DOG TAG BUDDIES

Deaths by suicide among our veteran population in Montana is almost double the national average. Finding alternative treatment modalities to reduce suicide among our veterans continues to be a driving force for Dog Tag Buddies. There are many treatment options for hidden injuries and the challenges that come along with them. We aim to provide Montana and surrounding area veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) access to an alternate treatment modality through the support of a canine companion or service dog and the journey of training them. Our goal is to help fill the gap by providing services at no cost to eligible veterans.

1. Dog Tag Buddies utilizes a community training model, in which the veteran trains the dog they are matched with, to help reduce self-isolation, create new relationships and connections, provide a renewed sense of purpose, and find new ways to overcome the challenges of their disability.

2. Working with local trainers, Veterans organizations, and the general public to bring awareness to the struggles of veterans with hidden injuries and how dogs can help them in their day-to-day lives.

3. Bringing the program locally to veterans ensures they never experience out-of-pocket expenses associated with other service dog programs. Dog Tag Buddies will NEVER charge a veteran for our services.

4. Utilize social media, online presence, widely distributed publications, and local public events to bring awareness to our program. Networking through other organizations and Montana Nonprofit Association to connect with other like-minded organizations and individuals who commit to helping our organization grow sustainably.

5. Presentations to local groups about Dog Tag Buddies, hidden injuries, companion and service dogs and how a dog can help support veterans in their journey to healing.

6. Networking and building relationships with rescues/shelters to help find dogs that will be good candidates for our program. Also partnering with local and statewide veterans organizations including VFW and American Legion posts.

7. Working with educational institutions to research and develop improvements to services offered to our veterans.

Dog Tag Buddies has a team of highly trained and capable employees, volunteers, and BoD working to drive both the daily operations and short and long-term strategy of the organization. Our Executive Director founded the organization based on her desire to give back to veterans and rescue dogs, and has since become a certified Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Instructor and Trauma Informed Care Trainer, as well as completed many dog training courses and certifications as she works towards her bettering herself and leading the organization. Her passion and drive inspire others and she continues to be a driving force of the organizations success.

Our staff, volunteers and BoD understand that what we do truly makes a difference in the lives of those we work with. All staff and trainers complete Trauma Informed Care training, QPR training, and are Psych Armor Certified Veteran Ready.

As a part of our commitment to excellency, the organization is an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) candidate and actively working towards accreditation. ADI accredits not-for-profit programs that place assistance dogs to ensure that they adhere to the highest standards in all aspects of their operations, including ethical treatment and training of dogs, ethical treatment of clients, solid service dog training and follow-up care (https://assistancedogsinternational.org/standards/what-is-accreditation/).

Dog Tag Buddies received its 501(C)(3) status in late 2015 and started its first client in January 2016. Since then, the organization has expanded its service areas from the Billings, Montana region to multiple regions in Montana: Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Flathead Valley, Havre, and Bozeman. This expansion allows veterans across the State to participate in weekly training programs by reducing barriers.

Dog Tag Buddies has built a strong social media presence with over 5,000 Facebook followers and over 1,300 Instagram followers. We have also worked to foster relationships with local veteran organizations and groups and work closely with them for referrals and networking.

Dog Tag Buddies moved into its own training and office space in Billings, Montana in the summer of 2019 and held its grand opening on September 21st, 2019. Prior to this, the organization was utilizing training space rented by the hour. This space has allowed them to increase their capacity in Billings tenfold, allowing them more flexibility in offering training classes, hosting groups for presentations, and managing day-to-day operations.

Dog Tag Buddies model of training is focused on quality over quantity. The journey of each veteran is unique and important. The program is about more than just providing a service dog. It is designed to transform the lives of veterans by providing a renewed sense of purpose, reducing self-isolation, and helping veterans become active participants in their world in a meaningful way.

Once accepted into our program, veterans are also exposed to a variety of alternative treatment modalities during the two year program. This organization is on the cutting edge of working with veterans diagnosed with the invisible wounds of war by participating in research and development of evidence based modalities.