K9 PARTNERS FOR PATRIOTS INC

The national suicide rate among veterans, according to the Dept. of Veterans Affairs, is 20 per day, and tragically that climbs even higher among veterans with PTSD. That number must be curbed and at K9 Partners for Patriots we understand the urgency and the severity of PTSD that pushes too many veterans to choices from which there is no recovery.

K9 Partners for Patriots is determined to assist every veteran whose medical condition(s) qualify him or her and let them know they have a family here of veterans who've traveled the same road and are working together with their service dogs on a path forward.

We're hoping to show the Dept. of Veterans Affairs that when veterans have the opportunity to train together with their own service dog in a conducive environment, the positive changes that result demonstrate a highly effective treatment for PTSD; and, what may also be a significant alternative to Rx medications.

We have a plan in place to acquire dogs that qualify to be trained as service dogs. (They are temperament tested and also must be able to alert positively to the scent of adrenaline.)

We offer a 21-week training program created by a nationally known expert who is also a Certified Master Dog Trainer (CMDT) with over 32 years of professional K9 training experience.

Our results are well-documented and are the subject of ongoing analysis by experts Dr. James Whitworth at the University of Central Florida to provide ongoing in-depth program evaluation assessing the outcomes of their service dog training programs for veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Dr. Whitworth and K9 Partners for Patriots are also assisting researchers from the University of South Florida in evaluating similar programs for the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. Participants in the service dog training complete assessments at multiple points before, during, and after their participation to measure how they are responding to the program.

K9 Partners for Patriots has also actively participated in and supported two independent studies conducted by Dr. Whitworth and Dr. Scotland-Coogan at Saint Leo University. Findings from the program evaluation and these independent studies, in combination with results from two other recently published controlled investigations, provide evidence supporting the endorsement and use of service dog programs as helpful complementary or alternative treatment options for some veterans with PTSD.

Using both qualitative & quantitative data we hope to continue to receive grant funding from the Dept. of Defense and are currently under review for the same.

We have also developed a program to "train the trainers" and are creating an "Aftercare" program for veterans who graduate from the 21-week training program and are interested in pursuing new goals such as education; employment, community projects; hobbies, etc. that further enable re-engagement with society.

In Mary Peter, the founder, Director of Training Operations, and Certified Master Dog Trainer, we have a leader who's dedication and care for veterans is unmatched. She oversees the program's exceptional training of veterans together with their service dogs; as well as the ongoing development of additional trainers.

We have a fully engaged Board of Directors; and, dedicated staff, and numerous volunteers; each with considerable professional experience in many business areas that are essential to the operation of an efficient nonprofit organization.

K9 Partners for Patriots has a deep understanding of the need to assist and support veterans after they complete training because their needs are likely to change. Nonetheless, we know we are helping them manage their PTSD; we have not cured it. 

What began with one veteran is now a group of over 430 active veterans whose lives have been profoundly and positively impacted by their work & training together with service dogs here at K9P4P.

We are still developing a very important component that we believe is essential for continuous progress, and that is the "Aftercare" program. We are surveying veterans and working with St. Leo University, which is well known for the education programs it offers for all service members, both Active Duty and veterans.

Within the resources, funding parameters, and physical environment in which we currently operate, we are eager to help our veterans strive to achieve their next goal; whatever that may be.

And, we are eager to assist others in the public & private sector to understand and perhaps replicate what we do to share the success our veterans have found.