Local Spotlight: Blue Star Service Dogs

Service Dogs for Service Members

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the brave men and women of our armed forces. Coming home isn’t always easy. Blue Star Service Dogs is committed to helping veterans with invisible wounds. They pair dogs with vets who are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or traumatic brain injuries (TBI).

Every animal goes through a rigorous prison training program. It helps whip their canine cadets into shape, so they can jump into action and assist their future partners. Plus, by using shelter dogs, they’re giving the animals a loving home too. By turning a rescue into a service dog, then assigning them to a veteran, it’s essentially rescuing one to heal another.

Pet-Friendly Programs

Blue Star offers three helpful programs. First, dogs are adopted from a shelter and brought to a prison training program. There, they’ll learn basic obedience and commands. Most animals receive four to six months of training before being assigned to a program.

Next, most dogs will move in with a veteran and receive weekly training on tasks such as turning lights on and off and opening doors. A select few will enter the STAR Cares Animal Assisted Therapy Program. They’ll help with inmates’ mental health by participating in group therapy and rehabilitation projects.

The third and final program lets vets choose their service dog. If a veteran already has a connection to an animal, Blue Star can put them through the program and turn them into a stellar service dog too.