Ken has overcome many odds throughout his life, and his story, partnered with hundreds of other survival stories, continues to inspire veterans, family members, and animal activists. Due to the adversity he has overcome, he has decided to help others receive the help he wishes he had received. Ken promotes canine rescue and raises public awareness about service dogs and hidden disabilities. Ken is a humble man, and despite his many hardships, he sacrifices unselfishly daily. I have never seen anyone as kind, compassionate, and caring or go to such extraordinary lengths to help others. I feel he is doing the work God has called him to do.
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I believe he was given a vision and is using his talent to help save two lives at a time and countless families. Kenneth Knabenshue is the founder of Working Dogs For Vets, and the No Veteran Left Behind Program. He is a veteran who has led a life of heroism and courage while serving his country. Before enlisting in the Army, he professionally trained dogs and won some titles. After he was discharged, he was involved in a life-changing automobile accident where he became disabled and sustained multiple injuries. His physician recommended that he get a service dog. Kenneth contacted many service dog organizations and was repeatedly told a service dog would cost anywhere from $12,000.00 to $15,000.00, and waiting lists were 3-5 years. Ken met with many dogs and trainers and kept noticing that some dogs were not trained much more than the dogs he had at home.
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This was when Ken decided to train his service dog. At that time, he was unsure how to teach his dog some of the tasks he would need to learn to help him and what he would need to be legally considered a service dog. Ken contacted service dog trainers for advice, read, and gained as much knowledge as possible. With his determination, he successfully trained his service dog despite his disabilities and injuries. However, he didn't stop there. After he was up and around a little better, he knew so many others needed help, so he continued his education on canine training and behavior.
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Ken has dedicated more than 40 years to training dogs and never stops learning and gaining experience. This helps improve the survival rate of many veterans and shelter dogs. His cause is fighting a war against PTSD and many hidden and visible disabilities. Through this, Ken has given hope to the disabled. Veterans commit suicide at an alarming rate of 1 every 59 minutes! 2.7 million shelter dogs are euthanized yearly! Kenneth hopes to change those statistics with the non-profit organization he helped to develop. Ken leads a life where he gives back and is passionate about training service dogs and assisting his veteran brothers and sisters. The selfless love he holds for others enables and empowers him on his road to recovery. He was able to take all of his pain, suffering, and negativity and turn it into a positive, where he now focuses all of his energy on helping others. Ken has experienced firsthand how training his service dog saved his life. Kenneth has been known to say, “I rescued him, and he rescued me!” Survival is on both ends of each leash!​
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Many disabled veterans cannot afford to have a service dog trained due to finances and the long wait times before receiving a program-trained service dog. The programs that Ken has started are unlike any other service dog program out there. They enable many disabled veterans by providing the knowledge, online/phone, one-on-one support, information, and tools to help them with individualized care and training. There are no wait lists, regardless of where they are located across the United States. This organization operates on generous donations, is volunteer-based, and has had an amazing success rate in helping veterans train their service dogs.
The veteran/dog team, upon completion, must help another team! That is one of the best parts of this program. Veterans helping Veterans, Therefore No Veteran Is Left Behind.
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Those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength;
They will soar on wings like eagles;
They will run and not grow weary;
They will walk and not faint- Isaiah 40:31
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