This organization has helped me and other veterans and first responders in need of a service dog. I was unable to go in public with my wife after retiring. After starting the program I just felt at ease having the service dog. Now that my service dog is done having her with me all the time. My family and I are able to do more activities
I am a 20 year army veteran. I have had very bad and vivid dreams for many years. I talked with the people from brothers and sisters in arms about my ongoing problems. They were very supportive. I received Dudley (a yellow Lab) on June the 1st. Had a three week bonding period with Dudley before training started. Dudley has woken me up twice so far out of bad dreams. Over two months now without those bad dreams. The instructors said that Dudley could smell the chemical change in my body when I was panic type dream. I take Dudley to training Monday thru Friday. It's all free. What a great bunch of people that give their time and energy to veterans. Dudley and I have learned a lot in this short time. I realy enjoy the training classes. I strongly recommend this group of selfless people. They have truly helped me. Dudley and I have lot more training to do before he can do everything I need but it's well worth the time and energy
This is an awesome organization! In 2012 my wife ANN came across a business card for Brothers and Sisters and made me go talk to them! I suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder-PTSD (anxiety,nightmares, etc..) and Traumatic Brain Injury-TBI (blackouts, memory loss), etc..). After every deployment I got worse, I was mean to my loved ones and closed off to everyone else and still on active duty in the Army. I filled out the application and was excepted into the program, my trainer was Phil (the CEO) and I picked “PENNY” as my Service Dog. A rescued red bone coon hound/golden retriever mix that my daughter brought home. I completed training with Penny and graduated in July 2013. We went on to become trainers in this great organization.
It has been several years now and “PENNY” and I are inseparable as she makes it possible for me to function as a “normal” person. She is constantly at my side ( left side as trained) and has made it possible for me to get on with my life. I retired from the Army after 30 years and am 100% VA disabled, “PENNY” goes everywhere with me and has become a well known figure in the Leesville, LA. Community, even the Mayor and the FT Polk Commander know her.
I would like to Thank my wife ANN for giving me the push to get started and Brothers and Sisters in Arms Dog Training for all the training (Phil, Jaime, Rick, Ice) and support they gave me and also “PENNY” for keeping me sane.
If anyone has the opportunity and privilege to join this great organization, please don’t hesitate, I don’t know if I would be here if not for them. Thanks.
CSM(r) Richard McCord & Penny
I am extremely grateful for this organization. My husband suffers greatly from PTSD and anxiety. This group paired him with the perfect dog,Reese, for comfort. This group does not just give dogs to veterans and that's it. The trainers are dedicated loving people who guide veterans on training their dogs. This allows for a great partnership to be built between veteran and service dog. The trainers volunteer their time and knowledge to build lasting bonds and top notch service dogs who go way beyond just meeting basic guidelines. This is an invaluable nonprofit and for many veterans a lifeline back into society without anxiety or fear. The dogs are saved from pounds and rescues and are given thorough temperament and health screenings. This group is also giving these dogs a lifeline and a second chance at life itself. Please consider this organization when trying to decide where to donate. This is an absolutely worthy cause.