The program is focused on helping veterans live more fulfilling lives through training and building a relationship with their service dog. This helps them find methods to recognize and manage the symptoms of their hidden injuries, discourages self-isolation, and helps find a renewed sense of purpose.
Dog Tag Buddies is pleased to announce that we have achieved accreditation by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). ADI is the leading authority in the Assistance Dogs industry. It establishes and promotes standards of excellence in all areas of assistance dog acquisition, training and partnership. This accreditation demonstrates our commitment to those we serve. Currently there are 166 ADI accredited assistance dog programs in the world, and we are now the only ADI Accredited organization in the state of Montana
Assistance Dogs International (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations that raise, train and place assistance dogs. The mission of ADI is to foster a collaborative global community dedicated to the highest standards of excellence for the assistance dog industry.
“I have two boys that are very athletic and active in school and sports, and I wanted to go to their sporting events and watch them compete. But with the crowd I couldn’t do it. Since Bomber’s come into my life, this has really been life changing for me. I did serve 20 years active duty in the Army. I have three combat tours.
I did receive a traumatic brain injury from that. I had a lot of issues and anxiety being in crowds. With Dog Tag Buddies, you actually pair with a dog as a puppy. As the veteran and the dog, you go through the training together as a team. Through this program, I have learned how to be back out in public, being in those crowds so I can go out to dinner, I can go to sporting events and spend that time with my family.
I’m never going to go back to the way I was before military service, but Bomber’s here with me and we’re going to do it together and it’s going to be okay.”
Dog Tag Brigade is a special group of individuals coming together to create a healthier community, improve mental health, and reduce suicide by serving those who served us.
