I was first introduced to Captains Canines through a friend who had one of their dogs. I had heard nothing but good things about Andrew and Carolee, but after attending one of their sessions -- they lived up to the praise. I was first exposed to their trained service dogs at a restaurant and was impressed by how responsive they were to their commands and how well behaved they were around distractions and food. After seeing Andrew and Carolee train handlers and their dogs, I understood how the dogs got to that point. They take pride in what they do and differ from other trainers in their focus on the handler. They reiterate that the dog responds to your behavior and that the training starts with your demeanor. Would highly recommend them for anyone looking to train their dog to become a certified service animal.
Hi, My name is Ari McCarron and I was introduced to Captains Canines by a friend, animal lover, and veteran Frank. Frank is known in the neighborhood by his sidekick Stretch who accompanies him everywhere as his service dog. You can tell when you meet Stretch that he was trained by kind hearted animal lovers that made him able to perform many daily tasks for Frank, but also be a great companion with a loving personality. Frank had told me many times about his friends Andrew and Carolee that had trained him and when I finally did get the chance, I understood right away why Stretch is as great of a companion as he is. Since then, I have gotten the pleasure of working with Carolee and Andrew on training with one of my fosters in a group session. Their hands on training gave me a lot of great material to work on with our puppy, and gave me a glimpse into what kind of a help these dogs can be to the families and individuals in the veteran community.
Andrew and Carolee are some of the most amazing people to dedicate their lives to Captains Canines and directly bettering the lives of both animals and our veterans. :)
Not only am I a veteran with a service dog, I am also the Executive Director of Captain’s Canines for Heroes, Inc. Due to my time in the Marines, I have a great amount of pain, mobility issues, and PTSD. My life had very little quality to it until I got my first service dog. Captain changed my life and made me look forward to tomorrow. He made such an impression on me that I became a trainer and started Captain’s Canines for Heroes in order to help other veterans and first responders that are giving up hope for a quality life. I am fully involved with this group in order to donate these dogs to stop the 40 veteran lives lost per day to suicide, to help families heal, and to allow these wonderful dogs to show us why they are man’s best friend.
My name is Bren Ellison and i am a volunteer at Captains Canines For Heroes. It is a wonderful organization, and it is an absolute honor to be a part of it. The look on the veteran's faces when they get the dog is an experience like no other. I have been lucky enough to witness the amazing transformations these dogs are the catalysts for, taking veterans from all walks of life from their lowest lows to their highest highs.
I am a volunteer with Captain's Canines for Heroes. While I am not able to foster or train the dogs, I am able to help out at events telling everyone what wonderful work they do. I have seen some training sessions and it is amazing to see the bond that develops between the veteran and the dog. It is even more amazing to have those veterans in the booth telling their story to other veterans. They help so many people in so many ways - I am proud to be part of this group.
I am a board member and also a special disabled veteran that benefits from the help of service dogs. Captains Canines is currently training my third service dog. My first I had to put down because of osteosarcoma. My second dog, a Greyhound is living with me now and will continue to live with me until one of us pass away. He is 10 years old and has to be retired now. My third dog is now being trained by captains Canine's. I am very pleased with that training. I have required special needs from my service dog and they are making sure that my dog is taught to provide those needs. They keep me informed on almost a daily basis and have had me out several times to work with the dog, and to make sure that we were suited for one another. They have definitely gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist me as they have with others. I will be functioning as a VA liaison for veterans in need of service dogs and will certainly recommend this nonprofit as they definitely take care of both the needs of the service dog and the needs of the person that is going to be his handler. I will highly recommend them.
My name is Carolee Ellison, and in the interest of full disclosure, I am a board member, head dog trainer, and volunteer for Captain's Canines for Heroes. This organization changes every life it touches for the better - veterans/first responders, their families, and our volunteers. I have been active since it's creation and I have seen veterans/first responders go from being house-bound hermits to functioning members of society again. Their families are also affected...and benefit from the healing of service dogs. Our volunteers are grateful to be part of the miracles that happen here.
While we had originally only planned to supply custom-trained service dogs, it quickly became apparent that there was a need in the veteran/first responder community for owner-trained service dogs. Since our mission statement is to enhance the quality of life for veterans/first responders, and their families, by donating custom-trained service dogs, we decided to include this type of training as well. We evaluate the service dog candidates and create an individual training plan with follow-up sessions.
Service dogs are an important component of medical care for veterans/first responders. Whether we train the dog personally, or enable someone to train their dog, the transformation of the handler and their families is incredible. We adhere to Best Training Practices that include 300 hours of training on each dog and a public access test (AKC CGC-Urban/PAT). We custom train the dog to fit each individual's needs. Dogs are retested yearly and additional training is always available if needed.
Our website also contains additional resources for veterans - including local businesses that cater to veterans. As we identify needs within the veteran community, we will continue to expand what we have available to help those in need.
Truly, Captain's Canines for Heroes is a diverse group of individuals that have come together with a common goal of helping veterans and first responders, and their families. We welcome anyone who needs or wants to help support others through service dogs. Strong bonds form - not only between handlers and dogs, but between veterans (old and new) and volunteers as well. Everyone is ready and willing to help a member of our Captain's Canines family.
I am truly blessed to be part of this amazing organization. I have been training dogs for over 30 years and believe all of that experience was given to me so I could improve veterans'/first responders' (and their families') lives now.
