I heard about this organization in 2016 when they were called Stiggy's Dogs. I put in an application and was selected at that time I had no idea how it would change my life. I was put together with my dog Boss from the prison at Thumb Correctional. We trained with Mat Sica for over a year I think I had to learn more than Boss! It made me slow down and think more than just react and Boss has a calming effect on me. He also helps me on a daily basis with the tasks he was taught. Blue Star Dogs is an amazing program that has added quality in my life. My Service Animal(Dog) Boss is the first Service Animal in Chrysler and is loved by all. He's so loving and calming to me that he's my world. I can't say enough about Blue Star Dogs they change lives for Veterans and increase our level of inclusion that many Veterans with PTSD stay secluded from. I know Boss has my 6(back) not as a protector but as a friend. He doesn't show any aggression he's just there to make sure I can function and live a productive life.
Abby and I got accepted into the program with bring your own dog. The training we received was amazing and has transformed the both of us for the better. Now I can do things that I wouldn’t of done beforehand.
I have been a huge supporter of Blue Star Service Dogs for over 7 years and am absolutely blown away by the great work they do. It is a huge Win, Win, Win which I have never experienced before.
It is a Win for the dogs as many are rescued from shelters and other organizations.
It is a Win for the prison inmates that train the basic commands with the dogs for several months. Many create an emotional bond with the dog which they have never had before. They are so proud that they have done something good in their lives.
It is a BIG WIN for the veteran who receives the service dog as they are now able to live a better life with the support that the dog provides.
I have held more than 6 fundraisers for the organization and, if they were not so awesome, I would not continue to support them!!!
Helping veterans heal, helping dogs find loving homes, and helping inmates give back and find purpose is a trifecta! This mission resonates with me and I am grateful for being a part of it.
The team of volunteers are amazing!! So many people helped by this organization and wonderful homes made for the dogs too!!
I have been watching the work of this nonprofit for years and am so blown away by the amazing work they do within the Veteran community.
I have gotten to see my own mom help in this program first -hand working with the prisoners who help train the future service dogs! It was humbling and she developed so many friendships and experience with this foundation. I only hope to see this non-profit grow and create an even bigger impact!
I first became aware of this wonderful non profit back in 2016 starting off with fundraisers and am now president of the board. I cannot say enough good about the mission of this organization and the help it provides to Veterans diagnosed with PTSD & TBI, Shelter Dogs and Prison Inmates!
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My team has supported this non profit for quite a few years now, we started off doing fund raising for them. Their mission is near and dear to my heart, rescuing shelter dogs (giving them a 2nd chance), placing them in prison training programs (giving inmates something important to contribute) and training them to be service dogs for Veterans (giving Veterans a chance at a better life). How can you not love all of this?
Blue Star Services Dogs is an amazing place for both training dogs to serve Veterans with PTSD and other disabilities, but also for providing a welcoming, healing place for the Veteran’s to work with their animals. They are incredible in a underserved and much needed area.
They make all the hard work fun and (relatively) easy!
Blue Star is a true service to the community, veterans and our correctional system. These dogs are lifelines for those who need it most. God Bless Christine and her team!
BSSD helped me get my life a sense of normalcy back that I thought I would never get. An once me and my SD graduated they are still there for anything I need
I had the great pleasure of touring the facilities of Blue Star Service Dogs with Christine Myran. Being part of a military family, I appreciate the special needs this organization serves. It is heartening to see its success in the relationships improved and lives restored through this program. Clearly, Christine and her staff are professionals devoted to their mission. I would love to see BSSD expand its reach beyond Pinckey. The need is so great.
Blue Star has been a huge success story in my current life. My life has been enhanced with confidence before I was paired with a dog. The staff saw in me what I forgot was in me. As a veteran, sometimes I feel embarrassed and alone because those around me don't understand my PTSD and other ailments that I suffer with. They don't understand why I am afraid and cry or extremely startled by fireworks, helicopters and loud noises. I often hide my depression, anxiety or fear. I especially feel ashamed of having a psychiatrist, therapist and medication. But Blue Star has exchanged my fear for extreme confidence and meaning. I now remember there is no shame because I proudly served my country. Before even being paired with an animal the staff got to know and care about me first. In reality, I also feel like they were extremely a Blessing and purposed gift to my life. Now I have my Partner and service friend dog. I look forward to the continued training and work that goes into the success of the entire process. The staff has empathy and genuine care about each of us no matter the scars inside or out. Very positive staff. They are the best trainers ever. I never thought that I could responsibly and look to taking care of a dog that takes care of me.
