The Mission of Penny’s from Heaven Foundation’s Train a Dog Save a Warrior program is to unite wounded warriors, suffering with PTSD, with homeless, rescue shelter dogs, who are evaluated and deemed viable, to nurture a healing and rejuvenating bond between the two. The result is a positive, non judgmental, unconditional relationship desperately needed by both.
Family pets may be used if they meet age, size and temperament requirements. Recently, a much needed boost to this modality was given when the Justice Department redefined regulations clarifying parts of 1990’s Americans with Disabilities Act. To qualify as a service dog, the dog must be trained to do work or perform tasks for persons with PTSD. Dogs do not have to be formally trained by an ADI approved school.