In early 2021, due to increased isolation from COVID and attending school online, my 17 yo son who has Autism was increasingly lonely and depressed. The social anxiety he experienced was increasing; his ability to even walk down our street during daylight hours was nonexistent. His varied symptoms from Autism were getting worse and his ability to function was decreasing.
After reaching out to K9 Care Montana for help with getting a service dog for my son, David Riggs took the bull by the horns!
Akira (a beautiful and wonderful service dog in training) joined our family and has made such a difference in my son's life!! He now goes on walks each day in the daylight, holds his head high, and engages with people who invariably ask about his gorgeous puppy, he has Akira by his side each day during his online classes, takes Akira to the grocery store with him on his own, and as she jumps on his bed each morning my son wakes up with a smile on his face.
My son continues to gain independence, a sense of companionship, a deeply felt sense of being accepted and loved, self-confidence, an increased ability to be in public along with lessened anxiety, and his depression has all but disappeared - all due to having Akira by his side!!
Thank you K9 Care Montana, Inc. and David Riggs!!!!
You've made such a positive difference in our family's life.
~ Forever Grateful
I have been a K9 Care MT service dog receipient for 3 years. David Riggs and K9 Care have been there with support, encoragement, and friendship the whole way. David genuinely cares about veterans and works hard to ensure that both the needs of the recipient, as well as the service dog, are being cared for in the best possible manner.
If you are considering a service dog, reach out! A big thank you to those who donate!
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My experience with K9 Care Montana has been amazing. When I met my service dog (Yellow Labrador puppy), I immediately fell in love. K9 Care Montana provided me with an exceptional dog with a great temperament.
As I progressed through training, K9 Care was there with me the entire way! Great support, guidance, and outstanding communication. I couldn't be happier! Highly recommended!
Heart Failure at 29.
Heart Pump at 30.
Heart Transplant at 32.
The VA tried to do the best they could, but thanks to David and K9CareMT, it was a challenge I didn't have to do alone.
Stella has been the best for support and when I'm having any issues. She's always putting a smile on everyone's faces and makes my days so much brighter.
David and K9 Care MT were a catalyst and stabilizing force in my recovery. I have been with Jade for 5 years. She was there and helped give me confidence to leave the house. She has helped me conquer so much as I continued to navigate a new normal. She is a constant in my life when there wasn't much consistency. I am grateful and inspired by David's organization. Always a reminder and encouragement and warm smile to stay in it. 5 years in, K9 care continues to support recovery in trying new things. I am so grateful for the time and effort in training and working with me and offering time out to reset on the waters with top notch Fly Fishing. Being out in nature, learning something new, I am grateful for the continued support.
There are not enough words to describe how thankful I am for K9 care montana. Before I got hero I felt I had no purpose and was lost. Hero keeps me going every day and is my best friend . He changed my life and forces me to take him on adventures because how could I say no to that face. You couldn’t of hand pick a better teammate for me. I feel so blessed to be part of this program. Everyone who meets him falls in love with him. Thank you David Riggs í ½í¶¤ you’re my hero too !
With the help of K9 Care I have gained independence in daily life because of the fantastic work they do. They partnered with me and have given me an opportunity that I don’t think I will ever be able to repay. I am greatly appreciative of the things that David and the organization has done for me.
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David has provided has given me hope for more independence for the future. He has done an amazing job meeting all the needs we have discussed. I could not be more thankful for the optterinity at freedom. Thank you K9CM!
I broke my brain from a fall in October of 2008 during a rappelling accident from a helicopter. Since then my life has been a living hell. A never ending nightmare. I have fallen through every crack that our government is supposed to offer to disabled combat veterans such as myself. At this point it’s just laughable how mishandled I have been and how much I have suffered due to lost benefits and poor medical treatment. David Riggs and K9 Care Montana are one of the very few highlights in my life and have been there for me far above and beyond their mission statement. I can’t say enough good things about this organization and their willingness to help me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I'm an Iraq veteran that served two tours and was shipped back stateside due to damage in my back. I have severe ptsd and traumatic brain injury along with depression and anxiety.
