Dog Tag Buddies marks graduation of service dog teams

Two more service dog teams have graduated from Dog Tag Buddies marking the culmination of two years of intensive training. 

These veterans, alongside their dedicated service dogs, have completed a rigorous program designed not only to train the dogs but also to equip the veterans with essential strategies and tools to navigate the challenges they face daily.

Over the past six months, Dog Tag Buddies has celebrated the graduation of eight service dog teams. These dedicated teams have participated in hundreds of hours of guided training sessions and independent practice. Training a service dog is an intensive and challenging process that demands perseverance and dedication.

Dog Tag Buddies is an integrative therapeutic program dedicated to enhancing the daily lives and social mobility of veterans living with the invisible wounds of war. The group's mission focuses on empowering veterans to lead more fulfilling lives through the profound bond they build with their service dogs. This relationship helps veterans recognize and manage the symptoms of their hidden injuries, discourages self-isolation, and instills a renewed sense of purpose.

"Building a relationship with a carefully chosen dog sets the foundation for success for both the veteran and their service dog," said DeeDe Baker, executive director of Dog Tag Buddies. "Our model involves the veteran and their family in the training process from start to finish. By helping our veterans lead better lives with a service dog, we contribute to their growth as spouses, parents, employees, and community members."

Graduate Josiah Wallingford and his dog Bee looked forward to the weekly training sessions, which became a reward for mundane day-to-day activities. He is grateful for the program. 

“It has changed my life. It gave me so much more than I knew was possible," Wallingford said.

Dog Tag Buddies fills a critical gap by providing services at no cost to veterans during their training. The comprehensive cost of acquiring, training, and caring for each service dog over the two-year period is $25,000. While graduates take on the ongoing expenses of having a service dog, Dog Tag Buddies remains a constant source of support.

Current training areas include Missoula, Flathead Valley, Helena, Great Falls, Havre, Bozeman, and Billings. 

To learn visit dogtagbuddies.org or call us at 406-969-1227.