Service Dogs of Distinction


About

Service Dogs of Distinction acquires rescue, shelter and donated dogs to train as service dogs for veterans with PTSD.  The program is completely free of charge to qualifying veterans.  Once paired, the dog and veteran train together over the next 12-14 months.  The team is closely supervised to ensure the dog and the veteran are bonding and making appropriate progress.   Each team is trained as a unique pair, advancing as the dog and veteran are able to process and apply the training protocol.  We have seen our veterans progress from reclusive, antisocial behavior to more confident, capable individuals as a result of the four legged therapy in their life.  As of August 2019, we have 20 graduates and another 20 veterans at various stages of training.  We are a nonprofit that raises every dime it takes to run our program through private and corporate donations, fundraisers and grants.  We are an entirely volunteer program with no salaried employees at this time.

(501) 730-3928
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Hello James,

Thank you for contacting us.

For our application and all necessary info, please go to our website: www.servicedogsofdistinction.org
click on "Apply for a Dog" and send us a short message.

We will email you the packet and once you read through it, you can contact us if you still have questions.

Contrary to some opinions, GSD's do not make good service dogs for PTSD as a rule. We've trained with many and only a few were successful. And we allow the dogs to do the "picking", so that the match is solid and not based on our bias for particular breeds or gender :)

Look forward to hearing from you!

Marsha Wyatt
Cofounder/Trainer/Client Coordinator
Hello. My name is James Grigsby and I am a 100 combat disabled veterans who served 30 years in the Army as a Bomb Squad (EOD) Technician. I have 8 tours to Iraq and Afghanistan as a military member and 4 tours as a military contractor. I have severe PTSF and I am going through treatment here at the VA hospital in Fayetteville. They recommended I contact you. I was wondering if tou could pair me with a female German Sheppard or a female lab as the hospital says they make the best service dogs for PTSD and I have three grandchildren who stay with is thus I need a child friendly animal. I am retired and have plenty of time to work with the dog as I am a very dedicated individual who loves dogs. Our King Charles is 14 and her heart is 4 times the normal size which our vet states is very typical of this breed. She is starting to have a hard time breathing and it is only a short time before we lose her. I only bring this up to highlight the new service animal will be the only dig in the home. We own a house in Siloam Springs by the airport and it is a wonderful neighborhood and is super dog friendly. I would be very grateful if you would consider me for tour program. Sincerely James Grigsby. 479-301-3811.