This nonprofit is one of the best. Training support dogs for veterans is their main objective. It is so heartwarming to see the veterans meet their dogs who are handed over to them by the person who has trained them the last year. Veterans receive a dog with no charge to them. Handlers train therapy dogs and classes are offered in obedience and agility. The therapy dogs bring much joy to everyone they meet. This group is definitely top notch.
I love this org! I have been volunteering and puppy raising about a year and a half. Their mission is some important, and I find it to be a very welcoming environment. Puppy raising is so much fun, and knowing that these pups are growing up to do big things makes my heart whole.
Words can’t describe me being paired with my service dog. I had gotten to a point where something had to change. I was afraid to be home alone, afraid to leave my house, afraid to fall asleep. I was flooded with intrusive thoughts throughout the day and constant nightmares at night. Pretty much afraid at all times. I felt like I was beyond rock-bottom in my own self-imposed prison. That changed on October 10, 2023. I was finally paired with my service dog. Not saying my life is perfect, but day by day it’s better. If it weren’t for Got Your Six Support Dogs (GYSSD) I believe I would’ve been part of the statistics with Veterans committing suicide. I am forever grateful to GYSSD. I am not one of the 22ADAY.
This organization is full of heart and purpose. Our family has had the privilege of being part of GY6 for over 2 years. Our part as puppy raisers has been extremely rewarding. Not only is it wonderful to work with these dogs as they learn their life’s purpose, but also knowing we were instrumental in transforming someone’s life for the better. Our family truly enjoys working with such an honorable organization that changes lives through specially trained dogs.
Over the six years I have served this organization, I have seen hundreds of lives improved through the amazing healing power of dogs.
A pet can bring unimaginable joy to a person but when you train that animal to be a mechanism for healing, it elevates that animal to something much more impactful.
There are thousands of nonprofits but I have found a unique level of impact that Got Your Six Support Dogs has compared to other organizations. Our military veterans and first responders have sacrificed so much for the wellbeing of others and there is a cost for that sacrifice. Giving these men and women an opportunity to recover their lives impacts them, their families, and their community.
Many orgs survive on passion of their people and while our team has an incredible amount of passion, their business acumen has allowed the organization to flourish. Even through the pandemic, GYSSD showed positive growth.
The staff's commitment to our recipients is unparalleled. After a dog is placed, we do not stop contact. If there is a problem with their dog that results in them no longer being able to be a service dog, another one is trained and placed with them at no charge. Few organizations are willing to make that kind of commitment to recipients but our team is adamant that we must continue to support our recipients long after we finish training the dog.
I was looking for a way to help my community and my husband is retired military so Got Your Six Support Dogs was the perfect place to go. They do amazing work and make such a wonderful impact!
I received a PTSD service dog from Got Your 6 support dogs four years ago. I am an Air Force veteran and have been diagnosed with PTSD. The dogs they provide to recipients are thoroughly trained and truly amazing. The staff and trainers were very knowledgeable, kind, and helpful through the entire process. They continue to offer any support needed once you go home with your dog. You truly feel like you are part of a functioning, supportive family. Prior to receiving my service dog, I was struggling in most areas of my life. I was having frequent suicidal ideations, abusing substances to sleep and function socially. I was afraid to leave my house, afraid to go to work to interact with my family members, basically, any type of setting where I encountered people was very triggering. I was extremely afraid to spend two weeks at GYSSD facility that is required to receive your service dog. However, The staff could not have been kinder, and could not have done anything to make me feel more comfortable. The training provided is top-notch and very comprehensive. At the end of the two weeks, I felt equipped to return to the community with my service dog and to step into a much more hopeful existence. Four years later, my life has changed in every aspect positively. I no longer depend on any substances to deal with my moods, I have regained my confidence, I truly believe I can accomplish anything with Magneto by my side. And trust me that is where he always is. He truly has my six! God bless Got Your 6 support Dogs. They are saving lives.
Service dogs save lives! Got Your Six Support Dogs does an excellent job training service dogs and matching them with recipients. I’ve had the privilege of being a volunteer puppy raiser and it is a rewarding experience. GYS also offers training classes to the public. I’m happy to support this organization every chance I can!
