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Paws for Peace

EAV’s Paws for Peace service dog training program has developed after our initial recognition of the absence of opportunity for Maine veterans with PTSD or TBI to obtain service dogs which can help them manage their symptoms and experience more fulfilling lives. If a veteran does not already own a dog suitable for the program, EAV will help locate and adopt an appropriate canine. Paws for Peace participants and their dogs train as a team in a group setting with other veterans with instruction provided by professional canine handlers.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FLYER DESCRIBING THIS PROGRAM!!

Find Paws for Peace Application Information and Form here!

Four teams — each consisting of a veteran and a service dog — completed 16 weeks of training in January 2018. All four teams passed with flying colors. Our congratulations to all four teams for their persistence and accomplishment. And our thanks to the various mentors and trainers who guided these teams to success.

Service Dog Graduation in Orono!

On August 23, 2016, after many weeks of attending weekly classes and many hours of training practice held at home, 4 veteran/dog teams earned their Service Dog Certification through our trainers North Edge K9. The testing took place at Home Depot in Bangor and was followed by a graduation celebration at the student union on the campus of University of Maine at Orono. During the 4 months of training these veterans reported diminishing symptoms of PTS/TBI such as a marked reduction in their level of anger which has promoted closer relationship with family members, the ability to go to the Old Port in Portland and walk the crowded sidewalks, enter shops and eat in a restaurant as a result of the security felt by having their service dog with them. Others reported feeling better because their service dog was trained to ring a bell to remind the veteran to take morning medications. The service dogs were also taught to respond to the veterans’ anxiety attacks, anger, sadness or frustration by soothing the vet with leaning, pawing and/or nuzzling their veteran. Congratulations to these veterans for their hard work and determination in successfully completing this course. They will be wonderful ambassadors of Embrace A Vet’s Paws for Peace program, North Edge K9 and the entire service dog industry.

June, 2016: It’s Bosun the dog and veteran Mike being trained by Tom at North Edge K9. The dog is learning how to remind Mike to take his medication.

It was a great day at Cabela’s as The Gorham EAV service dog class led by North Edge K9s practiced their public access work…looking good!!!!

Following are three links to three videos made during service dog training in February, 2016.
View service dogs at work ….
pretend crisis and service dog’s response

Pretend situation 1. IMG_5592
Pretend situation 2. IMG_5593
Pretend situation 3. IMG_5594

Make a donation to Embrace A Vet. Any amount will help! Your donation will support the Mission of Embrace A Vet.

To make donation, click on the link found below. It will take you to the donation page where you should then click on the ORANGE donate button. Begin here to be taken to the donation page.

Donation from Martha Kittle of Body Symmetry Pilates Studio, Brunswick November 18, 2017
Hidden Heros Week September 27, 2017
Embrace A Vet Receives Grant Award from Disabled Veterans National Foundation August 16, 2017
Four Veteran/Service Dog Teams Complete Training May 29, 2017
See our new Service Dog Training Flyer May 11, 2017

My Service Dog Roco

“I have needed a service dog for several years, but would never violate the bond Roco and I have built by bringing an outsider(a trainer) into our relationship. EAV made it possible for us to work together, raising the quality of life for us both

2015-04-15T09:40:18+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/my-service-dog-roco/

“What an incredible week!”

"Thank you for supporting us and providing such life changing activities."

2013-03-05T09:45:02+00:00

"Thank you for supporting us and providing such life changing activities."

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/what-an-incredible-week/

I now feel supported

“I felt that no body understood what I was coping with. This retreat gave me support, practice tools and contact persons to assist in healing.”

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2015-04-15T09:23:29+00:00

“I felt that no body understood what I was coping with. This retreat gave me support, practice tools and contact persons to assist in healing.”

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/i-now-feel-supported/

from the daughters of a veteran who attended our retreat

"If it was not for Embrace A Vet, I don't know how much my sweet Carol and kids could have taken. Joy and all of the Embrace A Vet staff have a way to deal with PTS(d) Dr. Fred helped me a lot and I now have a service dog. They may have saved my life" This was written by a veteran who has made multiple suicide attempts.

And from his daughters:

I wanted to thank you for all the work that you as an organization do. Since my father attended your retreat recently, I have seen so many positive changes in him. Not only in him but in the relationship my parents share. I can not thank you enough and am excited for the relationship he will continue to build with all of you. And now we have welcomed Sammie into the family as my dad's service dog! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

"am loving all that Embrace A Vet has done for my dad...He is a changed man. I don't see him often but all the pictures I am seeing the post he has been making on facebook are great...So glad that Embrace A Vet cares about our Veterans and works with helping them as they struggle from results of serving our country..."

