OPERATION DELTA DOG INC

"Every time I look at my dog, I know that I rescued him and he rescued me. That's how I know we are going to be a team for life." - Former Special Ops Soldier Brian Z.

Every day, 22 veterans take their own lives in the United States--almost one per hour. These vets serve their country and then come home to face the even greater challenges of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) that can leave them debilitated, sleepless, and unable to cope. Meanwhile, thousands of dogs are euthanized in the U.S. every day.

Our response to these emerging twin epidemics of veteran suicide and shelter overflow is to rescue and train dogs as life-saving service companions. Since 2013, Operation Delta Dog has placed hundreds of rescued dogs with disabled U.S. veterans.

Very few service dog organizations utilize rescued dogs in their programs. The healing benefits for trauma survivors of forming a bond with a rescued animal is well documented. By adopting shelter dogs and pairing them with in-need veterans, we’re not only providing assistance animals with proven records of combating depression, isolation and suicide; we’re also facilitating a long lasting and emotionally therapeutic relationship, while providing a second chance at life for shelter dogs.

In addition to specially trained service dogs, veterans receive intensive training classes, individual case management, the support of fellow veterans as mentors, direct financial assistance and inclusion in a supportive community network, after graduation and beyond.