Got Your Six Support Dogs has been very beneficial to my life as I now had my service dog since October of last year. This program has helped Save My Life with the program that they give to Veterans and First Responders. They actually care about the people they help and they continue to care after . They have saved so many lives with their program. Thank you Got Your Six Support Dogs for helping me.
The organization is not just about service dogs and placing trained service dogs, it's much more. The organization is aimed at improving the mental health of military veterans and first responders. These placements are at no cost to help heal from PTSD. The organizations compassion and healing power is unmatched through extensive training programs for the veterans/first responders and their dog.
Got Your Six is an awesome organization. I’ve been training my dogs there for 3 years and recently started to volunteer. The staff and trainers are very knowledgeable and great to work with. Both of my dogs are certified Therapy Dogs through Got Your Six. I look forward to continuing to volunteer for Got Your Six.
I am proud to say I have supported the work of Got Your Six Support Dogs, both as a donor and volunteer therapy dog handler, since 2016. I believe Got Your Six is among the most resolute and conscientious nonprofit organizations, always focused on its mission to provide well-trained service dogs, at no cost, to veterans and first responders with PTSD. When other methods of treatment have failed, Got Your Six service dogs truly provide life-altering benefits and healing companionship to people who have served our country and community.
Dont think there are words to describe what GYSSD has meant to me and my family. The support they provide before and after being pair is 2nd to none. Through this organization I have been able to work on living a life to be remembered. No one can make this journey alone. And with the help of GYSSD I know I will never be alone..
Got Your Six Support Dogs has been life-changing. I was at the point of losing my military career when my Service Dog, Boomer came into my life. He enabled me to keep going, and for that I’m thankful.
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Got your six Support Dogs have enabled me to finish out my military career. They strategically paired me with a professionally trained service dog after a thorough vetting process. My new partner has changed my family’s life and improved my mental struggles. He helps me process my anxiety attacks and awakens me during frightening nightmares. Boomer has enriched all of our lives, and for that, I am thankful.
I received the gift of a life-changing and quite possibly life-saving service dog from Got Your Six in 2018. I never knew how much of an impact a trained service dog can make on a person's life. These folks at Got Your Six are saving veteran's lives - one dog at a time. I'm blessed to be able to leave this rating. Love you guys.
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Got Your Six Support Dogs is truly a life-changing and ultimately, life-saving organization. As a graduate of the 2018 class I can tell you that this organization is really something special. The unfailing dedication to making the lives of our veterans and first responders better is something each and every member of the team embodies. If you are looking for an organization that really shines "where the rubber meets the road" - look no further. I have been given a new lease in life and I intend to make the most of it. Paulx2
My dog went through Basic Obedience Training and Intermediate Training, followed by Therapy Dog Training at Got Your Six. Professional trainers worked with each class and we now provide therapy visits for our surrounding communities. I am proud to support this nonprofit organization whose primary goal is to provide service dogs for Veterans and/or first responders with PTSD.
This two week training woke most of us up to the possibilities we thought were closed off forever, normal life. I thank these people for saving my life all of the time. I always thought my social life would continue to dwindle down to nothing until Got Your Six Support Dogs rescued me.
I’ve only just recently joined on as a volunteer here, but I’m looking forward to the many future events GYSSD is a part of! Everyone deserves a dog, but this group is providing some of the most extraordinary & supportive dogs to the members of our community who need them the most. I was in absolute tears listening to the testimonials of one of the 2020 recipients of a service dog from this organization, in the best possible way. It is one thing to know that a team like this can change a life, but it is another to hear just how much. I hope to see this program grow exponentially through the years, there is always more work to be done!
I have worked with Got Your Six for three years and they are truly the most inspiring, uplifting and fantastic group of people. Their mission is so important. Seeing the change they bring to the lives of their recipients has been one of the highlights of my life.
I was given a life back. I did not realize how broken I was until I started to heal. Got your six took care of everything and continues to act as a support extension. I cannot praise them enough. For 13 years I existed. This is my first year with my service animal (Crue). It was the first year I was not scared of fireworks. My family says I seem more relaxed and smile more and I am finally sleeping whole nights. Having that companion that only wants to make you happy is a prayer answered. Thank you Got You Six Support Dogs.
