Veterans rescue dog program expands to Kalispell
A veteran with his rescue dog, Tank. Tank was adopted from Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter and partnered with his veteran by Dog Tag Buddies. The organization recently expanded to include Kalispell and Missoula. (Courtesy photo)
Dog Tag Buddies, a nonprofit based in Billings, has been awarded a $3,500 grant investment from the Petco Foundation to support its efforts in expanding services to Northwest Montana.
Dog Tag Buddies pairs rescue dogs with veterans living with hidden injuries such as post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries, and provides all services and resources at no cost to the veteran.
Montana ranks as one of the highest number of deaths by suicide in the nation, and the state’s rate of veteran deaths by suicide is significantly higher the national average, according to a Dog Tag Buddies press release. Dog Tag Buddies’ main mission is to decrease these numbers by providing opportunities to cultivate purpose and leadership in veterans’ lives through the training of rescue dogs.
Dog Tag Buddies currently has three training sites, in Billings, Helena and Great Falls, and with the help of this grant, established two more in Kalispell and Missoula.
“Receiving this grant is so important because one of the biggest obstacles we face is actually reaching the population we want to help,” said DeeDe Baker, executive director. “A lot of these veterans living with PTSD, TBI, and the associated symptoms of anxiety and depression naturally self-isolate and pull away from society.
“Petco Foundation’s support means we can not only continue fulfilling our mission but expand its reach to other regions of the state,” she added.
Investments are made possible through the Petco Foundation’s annual Helping Heroes campaign, which supports shelter pets that dedicate their lives to saving and improving the lives of others. Since 2012, the Petco Foundation has invested more than $15 million to support the life-changing work of helping heroes.
Since its founding in 2015, Dog Tag Buddies has helped 70 veterans and saved 56 shelter dogs.
“It’s more than numbers though,” said Baker, “It’s about the purpose and the joy in life these veterans find again through the training of and companionship with their dog. It’s incredible to witness the growth of these two lives becoming one team. Some of our veterans have told me that, without their dog, they would not still be here.”
For more information about Dog Tag Buddies, visit www.dogtagbuddies.org. For more on the Petco Foundation, visit petcofoundation.org.