Joining K9 Care of Montana has helped me immensely. Its more than just getting a service dog at no cost. Once you are in its a family and David Dogman Riggs does whatever he can to help us succeed.When we have a get together its a group of people who have done the same stuff so brotherhood comes out of K9 Care.
My Service Dog in Training Samson has saved my life. In a moment of darkness thinking about him saved my life. He's there when I need to be cheered up or watching my back when I'm in a store. Samson knows when I'm worked up and he doesn't leave me alone. K9 Care provided me with a high quality dog with a personality that fits me perfect. If it wasn't for what K9 Care has done for me I guarantee I would not be here. K9 Care has helped give me my life back.
K9 Care Montana ~ David "Dogman" Riggs, where to begin.
After returning from multiple tours I was diagnosed with severe anxiety, hearing loss, suicide ideation and physical limitations from prosthetics in both legs and low back issues. So many of us who return continue to struggle to readjust, we become depressed and in many cases suicidal.
Joining K9CM and receiving the most awesome puppy ever my life started to change. Freedom is the name of my service dog. He helps me in so many ways. He picks up items I drop, he helps me negotiate stairs and "allows" me to go out in public. When I become withdrawn he comforts me and licks my tears when I sob.
Freedom, through K9CM, is completing his training and has changed my life in a very positive way. At the time I received Freedom, my life, my marraige, my ability to work were all suffering. Freedom has and continues to ground me. The positive effect basically saved me and my marriage. He is part of my family, we love him so much.
K9CM covered all costs associated with Freedom. I could not have received a servive dog if it had not been for generosity and love from the K9CM family. David Riggs is literally a life changer, he understands trauma, he understands pain and what it feels like to be on the ragged edge of life.
Nothing but respect to K9CM and David "Dogman" Riggs.
We’re so thankful for David and K9CM! My daughter rec’d a pup from them and it has been such a blessing. Flint is a precious member of our family and is such a help to Alexa. He has matured into such a solid SD and is always looking out for his girl. We cherish him and look forward to them being a team for many years! Thanks, David!
With mobility, anxiety, PTSD, and a few more disabilities. K9 Care Montana has helped me with the wonderful care and yellow lab named "Ray". We have grown together for the last 9 weeks. The training and education that is being done is top notch and works at a pace that I don't get overwhelmed. Thank you K9 Care Montana for the experience that is helping me with my daily life.
This organization changed my life! Without my dog, Maverick, I would be a different person for sure. Chances are, without him and this organization, I wouldn't be alive. Truly life changing!
I was having a lot of dark days and even with a busy schedule K9 care Montana stopped what they were doing to help Gunner and I become a team!!! They have helped with Gunners training and helped me with some of my tough days always having my back!
A friend had told me about this nonprofit. I donate to different service organizations that help out injured professionals. This organization helps out Wounded warriors as well as other organizations but the W.W. project is my number one donation. K9 care Montana on Facebook shows all their events plus the dogs/puppies that they train. Please make this your number one donation organization.
I have severe PTSD and Anxiety with spinal damage. When I'm stressed I know I can call and see how the dogs are doing and talk to someone friendly who understands my situation with empathy which takes my mind off of whatever is making me have a panic attack. I get notified (because I asked) when puppies have arrived. It's one of the very few places I donate money and you should do the same.
K9 Care has been outstanding! Definite game changer for our son who is diagnosed with Autism. Thanks for leveling the playing field!
Can't say enough positive things about K9 Care Montana. As a recipient of one of their service dogs, it has made a improvement in my life. Sarge is awesome, and surprises me every day. By far one of the best dogs I have ever had. And the support and caring David has for the animals and handlers is above and beyond. Thank you David for all you have done.
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It warms our hearts every time to see the dogs. The puppies are trained in a caring environment. The major problems people have these days can be helped by these dogs as well as the people running K9 Care Montana. Knowing they're going out to help is why we donate.
K9 Care Montana has helped to changed my husband's daily life ten fold by giving my combat veteran husband his forever battle buddy, Sam. This non-profit goes above and beyond to help provide some normal for our veterans through daily companionship and assistance with their service dogs each moment of every day. We are forever grateful to David Riggs and K9 Care Montana!!!
