In a touching ceremony, veterans were paired with service dogs, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. The three dogs, Pebbles, Daisy, and Rider, took the stage, guided by their trainers, as they prepared to meet their new companions.
Five veterans are set to embark on a new partnership with these specially trained dogs. The canines, having completed six weeks of initial training, will continue to hone their skills alongside the veterans through regular classes over the coming months.
The partnership training is conducted at Liberty Dogs’ expansive campus located in South Reno. The facility spans 27 acres and includes 10 buildings with about 200,000 square feet of space dedicated to training and support.
The campus is designed to meet the needs of both veterans and their service dogs, featuring accommodations, classrooms, training zones, and veterinary services on site.
The initiative aims to pair 200 veterans with service dogs each year, focusing on those dealing with PTSD, anxiety, and depression across the United States.
“No matter where the veteran lives, it’s paid for. No matter when they take the dog, the healthcare is paid for, the food is paid for,” stated CEO Ondra Berry.
Veterans interested in the program undergo an application process that includes background checks and home visits to ensure a suitable match is made based on their personal needs and lifestyle.
Liberty Dogs is a project created by philanthropists Dave and Cheryl Duffield, aiming to make a lasting impact on the lives of veterans.