I am an Army Veteran living with PTSD. I was part of the bring your own dog program, and I cannot thank BSSD enough for the tools they have given the both of us to help us live a better lifestyle. This is not just a program, it's a family that I will forever be thankful for.
at first I felt like this was the company that was finally going to help me with my PTSD. everyone seem to be great and in the business of helping. unfortunately I had to miss a couple of days of training because my anxiety was to much. I was having a bad day. anyone who has went thru PTSD knows what I'm talking about when I say "Bad Day" it's overwhelming and terrifying. I did call and apologize for not being able to attend the training each time. the last time I was scheduled for training I called early morning and spoke with the head trainer and told him I was unable to make it. that was the last time I heard from them. I was ghosted and they kicked me out. this triggered my PTSD and I was Depressed, Anxious, Sad and felt abandoned. it took a long time for me to crawl out of my bunker and get over this. not sure if I did yet but I'm working on it. hope no one else has to experience this from them. after the orientation with the company was the best I felt in a long time. I was excited about the future for the first time. then they Ghosted me.
J Renshaw
BlueStarDogs 02/25/2022
Jason, we know that you were going through some difficult times in the months that you were in the program. Attending training and completing homework is essential for the program but sometimes we are not the right fit for everyone. We wish you the best!
Blue Star Service Dogs has made a huge impact in my life. I have gotten back some aspects of my old life. I am able to go to sporting events and crowded places again without being completely overwhelmed with anxiety. Giving me the task of help train my own dog was also a huge help to get me outside of my head and engaging again. Now that I have graduated their support has not stopped there. They have come to talk with my employer to work out a plan of implementation of my service dog and became a part of my family.
My experience with BSSD is actually difficult to write about since I simply cannot say enough about what they have done for me and my family. It is certainly rare these days to come across just such an organization. They have invested greatly in me with the sole purpose of making my life more enriched. Their specific and tailored attention to each veteran's need is unparalleled and has changed my life for the better. In fact, I would go as far to say they are "family" because that is precisely how they treat you.
This organization and the people that work for it changed my life for forever! I know that may seem like an overstatement, but it is far from it. I had my own dog that I wanted help in the training process and they did that and so much more. The trainers are amazing and the staff is equally amazing. I am so thankful that an organization like this exists.
The impact this organization has is underrated. They save shelter dog put inmates to work and help veterans.
Ok first off the doggo they matched me with is the best. But in all seriousness Blue Star is great. It cost nothing for the veteran and it is a close group of people when you do get into the program. They are respectful and do know a thing or two of what you might be going through. They have done nothing but help me and by matching me with a dog they have made me more independent and I am grateful for. If I was rich Blue Star Service Dog's would get all the funding. .
I have watched this organization help several veterans in my local community. I've had the pleasure of talking with the employees, trainers, and volunteers at local events in my area, and you can SEE their passion for helping both veterans and dogs alike. I was fortunate enough to actually sit and talk with a veteran who graduated their program, and to hear them tell the story of how their service dog has changed their life was incredible! The work done at Blue Star Service Dogs is amazing!
While I am not a Veteran, someone who I am very close to is. I love this organization and the people who make this happen. They love the dogs as much as the veterans they serve and continue to find ways to help veterans out as much as they possibly could. I am very proud to know them and it is my honor to recommend them.
The impact this organization has is underrated. They save shelter dog put inmates to work and help veterans.
Blue Star Service Dogs is an amazing group of individuals that continue to innovate and build their organization. Rescuing dogs and helping veterans with PTSD is something near and dear to my heart. I am beyond grateful to work with these incredible individuals as they do God's work.
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BlueStarDogs 02/25/2022 We miss you Al & Boss! Rest in peace brother!