As one of the first recipients of this organization, I have had the pleasure to watch them grow and help more veterans and autistic families every year. There are alot of veteran organizations out there, but David has truly dedicated his life and his ability as a dog trainer to helping others. Truly a phenomenal organization.
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K9 Care Montana has helped change my life for the better with my Service Dog Kimber. She has helped me become more independent out in public and lead a more normal life.
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K9 Care Montana has changed my life with my Service Dog Ruger. I am now more able to go out in to public and be more free and independent. Ruger has also helped me get off highly addictive anxiety medications. Thank you David Riggs!!!
Awesome organization devoted to bettering the lives of service members nationwide!!! This is cause that makes a difference, and would be an excellent place to volunteer, or maybe contribute! David, the staff, and his amazing dogs, are dedicated to making the lives of these service members better!!!
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K9 care Montana trained my service dog Faith who helps aid me with TBI and PTSD. Davis Riggs is an amazing man with a huge heart to help wounded veterans get out into the world again with the use of a service dog. I know my life has been forever impacted by my dog.
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I'm a wounded warrior and recipient of a trained service dog by David Riggs of K9 Care MT. David is an amazing man who does so much for us vets it is unbelievable. And he does it at absolutely zero cost to us. I cannot begin to express my gratitude to him, and to all the families in K9 care MT. We all share a bond and have become our own family, much like we were in the military.
My pup Faith, is an amazing dog. Through David's training she helps me navigate my TBI and my PTSD. Some days when it is hard to function or be in society she guides me through it. My Service dog has truly become part of my overall health and I owe it to David Riggs of K9 Care MT
As a K9CM volunteer for the past 9 years , its been fun watching them grow into the wonderful giving charity they are today. I've enjoyed watching the veterans and dogs form unbreakable bonds. The dog saves the warrior and the warrior saves the dog....its been miraculous.
We have been blessed to be able to support this wonderful cause for 7 years. As Veterans, both my husband and I understand the importance of what K9 Care Montana does. We have seen the difference the dogs make in our wounded warriors after they come home. David gives 100% of himself to this cause. He has been able to be a blessing to many of those who have served us. Looking forward to helping this cause for many years to come. God bless you David Riggs and all you do.
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Cant say enough about this organization, david, and all his "helpers". His generosity and training abilities make a great pairing while making life easier for veterans and saving lives! Keep up the great things k9cm!!
K9 Care is an amazing non-profit that helps wounded veterans and autistic children. The dogs David trains are top notch, quality dogs. David is very compassionate and cares about all of his recipients. We are blessed to be part of the K9 Care Montana team.
My son Scott received a service dog from K9care Montana. Jake is the best dang thing that ever happened to Scott following his military service. Jake has put purpose, security and the drive to face the challenges life brings with a positive attitude and outlook. K9Care Montana is the BEST!!
Our 13 year old daughter was diagnosed with autism in February 2018 after many years of challenges and searching for answers. Navigating both the medical and educational systems has been complex and complicated. As the mom, I’ve shed many tears along the way. Her acceptance into K9Care Montana’s service dog program has been THE greatest gift to our daughter and then also to our family. The impact of the relationship between our daughter and this dog will be felt by all of us all the way through her teen years and into her early twenties. I honestly cannot imagine a single organization having a greater impact on our daughter’s life, and thus our entire familiy’s life, than what K9Care has offered to us through their program.
K9 Care Montana provided a service dog to my daughter, who was diagnosed with autism. Her SD has given her a new sense of security, helping her deal with her anxiety and sensory issues, among other things. They are very attached to each other, which we feel was amplified since she got him as a puppy and they bonded so strongly within that first year. The process was so easy and David has been so accommodating to her needs, helping her whenever she had questions or a concern about anything! We love K9CM and are looking forward to having a relationship with them for years to come. We plan on becoming more involved with fundraising and helping wherever possible. Thanks K9CM!!
