Service Dog Solutions

03/13/2024

Today we celebrate K9 Veterans Day!

Smoky, a four-pound Yorkshire Terrier, proves that war dogs come in all shapes and sizes. Found in the New Guinea jungle by an American soldier during WWII, Smoky was later sold to another soldier, Corporal William A. Wynne from Cleveland, OH. Wynne and Smoky stayed together for the next two years of the war, and the little dog survived the heat, limited food rations, typhoons, air raids, combat missions and even a 30ft parachute jump (she had her own special parachute). Wynne credits his dog with saving his life by guiding him away from incoming fire on a transport ship.

Smoky is also now recognized as the first therapy dog, as she spent many hours both during the war and back home visiting veterans and entertaining them with the varied collections of tricks that Wynne taught her. After the war, Smoky and Wynne made numerous TV appearances together, performing tricks and telling their amazing story. Smoky lived in Cleveland with Wynne and his family until her death in 1957 at age 14. On Veterans Day in 2005, a memorial for Smoky was unveiled in the Rocky Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks in Lakewood, Ohio. The statue features the tiny dog sitting inside a combat helmet, smiling her trademark smile.

12/30/2023

⏰There is still time to help those who need a service dog!⌛️🦮 Donations today and tomorrow are tax deductible and will go directly to placing 🐕‍🦺🦮 service dogs to those who truly need them! 🐶❤️ Please follow the link to our webpage and donate so our work can continue in 2024! www.servicedogsolutions.org

12/29/2023

Huddie got to do a little shopping at PetSmart! These public outings are getting him and Rip (not pictured) ready to go home and be someone’s service dog!

12/18/2023

🐕‍🦺We share a lot about the happy day a Veteran gets his service dog but it is very important to share why we need to place these dogs with our Heros! 🇺🇸

🪖Some days are easier than others but those hard days are so hard.🪖

Solid advice. If you have a Combat Veteran in your family and you don’t like their moods and behavior around the holidays; please consider these six things:
1.) Your combat veteran has served in countries where people are blessed to receive a tattered pair of shoes or have clean water to drink; he/she no longer lives the “first world illusion” and no longer cares that if you buy one play station you can get a second one for fifty percent off. In fact, they find it hard to appreciate any of the gluttonous commercialism and overindulgence that permeates American holidays. Standing watch, boring as it was, had so much more purpose than going to the mall.
2.) Your Combat Veteran is thankful for the most basic things; not thankful for mega-sales and million dollar parades. They are thankful to be alive; thankful to have survived both the wars far away and the wars they struggle with inside.
3.) Your Combat Veteran is thankful that it wasn't them that got killed, but their celebrations are forever complicated by guilt and loss over those that were. Some of the most thankful times in their life were some of the scariest. Their feelings of thanks and celebration often conjure memories that are equally painful.
4.) Your Combat Veteran is not like you anymore. At some point, for some period of time, their entire life boiled down to just three simple things: when will I eat today, when will I sleep today, and who will I have to kill or will try to kill me today? They are not like you anymore.
5.) Your Combat Veteran does not need a guilt-trip or a lecture; they already feel detached in their grief while others so easily embrace the joy of the season. They need understanding and space; empathy not sympathy.
6.) Your Combat Veteran does love his/her family and is thankful for the many blessings in their life…and they are thankful for you.
To all brothers and sisters of the uniform, know that we all struggle with one thing or another but as we go into this holiday season, reach out to those you love. You didn't fight alone on the battlefield and you don't have to fight alone at home. 🙏🏻

Veterans Crisis Line. DIAL 988 then press 1

Copied from a friend…

11/28/2023

As you gear up for your holiday season 🌲🌲please take a minute and consider helping🎁 a veteran or child who is in need of a service dog 🐕‍🦺! The holidays can be an especially hard time for those who are waiting and with your help we can get them the help they need faster than any other organization! We, currently, have children and out of state Veterans who are waiting for their dog! Can you help? Please follow this link and consider giving a gift to those who are waiting!

https://www.servicedogsolutions.org/donate.html

11/27/2023

This is the best source of information regarding the “mystery respiratory illness” being seen in dogs!

11/18/2023

11/11/2023

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served!

If you are a Veteran or know one who suffers from PTSD, please reach out! We are accepting applications for service dog placements!

11/10/2023

Earlier this month, 🐕‍🦺 Rage, The Service Dog that Started it All, peacefully crossed the rainbow ridge 🌈! She started her life as a high-speed, hunting and dock diving champ but spent the last 8 years devoted to her handler and leaves an enormous hole in the hearts she has left behind! Thankfully, Luka, is up for the challenge of mending hearts and carrying on Rage’s legacy!

10/04/2023

Who is joining us in celebrating World Animal Day!

09/26/2023

We need your help!! We have applicants who qualify for a trained service dog but we only have funding for Veterans in KY!! As you know, we never want finances to be a reason someone goes without a needed service dog! Can you help our Veteran Applicants from Ohio? Can you help our First Responders from the Purchase Area? What about our mental health professional from the area? All these people have submitted applications, we have the ability to provide service dogs but we need your help with financial donations to make it happen! Please visit our website servicedogsolutions.org to make a pledge to help one of these people get the dog that will change their lives! Can’t pay online? Message us for alternative ways to help!