I have had my service dog for about three years now and Andrew and Carolee at Captains Canines For Heroes have been so helpful with the many questions that I have thrown their way. They have helped guide me through some of the challenges that I have faced with my dog, Trickeration. They have given me great advice regarding my upcoming overseas trip with my dog. I am thankful for their support over the years. They have always been great professionals, very responsive, and always know how to find solutions to challenges. My dog Trickeration has been an amazing companion. He never ceases to amaze me and I am thankful that Andrew and Carolee have taken such an interest in the training and care of my dog. I know that I can always count on them to be there for me when I need anything. Very thankful.
Almost a year ago my emotional support dog, Nico, passed away unexpectedly. I was beyond devastated - my world came crashing down. Though she was not a certified service dog she performed many of tasks for me a service dog would have. I had been applying to different Veteran Service Organizations - but COVID had pushed waiting lists past 5 years in some cases. At the rate my mental health was declining it was questionable I'd make five weeks.
Then I received a call from Andrew. I immediately liked him as I'm very comfortable opening up to fellow Veterans - especially my brothers from The Corps. Andrew and Carolee understood right away what I was going through. Then Andrew said, "Come on down (from Richmond, VA) to meet the dogs and hopefully find a match for me". I was blown away - Elated is the word - I informed my boss I was leaving the following morning to meet some dogs - I'd return in a few days.
I drove through the day and night and arrived in Boynton Beach, FL that night. The next morning I went to Captain's Canines were I was welcomed in to their spaces with open arms and immense hospitality. And then I was SURROUNDED by a pack of Greyhounds. If you've never experienced this - I do recommend it! Quite a sight. We spent the day relaxing in a home enviroment and so I could freely interact with the dogs. Andrew and Carolee generously offered to buy lunch so that we could take an outing with the dog spending time with me right then - Ruger. After a wonderful trip, and me desperately trying to win Ruger's affection, I returned to Andrew's living room where Ruger was distractedly pacing and wandering away. With little warning a black bolt deked around Ruger, slid onto the couch next to me and immediately rested his head in my lap. That was that! Hawk was my best friend and service dog he had just been waiting til the right moment to let me know. Andrew was amazing coaching me through introductions and learning to be around each other for Hawk and I. That night - to strengthen the bond Hawk went with me to the hotel and for the first time in weeks I slept through the night.
Andrew is fantastic at coaching his dogs! Hawk knows the best way to use his size and support me whether its standing for long periods of time, helping me up stairs and even bracing so he helps me up off the floor. He's continued to sleep next to me and wakes me up before night terrors have a chance to set in. Andrew's thorough training even helped me coach Hawk so he will remove me from uncomfortable situations with a covert sign Hawk learned. Andrew and Carolee were there to support Hawk during our transition and are still amazing when it comes to training method education & as a shoulder to lean on.
As far as I'm concerned - Hawk has undoubtedly saved my life, which means Captain's Canines For Heroes Inc has saved my life.
Words don't seem enough. Thank you - with everything I am.
I highly recommend Captains Canines. Without knowing anyone, I came from across the country to connect with Andrew and Carolee. With PTSD and MST, this is a big deal, and I was met with kindness and grace. I have observed excellent training in my time with them, and their generosity and commitment to the cause is unparalleled. They are the real deal here, in a world that there is so many people who are not in it for the right reasons, this is refreshing. If you are in doubt, don't be, they're amazing!
I am a disabled veteran. I was diagnosed with PTSD, as well as other physical and mental health disabilities that can make every day tasks hard. Suffering from something like PTSD and major depression can make the smallest tasks feel extremely overwhelming, and often, can make you feel like trying anything is pointless. Andrew and Carolee make the entire process easy, and enjoyable. They treat you like family, and surround you with an amazing staff that are completely committed to helping veterans and first responders, as well as the beautiful dogs that need a home. They are by far the best dog trainers I have ever seen. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and you can see how much they love what they do. The dogs are well trained, and they make sure that you walk away feeling confident in yourself, and your new service dog/ family member! I will always recommend them whenever I meet another vet in need, because I know with 100% certainty that Captains Canines for Heroes will do everything they can to take care of everyone I send their way. Reaching out to them will be one of the best decisions you have ever made. It will not only better your life, it will better the life of a loving and faithful animal. It doesn’t get much better then that!
I have known Andrew for more than 40 years in the military, law-enforcement, and as a friend . He has worked with many dogs and helped many veterans in that time. Andrew, Carolee and the staff are honest, reliable, and caring individuals who put their heart into every dog and veteran that they’re involved with.
I highly recommend this organization for those with PTSD or in need of a service dog . Greg Scott ( USMC )
There was a time in my life where I was at rock bottom. I couldn’t really walk anymore, my PTSD/MST was at an all time high, I entered hermit mode and rarely left home. Then I stumbled upon this incredible set of humans who brought my battle-buddy (the incredible Dr. Moosicle) into my life. Without the help and support of Captain’s Canines, the founder, trainers, volunteers, and staff - I would not be walking, driving, and able to enjoy sun on my face or sunrises on the beach.
We couldn’t do it without them, and my gratitude and love will always be with them. We are quite the hilarious pair, for sure, but we owe it to this organization and the patience, love, support, and care they have shown us every step of the way.
If you are on the fence about applying, trust me, just do it. And watch (and enjoy) your life shift for the better. Not saying there won’t be bad days ahead still, but you also join a community of people who become family in a world where we need that connection more than ever.
Just do it!