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My daughter is a recipient of a dog through the ASD program. She has fostered him
since he was nine weeks old. He loves her so much and she loves him. Their bond is a beautiful thing to behold. David has given Alexa everything she needs to be successful in the fostering/training of Timber. We had the opportunity to visit Montana last month and get to work with David personally. Alexa loved every second we were there and is already making plans to return. She is also researching how to continue her education to become a dog trainer and continue working with K9CM. We are so appreciative of the opportunities that Alexa has been given and are looking forward to her future with Timber by her side.
Not a personal recipient, but have watched with awe at the compassion, acceptance, patience and love that are present for every recipient. To be admired!
Nine years ago, my husband & I adopted a beautiful baby boy from a courageous young birth mother. Before his 3rd Birthday, he was diagnosed with Autism. We immediately sought out every possible resource & therapy available & have had great success in his treatment, but our son's needs constantly change. Finding K9 Care of Montana has been an answer to our prayers & provided us with the missing link to our son's care. We received an amazing puppy several months ago & our son is building a meaningful relationship with his dog. He is already bringing him such joy & confidence. THANK YOU, David & K9 Care Montana for the incredible gift of freedom, peace & a constant companion for a sometimes lonely & scared little boy. This dog is changing all our lives & we are truly grateful.
I am so pleased to be a part of this non-profit. David and his team truly care about their recipients, myself included. David and K9 Care provide hope for wounded veterans and children with Autism.
Hi my name is Taylor ballweber I have been a I've been a junior trainer for canine care Montana for 5 years now this nonprofit is not only a charity it's not profit is it like a family to me and a family to those that we help if there's a bag of dog food or any vet bills we take care of it and that's what a nonprofit should be not just a charity but a family
We have special needs twins who are recipients of a service dog through K9 Care. We have fostered Drake since he was 9 weeks old. It's amazing to watch the twins and Drake grow together as one unit. As Drake matures we are constantly discovering new ways we can use him as a tool to service the unique needs of each child. It's comforting to know that Drake will accompany the twins from young children into adulthood, and that Drake will be evolving as their needs evolve. David Riggs wears his heart on his sleeve. He has welcomed us with open arms into the K9 Care family. We are so thankful for K9 Care and to David Riggs who has uplifted so many lives. Thank you.
As a recipient I can honestly say that I don't know where I would be today without my best friend Abrams. I owe my quality of life that I live now to David Riggs. When you are with the K9CM family they treat you as exactly that. You are family and that in itself is an amazing feeling. Thank you Dave and everyone at K9CM! Eric Scott
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David is a man committed to helping others successfully integrate into society and become independent! He does a fantastic job promoting the cause and working collaboratively with many groups to help support his cause. He is WONDERFUL!
Have known Dogman's family for years. Met Dogman 3 years ago and was impressed with his enthusiasm and commitment to his work. Dedicated to training the best service dogs with love. He's an amazing person with an amazing story.
I've known David since before he moved to Montana. I love what he is doing and what he stands for. He is the most caring and loving person I know. He puts his whole heart into this nonprofit. Thank you for all you do.
I have known Dave since my first trip to Montana with my dad in 2006, before Dave even started K9 Care Montana, and I have visited him almost every year since. Dave is one of the most genuine people I have ever met, and I consider him family. As a member of the Army, though I am not a wounded warrior, I get to see firsthand the impact a service animal can have on a wounded warrior, and as such, I wholeheartedly endorse Dave’s program and his dogs. Over the years I have known Dave, I have had the pleasure of meeting dozens of dogs that he has placed in families of wounded warriors and children with autism, free of cost to the families. Every one of those dogs has impressed me with its temperament, training, and intrinsic desire to fulfill its role as a service animal. If you are in need of a service dog, look no further than K9 Care Montana. You will be hard pressed to find a better dog, or a more caring and accommodating trainer, than what you will find with Dave and K9 Care.
From the day we brought this angel, Dakota, home from Phillipsburg a year and a half ago, she has made a tremendous impact in the lives of my husband and I. We had seen the amazing work that David Riggs had done with other veterans, and when we were chosen to receive this amazing gift we were thrilled and nervous at the same time. Would she fit in with us? and our other dogs? Would we be able to train her right? Would we mess her up?
