to basic training , the dogs are taught more specific skills , such as reminding their person to take their meds ; waking them up and turning on the lights when they are having a nightmare ; and remaining calmly by their person ’ s side , even when faced with unthinkable temptation such as fallen food or a passing squirrel .
After the dogs are trained , they are assigned to a hero . And for a two-year period , the dog and trainer accompany the hero in their daily life : to medical appointments , mental health appointments , to classes and wherever else the hero spends their time . Poore explains that the key is small steps . A trip to Target , for example , is too much stimulation , has too many loud noises , and too many people , for these traumatized individuals . “ Oh , you don ’ t want to go in the doors . We will stay here in the parking lot . Next week , we might go a bit further .”
The unplanned benefit of this style training is nothing short
of a miracle . By the time the two-year training period is over , the training itself , along with the love , support , and constant companionship of both dog and the trainer , has done the healing . An astonishing 65 % of the heroes find that they do not need a full-time service dog when they graduate .
Peggy breaks into tears when she talks about the healing she has witnessed and been a part of .
Peggy Poore
“ I don ’ t think I willl ever be able to talk about this program without crying ,” she shared with GB Magazine , and she is sure it was fate that brought her here . She recounts an audiobook she was listening to wherein the author asked listeners to think about what they would want to be doing if this were their last day . “ This is what I would want to be doing on the last day of my life ,” Poore says . “ Exactly this .”
For more information about Freedom Dogs , visit their website at www . FreedomDogs . org .
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