Introducing our partner: K9 Partners for Patriots

This Tide for a Cause project is done in partnership with K9 Partners for Patriots. Read the blog below to learn about the organization, all that they do, and how you can be a part of pushing its mission forward. If you’re interested in learning more, we invite you to check out their website and Facebook, and attend a meeting!

What is K9 Partners for Patriots?

This nonprofit is dedicated to ending veteran suicide and helping lower euthanization by rescuing dogs in our communities shelters. “Our Veterans go to war with a brotherhood and upon returning home, they’re left to fight their demons alone. We want to change that.”

K9 Partners for Patriots provides opportunities for vets to meet each other, share their stories, and process their pain while they train their own dogs to become their service dogs. They find trust and understanding in our non-judgmental family environment. The weekly service dog training classes and quarterly gatherings go a long way to breaking the perilous pattern of isolation that too often leads to the premature end of life. Their group technique of service dog training helps the veteran integrate back into a social environment that helps improve many aspects of their lives, including family and marital relationships, revitalizing old friendships, and developing new ones. Our family of veterans, staff, and volunteers genuinely care about each other. “We’re dedicated to providing support and encouragement long after the service dog training course is complete.”

To learn more and follow along, please visit their website at www.k9partnersforpatriots.com, and be sure to ‘like’ their Facebook page!

Beer Release

On Saturday, February 4th, we will have an event where you can meet the K9 Partners for Patriots and enjoy a limited-edition beer made for this project! Please join us in the taproom. Members from the organization will be present sharing more information about what their organization does within the community.

What is the “Why” of the organization?

“On average, our country loses 22 veterans a day from suicide and we are here because we feel that 22 a day is not ok. By matching our veterans with rescue dogs, we (not only) help veterans cope with PTSD, MST and TBI, but give rescue dogs a second chance at life by being these veterans new battle buddy or service dog. These service dogs bring different measures of peace and functionality to veterans who face their own inner wars as they cope with post-military mental trauma. Instead of losing 22 a day, let’s try to save 44 a day and help fight for those that have fought for us and may not have a voice.”

Where is K9 partners for Patriots located?

We are located in Brooksville, Florida. We currently have veterans from 36 Florida counties in our program. Our 6-month program is completely free to all qualifying veterans and active-duty service members. However, we do have veterans that live outside the state.

When are K9 Partners for Patriots classes?

We have new classes starting all the time, but there is a process that needs to be done and a commitment that needs to be met from all out vets before we can match them with a dog and they can begin their classes.

How does a veteran qualify and apply for K9 Partners for Patriots?

All veterans must have a strong desire and will to do the work. You must be able and willing to attend and complete the entire 24-Week Service Dog Training Course. 90-minute classes are held once a week for 21 consecutive weeks. The enrolling veteran must have a reliable email account that is checked on a regular basis. This is critical to ensure that K9 Partners for Patriots trainers can communicate important messages and correspondence with students.

⁃ It is mandatory that ALL applicants must be an active or former military veteran with a diagnosis of service related PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), or MST (Military Sexual Trauma).

⁃ Service in Combat or Post 9/11 service is NOT required; nor is a VA disability rating.

⁃ Must be Honorably discharged and provide a DD214.

⁃ Can not be convicted of any major crimes including, but not limited to domestic violence and animal abuse.

⁃ Must be mentally and physically able to train and handle a service dog.

K9 Partners for Patriots Website