Dakota has made our house a home again, with laughter and entertainment. She has made it so that my husband is able to do so many of the things that had become "uncomfortable" doing. In the short amount of time that we have been blessed with Dakota; she has traveled with my husband on a boat, bus, plane; gone across the country; enabled him to start going to shows and begin working and attending events; and allowed him go places that he hadn't dared venture in years.
Dakota has become such an amazing member of our home. She fits in to our family, our "dog family" and our lives so perfectly I can't imagine life without her. She is strong, and smart, and funny. David has chosen such a noble profession and is so dedicated to all of his "clients".
Thank you David Riggs for making our lives that much better!!! We will always be here for you!!!
Several years ago I was introduced to David Riggs, Founder of K9 Care Montana. My first impression was spot on: he has an incredible passion and commitment to helping those in need through the service dogs he provides to recipientsee at no cost to the families. You can truly see the positive impact he has on the those involved in the program. His service provides families with new opportunities and opens doors to independence and freedoms that were previously not available to them.
Since my initial meeting, I have started to volunteer for K9 Care Montana to better help him continue his mission of providing service dogs to those in need.
K9 Care Montana is a great non-profit to support!
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I have had the privilege of being associated with K9 Care Montana since the 2014. My husband is a wounded veteran and was fortunate enough to be selected as a recipient for a service dog from K9 Care Montana. I cannot express my gratitude enough for the positive impact his service dog has made in his life. The benefit of his service dog has been a true gift and provides him more freedom and independence than he ever imagined he could have.
K9 Care Montana is an incredible organization that truly makes a difference in the lives of wounded veterans and their families.
We are honored to be part of this organization and highly recommend them. They have proven their dedication and commitment to helping those in need.
My daughter is a recipient of an ASDiT, Timber this past April. Timber has been such a joy to our family. His bond with my daughter was instant and is growing into something so beautiful through the foster program. She is honored to be instrumental in the training process and has learned so much from this experience. Even though he is only 10 months old, Timber already reads her so well and knows what she needs even before she does. It's an amazing thing to watch. They are best buds. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these two! David, thanks for your dedication and passion!
I was one of the first Warriors chosen to receive a dog from K9 care. Dogman has gone above and beyond anything excited since I started in the program in 2012. My service dog is my lifeline most days, and is currently curled up on the couch next to me snoring away. Without K9 care and Dogman I don't known where I would be today
Dogman puts his heart n soul into K9 Care!!! Always has a smile & warm hug for his friends & loved by everyone.
Thank You for all that you do!
God Bless
David Riggs truly lives his life to help others. Having one of his dogs has allowed me to live a life I never thought I would be able to live. He develops life long friendships with his service dog families and lives the motto "Serving those that have served us"..
K9 care produces high quality service dogs. I got the privilege of seeing many of the dogs at work over the weekend at a banquet. I was very impressed with the training the dogs receive as well as the training the veterans receive on handling the dogs. Great organization, look forward to seeing it grow.
Thank you to K9 Care MT. Your service to our country's wounded warriors and children with autism is outstanding. I am thankful having been paired with Jade. She is my battle buddy. She knows me, she has adapted to me, and I can always count on her to be there. She is safety and comfort when I couldn't find anywhere or anything else that felt safe. Jade has helped me in being able to open up again to the world. There truly are no words to express the positive impact she has made and continues to make. K9 Care MT has been a bridge to connection with myself and my recovery. David Riggs is the piece that has brought light to the dark, encouraging healing, growth, and sustainability. Thank you
Thank you K9CM for everything you do! There are no words to describe how important you are to the people's lives that you touch!
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I am a proud supporter of this outstanding nonprofit and it's founder, David Riggs. As someone who was raised by an Army vet and now has worked for years with children and families dealing with autism, I am very proud to support this work that benefits both in such an efficient yet heartwarming way. Any family or individual in need of a service dog would be blessed beyond belief by the experience of meeting, bonding with and learning from their dog if doing so led by Mr. Riggs. He is a true hero to so many and yet as humble a servant as you will ever come across. This is how nonprofits should be run- with heart and true passion.
