Dear Veteran:
First of all, hello, and we would like to shout out a big THANK YOU for your service. We hope that you are doing well. Many of you who came home from military service acclimated yourselves into civilian life without problems. Some of you did not.
Some of you aren’t coping as well as you would like to. There can be any number of reasons: reluctance to seek help; lack of opportunity, or lack of resources, fear. We would like to help. The American Legion Post 57 is initiating a new program called Legionnaire Dogs. Our mission is to provide personalized companion dogs to our veterans. There is no charge to you or your family, if you wish to participate.
If you feel a companion dog, one who is your friend and listens and behaves well, would fit into your life, we can help you. These dogs are not task-trained ADA service dogs. Instead they provide emotional grounding, reduce anxiety, ease loneliness, and restore hope. For many veterans living with PTSD, depression, or isolation, a calm loving, well-trained companion can make daily life feel possible again.
We will be partnering with local prisons and other organizations that operate humane canine training programs. Dogs live with their handlers, receiving constant attention, socialization and training. Many of the incarcerated handlers are veterans themselves, making this a win-win for you, and the veterans who work through their own challenges to prepare dogs for their fellow veterans in the community.
We invite you to contact us and let us know if you are interested in obtaining a dog that will help you in your daily life. An application is attached to this letter for your convenience. The application will help us determine your specific needs and the requirements you may have. The only requirement that must be met before you apply is that you are able to maintain a stable home for the animal, provide food, water, shelter, a fenced yard and of course, love.
We thank you and hope to hear from you,
The Legionnaire Dog Team at Post 57
Please contact us at these numbers for any additional information.
P. PROCTOR (386)961-5896
If you use our application, please indicate that you are a LEGIONNAIRE DOG veteran as there will be no charges to you. The application can be emailed to americanlegiondogs@gmail.com, or dropped off in the LEGIONNAIRE DOG application box in the American Legion lobby.
Because life is better with a dog—and the unconditional love they give you.