2014-04-07T10:18:47+00:00

"If it was not for Embrace A Vet, I don't know how much my sweet Carol and kids could have taken. Joy and all of the Embrace A Vet staff have a way to deal with PTS(d) Dr. Fred helped me a lot and I now have a service dog. They may have saved my life" This was written by a veteran who has made multiple suicide attempts. And from his daughters: I wanted to thank you for all the work that you as an organization do. Since my father attended your retreat recently, I have seen so many positive changes in him. Not only in him but in the relationship my parents share. I can not thank you enough and am excited for the relationship he will continue to build with all of you. And now we have welcomed Sammie into the family as my dad's service dog! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" "am loving all that Embrace A Vet has done for my dad...He is a changed man. I don't see him often but all the pictures I am seeing the post he has been making on facebook are great...So glad that Embrace A Vet cares about our Veterans and works with helping them as they struggle from results of serving our country..."

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/from-veteran-who-attended-most-recent-retreat-and-his-two-daughters/

Our new caregivers group meetings at the retreat

“The caregivers group gave me the tools I need to begin to see I am worthy of something and can stand up and say what I feel. I am going home with these tools and work very hard so my husband and I can begin to communicate. Thank you all!”

2015-10-07T10:59:55+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/our-new-caregivers-group-meetings-at-the-retreat/

Second Honeymoon

After our recent retreat, a Vietnam era veteran spouse remarked: "it's like we are on our second honeymoon! Thanks Joy for bringing Joy back into our lives."

2015-02-15T09:47:30+00:00

After our recent retreat, a Vietnam era veteran spouse remarked: "it's like we are on our second honeymoon! Thanks Joy for bringing Joy back into our lives."

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/second-honeymoon/

From a female veteran who attended a retreat

“I can not describe this experience. I truly came here desperate. I am leaving her refreshed, rejuvenated and excited to move forward. “Thank you” is not enough to say. The techniques Dr. Fred taught are priceless. I don’t know why the world doesn’t know this. Sitting down with Judy opened my eyes. She really made everything about me positive when I had only viewed it negatively. She said part of my healing need to be that I have a purpose and I am giving the world something. She is completely right!!!”

2015-10-07T10:50:01+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/from-a-female-veteran-who-attended-a-retreat/

From a male veteran at recent retreat

“I think that every vet should come to one of these retreats. It helped me and my wife reconnect for the first time since 2011. She says 'I have the old you back, the man I married.' Thank you for everything.”

2015-10-07T11:00:56+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/from-a-male-veteran-at-recent-retreat/

“My feelings at this point defy my abilities. I am, however, at a different level and place.”

2013-03-05T09:58:57+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/my-feelings-at-this-point-defy-my-abilities-i-am-however-at-a-different-level-and-place/

This was truely a time of healing and relaxation. Thank you Joy, Dr Shotz and crew. My wife and I both enjoyed our days with the people of embrace a vet. We would encourage any and veterans to take advantage of this healing experience.

2014-10-11T08:57:19+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/this-was-truely-a-time-of-healing-and-relaxation-thank-you-joy-dr-shotz-and-crew-my-wife-and-i-both-enjoyed-our-days-with-the-people-of-embrace-a-vet-we-would-encourage-any-and-veterans-to-take-ad/

Leaving with a lighter “load”

One veteran, in talking about the recent retreat said: It's nice to leave without WHAT we came in with!"

2015-02-15T09:49:06+00:00

One veteran, in talking about the recent retreat said: It's nice to leave without WHAT we came in with!"

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/leaving-with-a-lighter-load/

From a retreat participant regarding the relationship with spouse.

“This retreat helped save my relationship. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for the opportunity to have come here and experience this retreat. It is something that can not be explained or described. This retreat changes lives and you have to experience it to understand. God bless Joy and her staff, without them none of this would be possible” Moving forward I will be seeking out an acupuncturist and revisiting Dr. Shotz”

2015-10-07T10:52:05+00:00

https://embraceavet.org/testimonials/from-a-retreat-participant-regarding-the-relationship-with-spouse/

Words from a Veteran who attended a retreat

“I was not going to have anything to do with this program. However, after coming I feel like a new person. I would recommend to any person who served their country., You will never regret it.”

2015-10-07T10:47:59+00:00