I am the mother of a soldier/recipient and I work with children with special needs so I know first hand how a service dog can change lives. I am forever grateful for K9Care Montana and the devotion David Riggs has towards helping others with his work and service.
K9 Care Montana has changed our lives with our newest addition Sam. David and Kelly both are two incredible individuals that are committed to helping families live more of a normal life with their service dogs. We have been blessed by getting connected with this non profit organization committed to giving back.
Sanders Family
Missoula, MT
My brother, a wounded warrior that served in Iraq, received a service dog from K9 Care Montana. You could see an instant change when this new puppy entered his and his family's life. Having this puppy, who is loyal as can be, has meant the world my brother. K9 Care Montana did exactly what their website says, provide a high quality service dog to a wounded warrior in need. For some, these pets are the only thing that keeps them going. Thank you for all you have done, and continue to do for our nation's heroes that have sacrificed so much.
I have observed David Riggs for many years working with the Wounded Warrior Project and also autistic children. He breeds Labradors,, raises them, trains them according to the individual needs of the warrior and child. Then he DONATES the dog, free of charge, to the warrior or child. During the year, he holds numerous fund raisers in order to do this. Most individuals who train dogs for this purpose, either charge a large fee, or make it mandatory that the warrior or child's parents raise the money themselves. He feels the need to give back after suffering from a spinal cord injury when he was younger. He know the importance of a Service Dog to the healing process and the assistance the dog can offer He deserves this award more than anyone I know.
Our experience with David Riggs and the K9 Care Montana Agency has been nothing short of stellar!
A little background, my husband served 11 years active duty and was medically released, against his will, due to several failed surgeries from injuries experienced while deployed. He deployed 5 times in those 11 years. He now suffers from severe PTSD and is limited with his mobility.
I heard of K9 Care Montana thru Montana Wounded Warriors and put in an inquiry for getting a dog to help my husband with his mobility and PTSD disabilities.
David had been an AMAZING friend to our family since the first inquiry and he has gone out of his way several times for us. I am currently deployed and my husband is at home with our two very young children.
Our dog, Nala, is currently being trained by David and we look forward to being reunited with her and I personally look forward to seeing all David's hard work in action!
What an amazing organization. Not only have they got my brother the help he needed with his pup, but every event I have attended has been a instant memory k won't ever forget. Dogman cares so much for vets and pets.:) Thanks for caring k9care
Great program for Veterans ands with special needs. Dave puts the vets and kids first and is very professional.
I had the privilege of spending yesterday with the wonderful people of K9 Care Montana. I wasn't even aware of the organization until just a few days ago when my wife told me about a fundraising golf event they were hosting in Bozeman. We have always been passionate about caring for veterans and animals so K9 Care Montana sounded like our kind of organization to support. I never knew going into yesterdays events how humbled I would feel at the end of the day. David Riggs does amazing things for these veterans. He is such a genuine person that truly cares about the veterans. I also can't say enough about how grateful the recipients of his service dogs are. K9 Care truly makes a difference for our wounded veterans, all at no cost to them. I find myself as a supporter because I appreciate supporting an organization where my donations directly support the veterans and not a bunch of salaries for office types. Keep up the great work K9 Care Montana!
Thank you K9 Care Montana for donating a mobility service dog to my husband Keith (a disabled veteran). You've given Keith the gift of mobility through the service that Pintler provides him on a daily basis. He regularly catches Keith when he falls, helps him back up, makes sure he's ok, picks things up when he drops them, turns lights on to make sure he doesn't fall, keeps clear paths for Keith when in crowds, and protects his back.
Keith more independence, confident, less stressed knowing Pintler is there to help. He's able to go to public places, maneuver crowds, and travel more easily with Pintler by his side knowing that he's there to help. Pintler helps Keith more fully live life again and has brought incredible joy to our family.
Thank you David Riggs for founding K9 Care Montana and sharing your amazing dog training gift with us! You're providing families with autism and wounded warriors unmeasurable gift through the high quality and exceptionally trained service dogs and on going training that K9 Care Montana provides.