08/20/2023

Cassie Johnson wrote a great article for us! Go grab a copy of the Purchase Area Family Magazine and check it out.

Read Purchase Area Family Magazine August - September 2023 by Purchase Area Family Magazine on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on ...

08/01/2023

Service Dog Solutions is on the move!!! We will be in our new Henderson Location soon!! If you need training, grooming or boarding services in and around Benton, KY please call 270-527-5529! The Benton location would love to help you with ALL your local pet care needs!!

07/06/2023

🇺🇸Please share this post!!🇺🇸

We have some very exciting news! The KDVA has generously agreed to sponsor 🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺🐕‍🦺 4 service dogs for KY Veterans! This is absolutely amazing news for our local Veterans! If you are a Veteran who needs a service dog or know a Veteran who would benefit from a service dog, please reach out!! We can help!

06/11/2023

Throw back to 2016 when we were placing Service Dog number 3!! Espy was such a great girl and working with her handler was so amazing! Thank you to EVERYONE who helps us with our mission daily! We could not touch as many lives as we do without you!

05/30/2023

Here's a simple and refreshing homemade frozen dog treat recipe that's perfect for summer:

Frozen Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treats

Ingredients:

1 ripe banana
1 cup plain yogurt (make sure it's safe for dogs and doesn't contain any artificial sweeteners)
½ cup natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn't contain xylitol, which is toxic to dogs)
Instructions:

In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until it becomes smooth and creamy.
Add the plain yogurt to the bowl and mix it well with the mashed banana.
Microwave the peanut butter for a few seconds to soften it, making it easier to mix.
Add the softened peanut butter to the banana-yogurt mixture and stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
Pour the mixture into silicone molds or ice cube trays. You can also use small paper cups or a baking dish if you don't have molds.
Place the molds or trays in the freezer and let them freeze for at least 4 hours or until completely solid.
Once frozen, remove the treats from the molds or trays and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer.
To serve, give your dog one or two treats, depending on their size, as a delicious and refreshing snack. Remember to always monitor your dog while they enjoy the treat, especially if it's their first time trying it.

Please note that individual dogs may have specific dietary needs or allergies, so it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your dog's diet.

05/27/2023

❤️💙🤍When it comes to cookouts or barbecues, it's important to keep in mind that not all human foods are safe for dogs. Here's a list of five things that dogs should not be fed at a cookout:

🍇Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs and may cause kidney failure. Even a small amount can be dangerous, so it's best to avoid feeding them to your dog entirely.

🧅Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. These ingredients are commonly found in various cooked dishes, so be cautious and avoid giving them to your dog.

🌶️Foods seasoned with spices: Highly seasoned or spicy foods, such as those seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, or excessive amounts of salt, can upset a dog's stomach and potentially cause digestive issues.

🥩Fatty meats and greasy foods: Fatty cuts of meat, such as sausages or ribs, can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Additionally, greasy or fried foods can cause stomach upset and may contribute to conditions like obesity.

🍪Chocolate and desserts: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate and cocoa powder are especially dangerous. Other desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice cream may contain ingredients like artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol) or high levels of sugar, which can be harmful to dogs.

🩺Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian about what foods are safe for your dog and to provide appropriate treats and meals for their specific dietary needs.

05/25/2023

Some Memorial Day Fun!!!

05/24/2023

We are looking for 2 Veterans who need an EMOTIONAL SUPPORT DOG!!

Remember our post about the differences between a service dog and an emotional support dog? We have 2 dogs that will make GREAT companions within someone’s home but these dogs will NOT have public access privileges!!

If you are or know a Veteran who has trouble being alone at home, reach out. We have a buddy waiting to help!!

05/22/2023

❤️🤍💙We want to honor your loved ones this Memorial Day!!!❤️🤍💙We are asking you to send a small donation 💰and a picture 🖼️ of your American 🇺🇸 Hero! We will be putting together the pictures for a Memorial Day Tribute!!

05/22/2023

🎉Great news!!!🎉 We have a few grooming appointments open today!! Call us to claim your appointment! 270-527-5529

05/21/2023

Happy Sunday!!!

05/20/2023

Merle Day should be EVERYDAY!! 💙❤️🤍

05/19/2023

Sky says “Good Morning”!!

05/18/2023

Everyone has a fun time when they stay!

05/17/2023

🎓🎓🎓Some of our Service Dogs in Training will be graduating to make room for the next class! 🎓🎓🎓🦮Service Dog graduates are placed at no cost to the person who needs them so we need your help so we can start the next class of Service Dogs.🦮Can you help with a tax deductible donation? 🙏❤️🤍💙 A link to our website is in the comments! You can also stop in anytime or mail a donation to our Benton office

05/17/2023

🐶Do you have a dog in need of basic obedience? 🐶We can help! 💙We have individual lessons with qualified trainers who are skilled to help your dog become an amazing companion! ❤️Call or message us for an appointment! 🤍 270-527-5529

05/16/2023

🐶Huddie got to practice his obedience at the Co-op!🐶He’s going to make a great service dog! 🐕‍🦺If you are a Veteran, 🇺🇸in need of a service dog for PTSD🐕‍🦺 send us a message!❤️🤍💙

05/15/2023

We will be hosting a Canine First Aid Class in June! Leave a comment if you are interested in attending!