Using the theological foundations of animal-assisted therapy research, TOV's Canine Connections focuses on several lessons/tasks to build a rapport between the Veteran and the canine in the therapeutic relationship. Our Animal-Assisted Intervention Advantages help the Veterans' experience companionship, warmth and patience with a non-judgmental partner. TOV canines enhance the therapeutic environment which reduces friction caused when experiencing social activities; having our canines as an adjunct to trainers and clinicians can increase communication and motivation. Our focus is to promote social support, providing positive physical and mental health interactions to improve the quality of life. These small steps benefit both the Veteran and the rescued canine.

To promote our mission of aiding Veterans and rescuing pups/training as service dogs, TOV is currently expanding and strengthening Canine Connections by being part of the formal programs at the VA Medical Centers in Philadelphia, Coatesville, and Lebanon, PA. Currently in 2020, we have 19 dogs in training and anticipate the graduation of 5 dogs who are in the process of pairing with their permanent Veteran. In addition, TOV plans to strengthen and increase our community impact through expansion of our existing training facility in Quakertown. The TOV Health & Wellness Center will allow us to train more dogs to assist more Veterans, while creating a haven for Veterans by offering complementary wellness services (i.e. nutritionist, yoga, counselors, acupuncture, massage) and additional resources for training assistance. We also continue to expand our educational awareness programs and partner development in support of Canine Connections, including a new clinical education affiliation with Moravian College's Helen S. Breidengan School of Nursing. The following video provides an intimate view into the work we do: https://vimeo.com/393009825/063fd078eb?fbclid=IwAR3o2sJG8ep6lGyzqWlczcoW7mD_S2o3G2T4x60I7_gd903439pr-IPVcGo

Dedicated TOV staff and volunteers (more than 60 active) bring tremendous experience to our mission. * TOV Founder/Executive Director, Heather Lloyd, has an extensive background with 10 years in the medical field and over 20 years working with animals and as a business owner. * Our trainer Denise Vansickle-Cressley is a retired Veteran with a B.S. in Psychology from Penn State with extensive dog training experience. She is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the International Association of Canine Professionals, a Therapy Pets Unlimited evaluator, and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator. * Administrative support has been strengthened to brand and bring attention to our mission. * More than 60 active volunteers provide assistance with training, fundraising and education events, puppy sitting and puppy raisers who also provide loving interactions with the pups as they experience the intricacies of home-life and daily exposures. * A strong TOV Board supports our mission with diverse backgrounds in veterinary care, the armed services, marketing, and fundraising.

The positive impact of our program is measured by an increase in participating Veterans, graduation rate of service dog/Veteran pairings, integration of our Animal Assisted Therapy into VA facilities, expansion of community reach and engagement, and continued growth of corporate sponsorship and strategic partnership development. We serve more than 6,000 Veterans and expect to increase that number by partnering with more VA Hospitals. We work toward a 100% graduation rate—but in any situation where a dog does not meet full certification standards, that dog is still placed with a Veteran who benefits from the companionship of a therapy or emotional support canine. TOV increased revenues five-fold in the past four years, with a 71% increase in 2019 vs. 2018 In collaboration with the medical and behavioral staff in Coatesville, we are also contributing to the study on the efficacy of service dogs for Veterans with PTSD. Our expanded facility and resources will also allow us to provide more education presentations, community engagement, and donor outreach.

Since establishing 501(3)(c) status in 2016, TOV has achieved incredible growth and credibility. * Successful graduation/pairing of 11 service dogs with Veterans suffering from PTSD or TBI, and placement of 1 companion therapy canine with a Veteran requiring emotional support. * Formal recognition and integration of TOV Canine Connections animal-assisted therapy at the Philadelphia, Coatesville, and Lebanon, PA VAs--the FIRST service dog organization to work in the Philadelphia VA Medical Center. * Co-authored "Guidelines of TOV Animal Assisted Therapy" protocol with Coatesville behavioral team, and will be contributing to the research/study of the efficacy of AAT for Veterans with PTSD. * TOV currently serves more than 6,000 between the Philadelphia and Coatesville VA Medical Centers, Haven House--an outpatient psychiatric counseling center in Allentown, PA, and at our Quakertown facility...including referrals by social workers and mental health professionals. * Established a clinical education affiliation with Moravian College's Helen S. Breidegan School of Nursing.