Non-Profit Pairs Rescue Dogs with Military Veterans

K9s for Veterans is a non-profit organization that pairs rescue dogs with military veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder and helps them transition back to civilian life. The bond between vet and dog has significant benefits for both, epitomizing the question "Who rescued who?"

"We lose 22 veterans a day to suicide. It we lost one, it would be too many. Through our program, we have not lost one veteran to PTSD suicide," says CEO & Co-Founder, Michael Tellerino.

The organization provides free training along with free food and basic medical care for the life of the service dog, never costing the veteran a penny out of pocket.

Army Veteran Richard Ledonne weighs in on how the organization and his service dog, Gideon, has benefitted him.

"I would isolate myself. I wasn't leaving the house for days, weeks at a time. He has made going outside easier. Knowing that I have someone like him that depends on me in order to survive it just gives me my sense of purpose and reason to get out of the house every day," says Ledonne.

Not only does 'K9s' help vets with PTSD, but it also opens communication and creates a community between other veterans facing similar struggles.

Navy veteran Luis Diaz says, "One of the things that's kind of a hidden gem with the program, it's almost like a therapy session because you start working with other veterans that have the same issues that you have or similar issues. You get to kind of bounce back info between each other and it really helps us get out of the shell because when you're going through the training sometimes you have to have fun, you have to let loose, and that's part of the program."

Diaz continues to say, "To be able to finally give in and admit that you do have an issue and someone like this comes into your life, I would recommend it 100% to anybody and let them know that it's never too late."

K9s for Veterans recently opened a store at The Promenade in Bolingbrook to help fund the organization. Most products are made by veterans and include everything from soaps T-shirts to popcorn and coffee. All proceeds made from the store go right back into the program to help provide another service dog for another veteran.

"When you're with one of our service dogs, you never walk alone. You always have K9 with you," says Tellerino.

For more on K9s for Veterans, visit: www.k9sforveteransnfp.org

For more on the K9 for Vets store at Promenade Bolingbook, visit: www.shoppingpromenade.com

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