Loving Dogs Helping Exceptional People
Helping Veterans Cope with Life by Providing Service Dogs
About Us
What We Do
- Canine Guardians is an accredited 501(c)3 nonprofit, fully volunteer, donation-based organization whose main goal is to raise, train, and place specially trained dogs with PTSD veterans and their families at NO cost to the veteran. We also provide these trained service dogs to others with disabilities.
Our History
- For 5 years, we have been raising and training puppies to be service dogs. We have graduated 2 classes and placed 10 dogs with PTSD Veterans and other people in need.
- We have 2 dogs-in-training living at regional Youth Detention centers.
- We have 2 dogs training to be Diabetic Alert Dogs
- We have 8 pup in training with Puppy Parents
- We are affiliated with the Tug McGraw Foundation in Yountville, CA
- We have 1 dog working at a local middle school
Our Mission
- Each of our dogs is specially trained to address the needs of the individual they will be assisting. Canine Guardians' dogs not only help with physical needs but can also help heal emotional wounds, as well. Our dogs comfort and calm, and provide love and understanding to their person.
Our Mission
Our Goals
Canine Guardians' main goal is to raise, train, and place specially trained dogs with PTSD veterans and their families at NO cost to the veteran. We also provide these trained dogs to disabled veterans, children with cancer, and others with disabilities.
By the time our service dogs meet their person, they are already completely trained with anxiety alerts. And they’ve learned other tasks, such as turning on lights, opening and closing doors and drawers and retrieving dropped objects. Ultimately, the service dogs will assist their veteran partners not just with anxiety alerts, but also with the whole healing process, providing constant companionship that supports the journey to recovery.
Our service dogs help assist veterans with:
- Re-integrate and socialize
- Recognize early symptoms of anxiety or emotional distress
Interrupt nightmares - Increase confidence and a sense of belonging to civilian society
- Assume leadership responsibilities
- Better cope with mobility issues, including bracing and stabilization
What are the emotional benefits of having a dog?
- Dogs can make great pets. Having a dog as a pet can benefit anyone who likes dogs, including people with PTSD. For example, dogs:
- Help bring out feelings of love.
- Are good companions.
- Take orders well when trained. This can be very comfortable for a Service member or Veteran who was used to giving orders in the military.
- Are fun and can help reduce stress.
- Are a good reason to get out of the house, spend time outdoors, and meet new people.
Currently, the VA does not provide service dogs for physical or mental health conditions, including PTSD. VA does provide veterinary care for service dogs that are deemed medically necessary for the rehabilitation or restorative care plan of Veterans with permanent physical impairments. If research supports the use of service dogs for PTSD, VA will provide veterinary care for such dogs. Read more information on VA and service dogs.
About our dogs
A Canine Guardian Dog
- In order to be a service dog with public access, the dog must receive specialized training and meet minimum standards of behavior. Our service dogs are specially trained and fully socialized and capable of handling PTSD veterans' disabilities.
- But outside of training, these unique animals are still friendly and lovable. Our dogs offer support, love and unconditional understanding. They help establish schedules and routines through their feeding and walking requirements and they offer distraction through playtime. These animals serve as friends and confidants. They’re not just dogs; they’re part of a team.
- We believe our dogs are special and can truly help empower you to live a more healthy, more normal life.
Make a Donation
We Appreciate Your Support
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals as a nonprofit and improve conditions for PTSD Veterans and people with disabilities. Your generous donation will fund our mission to provide service dogs.
Click on the dog image to Pay by PayPal Or Mail a Check
PO Box 5313 Napa CA 94581
