As September marks National Service Dog Month, a Carbondale-based non-profit is spotlighting the essential role of service dogs in supporting veterans. Down the Leash Service Dogs, a veteran-run organization, is committed to providing free training for veterans and their dogs, making this invaluable resource accessible to those who need it most.
Founded in 2022 by Tony Eaton, a USMC veteran and retired police officer, the organization emerged from a personal experience that highlighted the need for such services. Eaton’s encounter with the wife of a fellow veteran, who was struggling to find a service dog for her husband, inspired him to start Down the Leash Service Dogs.
“Seeing the need firsthand made me realize how costly and inaccessible service dogs can be,” Eaton said. “With prices ranging from $20,000 to $30,000 and no coverage through the VA, I decided to step in and offer a solution.”
What began as a grassroots effort in Eaton’s parents’ garage has now grown into a thriving program with over 20 participants. Veterans like Mark Haddick, a Vietnam War veteran, have found new hope through this initiative.
“I had been reluctant to admit my PTSD for decades,” Haddick shared. “When I saw Tony’s article, I reached out to him and found the support I needed through his program.”
Beyond training service dogs, Down the Leash Service Dogs functions as a suicide prevention program, offering veterans a renewed sense of purpose. Eaton emphasizes that the mission of training a service dog can play a crucial role in the healing process.
“We provide more than just training,” Eaton explained. “We give veterans a mission and a reason to engage with life again. It’s about regaining a sense of purpose and community.”
Participants in the program not only receive the skills needed to train their service dogs but also experience a profound impact on their personal lives. Eaton noted that many veterans reclaim their confidence and connection with society through their involvement.
For those interested in joining the program, Eaton encourages reaching out via the group’s Facebook page. The organization operates through grants and donations, and contributions can be made online to support their continued work.
Down the Leash Service Dogs is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of veterans, providing them with the tools they need to improve their quality of life and find new paths to healing and connection.
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