Vets and service dogs graduate U.S. Kennels training program
SALISBURY, Md., It’s a celebratory day for vets and service dogs in Salisbury, they’re graduating from their training program.
“I am happy, I am very happy that we are graduating and it’s nice to be a part of this team,” says Army Veteran Sarah “Sam” Landis.
Sam and her dog Bodie are 2023 graduates of the U.S. Kennels Incorporated program. “We find a dog from out the shelter or a local rescue, and then we take them in a couple of days, about a week, evaluate them, and from there what we do is we pair them with disabled veterans and first responders. Then from there, they come to us for about a year so it takes a long time.,” says Founder and Executive Director Chris Hardy.
Saturday night’s graduation marks the end of a year-long program that Sam and Bodie completed together. “He is actually four different things, he is part Chocolate, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, part Chinese Shar – Pei, and part Bark Spaniel and he’s got 3 water dog things in him, but he hates water,” says Sam.
Bodie helps Sam to improve her quality of life, allowing her to feel more comfortable in public spaces. “Freedom. I’m agoraphobic, I really have a hard time getting out, and Bodie is slowly making it so I can go out and I can be around people without having a major panic attack,” Sam explains.
Hardy says the service dogs are trained to help their partners get through what are called “moments.” “It’ll actually do a cover command, lay on top of him, now harry the dog is not a kisser, but he nudges, he’ll actually hit him on the back of the head, and kind of nudge him, so instead of him being out for 20 minutes, he’s only out for 3 minutes,” says Hardy.
Hardy says this is only the second graduating class and lives have already been saved. “These dogs save lives, I’ve had veterans call me 2-3 in the morning, this sounds bad, but Chris I’m sitting here with a gun in my hand, and I’m on the other side —— but they go “Chris I’m okay.”
This is an ongoing program and it has rolling admission. For more information about the program or to volunteer, visit their website.
