A Doggie 4 You graduates its first service dog

After implementing a new training program for PTSD/service dogs, A Doggie 4 You recently placed its first dog “graduate”with a new handler. Dog trainer and program manager Steven Rice took Titus, a German Shepherd who did not have the right temperament for bomb detection and narcotics work, and trained him to be a service dog.

Carson Wehmeyer was hoping to find a new service dog and hit it right off with new graduate, Titus.

Rice has extensive experience in training PTSD and service dogs as well as training in explosive detection and narcotics work. He is excited to manage A Doggie 4 You’s new program training PTSD and service dogs, which has been a longterm goal of the rescue.

An official service dog must perform at least two specific tasks for their handler. Training can typically cost anywhere between five thousand and thirty thousand dollars. This is a cost that is out of reach for most people who could benefit from these dogs.

Several parents from Robb Elementary in Uvalde have inquired about obtaining service dogs for their children after visiting with the handlers and dogs brought by A Doggie 4 You to Uvalde. Cost and availability have been serious factors influencing whether families can afford the dogs. Seeing the need, A Doggie 4 You has stepped forward to incorporate this training program into their rescue activities.

According to A Doggie 4 You founder Patricia Godkin, the cost to train each of these dogs will range between $5,000$7,000. Dogs will be offered to first responders, veterans, and victims of school shootings at a significantly reduced adoption fee of $300.

For more information about service dogs contact Steven Rice or Patricia Godkin at A Doggie 4 You. To help sponsor a PTSD/ service dog, call Donna Witt at (830) 796-8269.