the support you guys are showing and appreciate every bit, still trying to find which way to answer all the questions. I'm in Forks area of about 10 mile radius from the city center(forgive my paranoid side of telling where I am online. Mainly reason I need service animal is for nightmares wake me from them, keep people away from me or coming up behind me, help with my rage/ anxiety especially when in public and driving, help with my depression to get me out the house, help me remember take my meds and other things in that matter, help me get a sense of purpose again in life such as when down and out get moving again, help me get out the house, check corners for me, check my home when coming home and something is out of place cause that really sets me off. I have been working my ass off with trying to help myself and seems I need some help from someone I can trust that can't talk or have some political/religious views on when I speak my mind, someone who isn't going to get PTSD from shit I tell them. Reason I can't just go with any animal is only certain ones are allowed in certain areas i.e. VA that alone is 50 mile one way trip unless it's Seattle then that is 185 mile trip across a ferry ride, then there is issue with renting is another reason for needing one that is actually service qualified. I know there is maybe one in hundred places deny service animal in public but there is about 1 in 10 places I ever go. I got one letter from my primary service provider who is also vet that served in Iraq when I was there yet he isn't all there on keeping up with his patients or memory.

 

[Grizzly]

Have you tried to locate a K9 training group?

You have one letter. Try to get with another outside civilian therapist who and work on getting a second letter. That should solidify your case. It's anyone's guess why you were actually denied from the first place, but don't give up.

I would definitely keep trying the other programs. I looked at the one you tried. If you look at the SD graduates, it appears they have been declining the last couple of years. Not sure why, it could be funding or something like that. I wouldn't take it personal.

Keep trying Bro. Google some other programs. I think @combatgoldfish was in a program and may be able to point you in a direction.

Keep in mind, the VA's official stance on PTSD / ESA dogs are that they are not allowed at a facility. They'll only recognise assistance type dogs.