Got Your Six Support Dogs is an incredible group of dog trainers and volunteers who go above and beyond to change the lives of veterans and first responders with PTSD. Specialized task-trained service dogs are provided at no cost to the recipients and the new handlers get excellent training during the pairing process.
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The trainers and volunteers who contribute to this incredible organization go above and beyond to raise and train puppies to become service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD at no charge to the recipients. I had the opportunity to work with them training and I can tell you first hand how much work it is, but it is totally worth it to make such a huge impact in people’s lives. I have learned so much from all of them and I cannot express how much my time with them has meant to me. Their talent and knowledge is immeasurable. Highly recommend!!!
This organization has been absolutely life saving for me. I was paired with Conner, my PTS service dog with the AMAZING Class of 2021. I wasn't just 'given' a dog. I was lucky enough to be paired with my best friend but I also gained nine more Veteran brother's and sister's to continue fighting this fight. Not only that I also gained a huge family in their organization staff and stellar volunteer staff. I'm so glad to have been fortunate enough to have found this organization and they were literally in my own backyard.
Here's the thing, GYSSD doesn't just do the work of making these life saving animals accessible to Veteran’s like myself. They are also lobbying on the Hill making sure and demanding that Veteran’s have access to PTS SDs and that we have support in this access.
As it stands right now, the VA does not believe in the power of these dogs ability to break the mold of most behavioral health treatment standards. Meanwhile repeated studies have absolutely proven their efficacy to ameliorate behavioral health symptoms resistant to treatment as usual. Veteran’s are on their own when it comes to affording the maintenance of our PTS SDs. The VA currently only covers SDs for physical disabilities, not the invisible ones. The VA has refered to our success stories as feel good puppy fodder. They are saving lives so call it what you want.
Conner has brought me back to a near existence that I once knew. He's provided me with structure, unconditional love, strength, laughs for days, and he literally has my six when his vest goes on. He's even brought my family closer and he and my granddaughter adore each other.
I honestly cannot thank GYSSD enough for giving me something I didn't know I needed.
GYSSD took the time to get to know me, my trauma, my previous treatment plans and what my needs were. The training that my dog received was absolutely what I needed. She is more than I ever dreamed a Service Dog could be.
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My dad is a navy veteran. I'd been saying for a while he needed help but we, my family and I, we're at a loss as to how to help him.
When I suggested a service dog the search began. We stumbled across a local, and very highly recommend, got your six.
It has been amazing since then. We didn't just get a dog we got a family who is by my dads side and helps us still. They are amazing people doing gods work.
I have been working with Got Your Six for a little over a year and I continue to be blown away by the passion and energy of the group. Perhaps the only thing more humbling is seeing the impact that it has on the Vets that are served. I look forward to helping anyway that I can.
I don't know that I'm technically a "client served", however, I am the wife of a recipient. Got Your Six gave me my husband back. I truly believe by giving him a service dog, providing him with two weeks of intense training, which included time with a therapist for the group, and a myriad of other things that would take too long to list, they saved his life. The support provided by GYS didn't stop when my husband's two week training was over. Any time he had a concern or worry, he was able to reach out to someone. Got Your Six Support Dogs is a blessing to so many servicemen, women, first responders and their families. I thank God for them.
I started volunteering with Got your Six in 2019 on their advisory board and absolutely loved their mission. I am looking forward to many more years of helping where I can and growing this organization to assist all the first responders and veterans we can!
GYSSD is a fantastic organization that I have had the amazing privilege of being affiliated with! I look forward to furthering the mission and help grow the organization so it can reach more veterans and first responders who could benefit from specialized service dogs.
