Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs

What is the procedure to get a service dog?

BJ Adkins — Wed, 09 May 2012 13:50:44 +0000

For a non-veteran recipient that would like to apply for a service dog, we have an in-depth application process that allows us to custom train and choose the most suitable dog for the recipient’s personal challenges and environment. Once all of the paperwork is completed and approved, the recipient will be placed on a waiting list of approved candidates. Prior to pairing, we will make an in home visit to confirm that we have chosen the right dog for the recipient. When the dog is ready to pair with his recipient, the recipient must then be prepared to come stay for three to four days to transition the bond and teach the recipient how to deliver the commands. Because of the extensive training necessary and the cost involved in raising money to donate one of these dogs, we have about a four year waiting list at this time.

Congrssman Stearns sent out a press release after meeting with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc.

BJ Adkins — Fri, 04 May 2012 05:04:04 +0000

This is the press release from Congressman Stearns Office.

NEWS FROM
North Central Florida’s Congressman
CLIFF STEARNS
For Immediate Release April 17, 2012
Contact: Paul Flusche (202) 225-5744 cell (202) 225-7360

STEARNS SEES FIRST HAND HOW DOGS IMPROVE THE LIVES OF VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES URGING THE VA TO END HOLD ON GUARDIAN ANGELS MEDICAL SERVICE DOGS

WASHINGTON, APRIL 17, 2012 – Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Sixth) visited Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. in Williston, FL last week. Guardian Angles provides service dogs to veterans afflicted with physical or mental injuries, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a serious condition for service members returning home from combat. “There are veteran here suffering from PTSD who could be helped with a service dog – which would not only benefit the veterans but their families as well,” said Stearns. “The Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. has had an impressive 100 percent success rate in helping veterans manage their symptoms where drugs and therapy have been inadequate.”

Congress authorized a pilot program at the Veterans Administration (VA) to use service dogs for the treatment and rehabilitation of veterans with physical and/or mental injuries. Recently, the VA suspended the program indefinitely due to issues with the other two service dog organizations participating in the pilot program. Said Stearns, “What do we owe our veterans? We owe them the freedoms we enjoy every day. After seeing the real difference these service dogs make in helping veterans and their loved ones cope, I’m committed to restoring this program. As a senior member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, I am writing to VA Secretary Shinseki urging him lift the hold so that deserving veterans receive the service dogs they need. In addition, I’m considering legislation to make access to service dogs a permanent program in the VA.”

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs held their veteran/recipient picnic on Saturday, April 28th which was very well recieved

BJ Adkins — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 05:30:31 +0000

Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs held their veteran/recipient picnic on Saturday, April 28th. This was a wonderful event planned by the veterans and recipients both that have already been paired with their dogs as well as those on the waiting list. It was well attended with about 40 people bringing side dishes. We grilled hot dogs and hamburgers and everyone shared stories and felt welcomed into our organization. We were also honored to have the board of directors in attendance from AnyVeteran.org, a non profit group that does documentaries on our veterans.

What are some safe toys I can get for my SD to play with?

BJ Adkins — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 03:48:59 +0000

Be sure any toys you purchase are made for dogs and have the durability necessary for the size and roughness of your dog. For example a larger dog could potentially swallow or get the tennis ball stuck in it’s throat and would suffer a horrible death if not treated quickly. This same tennis ball would be perfect size for a smaller service dog to play catch with. Since we specialize in large breeds primarily, we use the Cuz balls, Kong toys and sterilized natural chew bones.

Large Kong – $10-$11
Leather Leash – $25
Large Cuz Balls – $9-$10
Kong Squeaker – $5-$6

These can be found at any pet store or online at Petco, Petsmart and other pet stores.

I have other animals at home (cat, dog etc) will my service dog get along with them?

BJ Adkins — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 03:21:57 +0000

While all service dogs should always behave properly in public, not all of them are going to cohabitate well with other dogs, birds, hamsters or cats. It is very important that the service dog has been tested in other situations involving other pets. It is equally important to know if your dog or cat is going to accept your new service dog into their territory. If not, then you will need to have a back up plan for your current pets. Normally if we know ahead of time (thus the need for home visits to learn the dynamics of your current dogs, cats, etc) we can test how one of the service dogs we have in mind for your situation and we’ll know in advance if there are any immediate issues.We do our best to choose the service dog that we believe will fit well in your particular situation and we are usually correct 99% of the time. If there is a problem with the selected service dog not fitting in with your current pets, whether because the service dog doesn’t like your current pets or because your current pets don’t like having a new dog in the house we will work diligently to find another service dog which will fit in better for you and all of your family.

It is equally important to know if your dog or cat is going to accept your new service dog into their territory. If not, then you will need to have a back up plan for your current pets.

What kind of food do I need to be feeding my service dog?

BJ Adkins — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:07:50 +0000

We always recommend one of the premium diets such as Blue Buffalo or Fromm. There are several other high quality brands so choose carefully and don’t be fooled by marketing tactics. Keeping your service dog on a premium diet is extremely important so that he/she stays in the best condition mentally and physically in order to assist you and have a long quality of life. You will have less shedding, less skin allergies, less ear/eye infections, etc. by keeping him/her on a premium diet, therefore you will have lower veterinary expenses.

I have a pool, is it ok if my service dog goes swimming with me?

BJ Adkins — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 02:46:41 +0000

Absolutely! But, be sure they understand where the steps are too get out in case they should ever fall in. Also, I would recommend rinsing your service dog off thoroughly afterwards so that you can rinse out the chlorine, salt or river muck depending on where you go swimming. If you are going to swim in the salt water, be sure your service dog does not drink this water. If you go swimming in a river or pond, etc. and you live on the gulf coast or south Florida, do not swim in the early morning or evening due to the potential of alligators which will go after a service dog or any other dog for that matter.

How much will the service dog cost me from Guardian Angels?

BJ Adkins — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:19:30 +0000

It costs Guardian Angels about $20,000 to take a dog from start to finish. Because most people live on a limited disability income, we donate the service dogs to the qualified applicants. However, because we have to spend as much time raising the necessary funds as we do training the dogs, most organizations have waiting lists from 2 to 10 years or they won’t even take new applications anymore. While it does not cost the recipient anything for the dog itself, we always welcome any fundraising efforts among the family and friends in expediting this process.

Keep in mind to qualify for a dog, you must be able to afford the initial expenses for the supplies (food, bowls, toys, etc.) and the long term commitment of about $160 a month for expenses including food, wellness and health insurance.

What if i am denied entry into a business with my service dog?

BJ Adkins — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 01:15:44 +0000

Our recipients always carry their identification with the phone number to the federal justice department. You should always try to nicely educate the merchant about service dogs, but have them call that number if they don’t understand. Ultimately, if you still have an issue, call the police and show them the state and federal statutes that protect your rights. Keep in mind, that if your dog does not behave appropriately, you may be asked to leave.

However, no one can ask you and your service dog to leave simply because they don’t like dogs, are afraid of dogs or allergic.

Does my Service Dog have to be wearing it’s vest if we’re just going out for a walk, or riding in the car?

BJ Adkins — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:20:37 +0000

Absolutely! If for some reason you are separated from your dog, become incapacitated, or get into an accident, as long as your dog is wearing their jacket, emergency services or anyone else attending the scene, will know to keep the dog with you at all times, and refrain from sending it to the animal shelter.

By law you are not required to have it on your dog, but it does make things easier when you do and you’ll reduce the risk of being challenged while out in public.