K9s for Warriors

K9s For Warriors is an American charity and veterans service organization that provides service dogs to veterans.[3] The organization trains rescue dogs to help veterans coping with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, post-9/11 issues and other psychological challenges associated with military service.

K9s For Warriors
Formation2011
FounderShari Duval
Type501(C)(3)
FocusAlternate therapy for helping veterans cope with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Animal welfare
Location
  • Ponte Vedra, Florida
Region served
United States
CEO
Rory Diamond[1]
Budget
$4.6 million in FY 2016[2]
Staff
86[1]
Websitewww.k9sforwarriors.org

History

K9s For Warriors was founded in 2011 by Shari Duval who was inspired by her son, Brett Simon,[4] a contractor who returned from two tours in Iraq and was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress.[5]

Program

K9s For Warriors evaluates and trains rescued dogs before providing them to veterans as service dogs for no charge.[6] The organization accommodates veterans during a three-week live-in program to facilitate bonding with a trained dog, following which the veterans are sent home along with their service dog.[5] As of January 2019, K9s For warriors has graduated 500 warrior-canine teams [7].The organization claims that 95% of dogs used in the program are rescues, with the other 5% coming from breeders or being surrendered by owners .[8] In 2018, the organization opened its second training facility near Gainesville, FL, named the Gold Family Campus. [9]

Media coverage

There are many success stories of K9s For Warriors program beneficiaries.[10] K9s For Warriors has been covered extensively in mainstream media.[11][12][13][14][15][16][17]

In November 2015, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was nominated for the NFL's "Salute to Service" award[18] for his work with K9s for Warriors.[19]

Supermodel Kate Upton and husband Justin Verlander, an MLB player, have held fundraising events for K9s For Warriors and the SPCA. In 2017, it was covered by PEOPLE magazine.[20]

A documentary available to the public was released on a small scale in New York City in 2018. The documentary is called "A New Leash on Life: The K9s For Warriors Story" and was covered by FOX & Friends.[21] It was produced by Emmy award-winning director, Nick Nanton[22]

The documentary's trailer is on IMDb. It is available on Amazon Prime. The documentary was presented at the Suncoast Region Emmy awards where it won four Emmys for Direction, Editing, Photography and Documentary.  Shari received the highest award the Daughters of the American Revolution presents, the Americanism Medal of Honor, at Continental Congress in June 2019.

Scientific Studies

In 2015, K9s For Warriors entered into a partnership with Purdue University. The goal was to verify scientifically that service dogs are an effective treatment for veterans with PTSD. The study is the first published research to define the biobehavioral effects of service dogs on veterans with PTSD. This study was able to show that those with PTSD have less anger, less anxiety and better sleep. [23] Currently, a large-scale clinical trial is underway at the National Institutes of Health to further study the efficacy of service dogs for veterans with PTSD. The length of the trial allows for a better understanding of the interrelationships between psychological and behavioral processes, PTSD symptoms and service dogs[24].

References
  1. "K9s for Warriors opens expansive new Nocatee home ready to help veterans for free". Jacksonville. 8 July 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  2. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/27-5219467
  3. "Rusty's Legacy joins forces with K9s for Warriors". The McDowell News. 10 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  4. "Warrior with PTSD explains fear of St. Augustine". First Coast News. 23 April 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  5. "Spared from the kennel: These rescue dogs now help vets". Army Times. 9 May 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  6. "Campaign aims to stop veteran suicide epidemic". News4Jax. 7 February 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  7. https://www.k9sforwarriors.org/sites/default/files/500%20grads%20Press%20Release%20.pdf
  8. "Operation Orion is in full swing". First Coast News. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  9. https://www.wuft.org/news/2018/02/01/gold-family-campus-offering-second-chances-for-veterans-rescue-dogs/
  10. "How Dogs Are Helping Returning Military Soldiers Combat PTSD". American Kennel Club. 27 June 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  11. "Veteran opens up about how his service dog changed his life". Fox News. 23 May 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  12. "How K9s for Warriors helps turn dogs into veterans' lifelines". 10 November 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  13. "Extraordinary Ordinaries: Veteran, dog paired through K9s for Warriors". Fox13. 14 October 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  14. "Service dog turns life around for PTSD mom and autistic son". First Coast News. 11 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  15. "K9s for Warriors gives service dogs to vets with PTSD". Fox News. 11 November 2016. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  16. "K9s for Warriors uses dogs to reintroduce soldiers to society". Orlando Weekly. 18 February 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  17. "K9s For Warriors Aims To Rescue 10 Dogs To Help Veterans With PTSD In Summer Fundraiser". Huffington Post. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  18. "Salute to Service month in NFL includes award". Associated Press. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  19. "New Orleans Saints nominate Sean Payton for 'Salute to Service' award". The Times-Picayune. 6 November 2015. Retrieved 21 November 2015.
  20. "Kate Upton & Fiancé Justin Verlander to Hold Pet Rescue Event — and Try Not to Come Home with a Dog". People Magazine. 10 March 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  21. "Veterans get new leash on life with K9s for Warriors". Fox News. 13 June 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  22. "Emmy Award Winning Director Nick Nanton to Co-Produce Operation Underground Railroad Documentary". Broadway World. 8 March 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
  23. "Research shows how service dogs can help veterans with PTSD". Purdue University. 5 November 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
  24. "Service Dogs May Lower Stress Levels of Veterans With PTSD". American Veterinarian. 20 June 2018. Retrieved 15 January 2018.
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