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The compassion and knowledge of everyone involved Is above reproach. I was in I believe one of the first classes, if not the first. Even then being a newly established group they were wired tight. They are still available for follow-up training and training events. They provide the training and remediation free of charge and have always provided me with lodging for classes. The have been beyond helpful. It's been years and I still consider them friends. I was having a very bad day, and they took the time to meet me and hug and support when I needed them. I support this non-for profit and it is beyond exceptional in every sense. They helped me through leaving an abusive marriage, found resources for me when I had nothing because of divorce. They improved my quality of life. Their Training was more than just service dog commands. They taught us to believe in ourselves, Suicide prevention, coping skills and the list continues. Through this group I actually went to a fund raising event in public, instead of staying in hermit mode never really leaving my house. My service dog helped me through strokes, TIA's, anxiety, depression, and PTSD- service connected, helped to do physical therapy, to recover from the strokes and alerts me to ground myself if I start having a panic attacks and cannot speak out loud. Whiskey, my service dog has helped to work a few years longer than I could have without her. Physically keeping me from falling, helping me up inclines and stairs. She is so much more than just a service dog. Whiskey and this group are considered family.
I can't even tell you how amazing those people at GY6SSD are, I honestly believe they gave me my life back. I lost 60 lbs since I got my service dog, I smile more, I exercise more, I do more. I am always felt supported by them as well. Amazing, and I will always have a place for them in my heart.
The staff is very patient and professional, some how, some way they truly do match you pair you with the Service Dog that is the one that has all the characteristics you are missing in your life, you will truly never walk alone again in your life again, the trainers and staff are always available and there for you to answer any questions to point you in the correct direction, the services that Got Your Six provides has truly been a life changing experience, once again Thank You.
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My life has changed in ways that I wouldn’t have ever thought could happen on my own. I truly understand the meaning of never walking alone again, this experience of having a service dog has helped me to see the things that I weren’t able to on my own, I have grown to be patient, understanding, responsible and so much more. Thank You for showing me how to step forward and gain control of my life.
This organization has given me my true Wingman . Gwenny, my Got Your Six PTSD Service Dog has given my family back their mom , wife, sister and daughter. The training she received from the trainers at Got Your Six is absolutely remarkable. She alerts me when I am beginning to show signs of anxiety, she wakes me and provides compression during nightmares. Got Your Six through their expertise and professionalism have given me my life back and made me whole.
Thank you, Got Your Six!!!
Respectfully,
Retired Chief Master Sergeant Heather Braundmeier
Our journey with GYSSD started in 2016 when my husband applied for a service dog. He was a recipient in the Class of 2017. Our entire family has been volunteering with this GREAT organization since then. The good this organization does, gave us our life back, it gave us more freedom. I don't know where we would be today without them.
Got Your Six Support Dogs is an amazing organization and a wonderful place to work! I have learned so much from their incredibly skilled trainers, have seen volunteers pour their heart and soul into helping raise puppies and organize events, and have felt so welcome and supported by their entire team.
Got Your Six has been an amazing group of support.
Years of seeking help through the VA never worked, they didn't give me the support that I desperately needed. It honestly felt like they didn't care.
Once GY6 accepted me I was overwhelmed by the genuine love and compassion the staff and volenteers. For the first time in many years I had hope in my future.
The people at GY6 don't quit on you or ignore you once you get your service dog. Unlike the VA that pumps you full of meds and says "see you later".
Throughout my struggles even after receiving my dog GY6 was there every step of the way. Many of the people at GY6 I consider family now.
If your looking for an organization that works to actually heal you (and not just treat you), that will pour boundless love and compassion into you, give hope to the hopeless, be faithful to their recipients, and never give up, GY6 is the organization to look at.
It's a unique experience unlike any other, where even the staff and volenteer's families are heavily involved. The compassion doesn't start or stop at the doors, it's embodied by everyone who has been touched by GY6, and is found everywhere they are.
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I’ve worked with GYSSD for a year now. I love my work here! I’ve learned from just a boy from my parents that truly valuing people is universally fulfilling. Not only do we help veterans by providing wonderfully trained dogs that MAKE A DIFFERENCE in their lives, but I feel that my life is much improved by working hard to fulfill those needs. We work hard every day to make our dogs the best and greatest assets to those that need them!
I saw one of their ptsd service dogs in the community with its recipient. I then wanted to volunteer and check out some of their fundraising events. After seeing definitive results, I wanted to do more so applied for a Board position. They are an accredited organization with great leadership.
