Update on our Canines for Combat Veterans Program

Roland Paquette and Service Dog Rainbow

On October 24, 2006 Sergeant Roland Paquette received his Service Dog Rainbow through the NEADS Canines for Combat Veterans Program. Sergeant Paquette lost both his legs in Afghanistan. Rainbow is trained to act as a “walking cane” for Roland, providing balance and stability. In the evening when Roland removes his prosthetics Rainbow goes into Service Dog mode; picking up dropped articles, retrieving articles off high counters and turning on and off light switches. Rainbow was the FIRST Service Dog in the country to be placed with a disabled veteran from the Iraq/Afghanistan wars. They happily reside in Texas where Roland works for the army in a civilian position dealing with classified information.

Raymond Hubbard and Service Dog Dace

On July 4, 2006 Specialist Raymond Hubbard’s life changed forever when a rocket exploded while he was on guard duty in Iraq. Amputating his left leg below the knee, shattering his elbow and severing his carotid artery causing a stroke, this landed him in Walter Reed Medical Center where he heard about a new “medicine” – a Canine for a Combat Veteran. Partnered with a beautiful black lab named “Dace” who was raised at MCI-Framingham, he now does not have to worry so much about falling or dropping things, Dace is on it. Raymond and Service Dog Dace is our 2nd “Canine for Combat Veterans Team”.

Joe Keck and Service Dog Nolls

Joe Keck is a soldier in the US Army who lost his left arm while serving in Afghanistan. He heard about the NEADS Canines for Combat Veterans Program while recuperating at Walter Reed. He requested that a Service Dog help him carry his text books and open heavy doors for him as he plans on returning to college. He also asked if his Service Dog could pick up small objects for him as it was difficult to do this with his prosthetic device. His big black lab Nolls who was raised by inmates at the Hampshire County Jail fills the bill becoming Joe’s extra hand.

Sue Downes and Service Dog Lila

Sue, a military police officer, became disabled when an IED exploded while she was on a humanitarian mission in Afghanistan. Her Service Dog Lila, who was raised in the JJ Moran Correctional Facility, provides the balance she needs when she walks with her two prosthetic legs. In the evening when Sue removes her legs and becomes sedentary Lila retrieves articles for her. Because both Sue and Lila are blondes, the veterans at Walter Reed who have seen this dynamic team have nicknamed them “Blonde on Blonde”. Sue is the first woman veteran in the country to receive a Service Dog.

Christopher Strickland and Service Dog Ruthie

Wounded in Iraq by an IED Chris has an amputated arm, shattered legs and sight loss in one eye. He applied for a Service Dog for “help in his daily life.” Ruthie, a yellow lab trained by inmates at the JJ Moran Correctional Facility is just the Service Dog to help him. With impeccable retrieving skills she acts as Chris’ extra hand. After a long day of walking, Chris relies on Ruthie for balance. He also uses Ruthie to help him get up from a sitting position. Chris lives in Connecticut with his wife Amanda and their child Bradley.

Joshua Ferguson and Service Dog Mazey

Joshua was injured in April 2007 by an IED in Iraq. He is an above the knee amputee and Mazey will be the first dog to wear the new lightweight Walker Dog harness, developed by a Leominster, MA plastics company. Joshua and his wife live in Alaska and have three small children. Joshua completed his training in December 2007 and will “officially” graduate on March 2, 2008.

We have hired a new trainer and a prison pup trainer to facilitate more placements and are opening more Prison PUP Partnerships to increase the number of puppies in our puppy program. On May 1st our 11th partnership will open at the Caledonia Work Camp in St. Johnsbury, VT.

With volunteers from Unitil a second training room has been built and a new walker dog harness is being developed.

An informational brochure about our Canines for Combat Veterans program has been sent to all the VA hospitals in New England, NY and PA. In-service programs have been presented to the doctors, staff and veterans at Fort Bragg, and Camp Lejeune and we have formed alliances with the VFWs and the Blue Star Mothers.

We still have a lot to do but we accept the challenge. We are honored to place these Service Dogs with those who serve.

Thank you for your support of our Canines for Combat Veterans Program.

For an application, please contact us.

To make a founding contribution to this important program: click here.