I have volunteered for Got Your Six Support Dogs a few times, and been at their fundraisers as a patron also. I am consistently impressed by the stories of the veterans and first responders who have received a support dog from GYSSD. The stories they tell are of a transformation to their world, always for the better. One Veteran, Shannon, spoke of his service dog and how she saved his life. PTSD had caused him to become isolated. She brought him out of his depression and suicidal ideation. She saved him.
GYSSD is filled with stories of recipients, each a bit different but similar to Shannon's. The work they do is INVALUABLE!
This organization has grown so close to my heart. I started as a puppy raiser and was offered a service trainer position recently. Having these dogs in my home is so fun and helps me teach my young son the value of giving back to others who give the ultimate sacrifice. Knowing that I am teaching these dogs to help safe someone’s life is amazing. I tell everyone I know about this organization!
From the standpoint of an employee, I can tell you this is the best place to work. I have worked at other nonprofits and this one is by far the most caring, understanding and well-balanced place.
Dedicated, well organized and talented staff that supports and fights for our service men and women.
Got your six is amazing. My dog allows me to function in a social setting freely as well as limits my anxiety and panic attacks.
The only reason I am able to take this survey today is because of Nicole and Got Your Six.
Just as of July/09/2020 I had a loaded gun to my temple with my finger on the trigger ready to pull it.
If it was not for Nicole and Got Your Six
There would be three children out there in the world missing their father.
GODSPEED HOOAH
I first encountered Got Your Six Support Dogs in 2016 while training for a first responder certification. I attended their helicopter training day where all of the dogs were being acclimated to medical helicopters for medical evacuations. They were still really small at the time but was impressed by the professionalism and attention to detail their trainers exhibited.
I've gotten further insight after spending the last year and a half on their board. I've seen explosive growth, culminating in buying a new 20,000 sq ft facility to expand our impact on the people we serve. I've never once had a question about where their priorities lie. When one of our recipients had a medical emergency and wasn't able to support themselves, GY6 built an emergency fund to make sure they had what they needed.
You hear a lot about nonprofits with administrative bloat and having a focus that is not completely on their mission. Got Your Six Support Dogs could not be more different from that stereotype.
I frequently describe the Executive Director as the real-life Leslie Knope from NBC's Parks and Recreation. Not only does she physically resemble Amy Poehler, but Nicole's undying dedication to the organization and her constant drive for improvement make her one of the most inspirational leaders I've had the pleasure of working with.
One of the biggest changes is that when I go somewhere I am able to concentrate on my family and experience instead of being overly vigilant and not able to enjoy the experience.
Got Tour Six Support Dogs is a great organization. They are all great people that have gone out of their way to pair me and other veterans with service dogs that help to improve our quality of life. They genuinely care about us and how we're doing with our service dogs by periodically checking in and providing refresher training. I really appreciate everything they have done for me and can't thank them enough!
I work at the St. Louis VA where I meet with veterans to help them achieve their personal Healthcare goals. Some of the veterans i meet with suffer from severe PTSD and it is hard for them to be comfortable enough to begin exploring their mission, aspiration, and purpose for their lives.
I needed something that would help provide this comfort, and in come Brick! Got Your Six donated Brick to me as a trained therapy dog. He has been instrumental in helping my veterans to make life changing healthcare goals. I now have veterans who would normally not be willing to come to the VA looking forward to mine and Brick's appointments!
Got Your Six has been a godsend to these veterans! This organization deserves to be recognized as an important and much needed nonprofit.
Jason L. Horn
Whole Health Coach
Having served the U.S. Navy and encountered some bad times in the early 80's that came back years later. Forced me to retreat in a shell causing me to be always on guard, jumpy, and agitated easily. It affected my life till I got a opportunity to work with this charity. Getting my service dog has gotten me back to a point where I can function on a daily basis. My family, friends and colleagues have noticed the difference and no longer fear approaching me. I wish I had gone to them sooner. Thank you GYSSD
I did a lot of research about service dog agencies before finally choosing GYSSD. They were the ONLY agency that seemed genuinely concerned for both the dog and the recipient. They weren’t pushy or seemed to be pushing just numbers, as some other organizations seemed to be doing. Thank you so much for your warm hearts and personal touch.