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Testimonials/Inspirational Stories
Stories your support makes possible
Bobby Keel Army Veteran of Hohenwald-TN
What a beautiful blessing little Miss Bella is!
It has been wonderful to watch and also hear about all of the positive changes in Mr Bobby since she has become part of the Keel family. He seems calmer and there has been an incredible
difference in his tremors. They are now rare! He is a happy man already,
but it is obvious the amount of extra joy she puts in his life.
He loves her so much! Mrs Thelma also says that Mr. Bobby has been sleeping
so much better since Bella has been here and now sleeps with them. He now
sometimes even sleeps through the night! He hasn't done that in over 2 years now. Since the incident happened. He does best when she sleeps on his feet.
Mr. Bobby's walking has also improved immensely all in all, Miss Bella has been
a huge blessing to Mr. Bobby and the whole Keel family.
Anthony DeNardo Navy Veteran of Mount Airy-NC
#WdfvFamily Team: Anthony/ Rosie
``If it wasn’t for Rosie, I would not be here today. I ran down the rabbit hole and saw no way out. I was ready to give up, then a cold wet nose touched my face and things changed.
I committed to take care of these floppy ears and was reminded of that commitment. Standing on my chest was a tan goof licking my face. It was Rosie telling me that it was time to get off my feeling-sorry butt and honor my end of the deal. That’s when I realized that I had something to live for It was that point in time to get going and take my life back. Every day she lets me know how much work we have to do. She teaches me every day that I have work to do and things to learn. Had it not been for Rosie l’m not sure I’d be here today.
I owe my life to Rosie and Working Dogs For Vets. Thank you for placing me with Rosie had that not been done I don’t think I’d have found my way out of the RABBIT HOLE.
Thank you for supporting Working Dogs For Vets in supporting service dogs that assist thousands of first responders, police, and our nation’s military veterans and others in need.
The work that service and working animals do is nothing short of heroic, and we’re proud that you support us veterans and the animals that dedicate their lives to saving and improving the lives of others.
Linus and Cindy Tatum American Gold Star Mother of Milan-TN
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Making History! 1st Service Dog In the Oval Office!
Linus is my service dog. He started training at Working Dogs For Vets in Lawrenceburg, TN when he was just over 6 months old. Ken Knabenshue, Founder of Working Dogs For Vets has worked with Linus and me for years. Linus is my constant companion helping me with mobility problems. He has been to the White House and met President Trump, he was the first service dog to assist in the placing of a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown.
Working Dogs For Vets has provided my service dog with many pieces of equipment including Service Dog vests, patches to designate him as a service dog, leashes, and training support any time I have reached out to them.
We attend service training at the training facility in Lawrenceburg several times a year to keep Linus sharp on the skills he has been trained to perform. Working Dogs For Vets Does
"Save Lives On Both Ends of the Leash."
READ MORE Click Here
Making History! 1st Service Dogs to Place a Wreath at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier!
Team Jasper Buttler/Poppy of Old Hickory-TN Army Vietnam Combat Veteran
Our journey began with the adoption of Poppy when she was 16 months old. She was adopted from RARE (Rural Animal Rescue Effort) in Columbia, TN on February 4, 2020 (my birthday, thanks to my granddaughter). So now, here I am a year older with a new puppy. I needed to find some way of getting Poppy trained when I found Working Dogs For Vets online.
I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this organization would help me and Poppy grow together as a team. The fact that I am a Vietnam combat veteran did not diminish the assistance extended to me and Poppy.
The Working Dogs for Vets organization extends services to ALL veterans regardless of age or service years. They even provide dogs and train them for Veterans who may not be able to participate in the training of their dog.
Poppy and I are blessed to be a part of this veteran's support organization. During the past year Poppy and I have traveled weekly an hour and 45 minutes each way to training classes at WDFV Headquarters where we were welcomed into class sessions.
We were officially registered and enrolled in class and continue to this day. Poppy and I have learned together basic obedience such as heel, sit, stay, down, and come.
The fact that we train with other veteran teams helps us to learn from each other and grow into a family relationship. Even during the current COVID pandemic, Poppy and I can continue to train using the techniques taught by Ken and Angie.
Poppy has learned to turn the lights on in the house, block if others get too close, and keep me uplifted (literally) if I seem down or depressed. She will nudge my head up if I'm bowing down. She has also learned to wake me up every morning between 0530 and 0600. This is especially helpful because I am reminded to take medications.
We have learned to go into restaurants where she sits quietly under the table. She also goes shopping in Petco.
Working Dogs For Vets rescues both the veterans and the dogs. We are so thankful for the help provided.
On behalf of the veteran teams our sincerest thanks to you, WDFV Ken and Brenda, Angie, Ashley, Janelle, and other volunteers who extend themselves to the veterans and their dogs as well as the rescue of dogs.
Team: Andy Smith/Lucy Sparta-TN USMC Veteran
Hello, My name is Andy Smith and I would like to share my story of Lucy and my journey together. I am a 55-year-old Marine and Lucy is my 2-year-old German Shepherd Service Dog. We are a team and are together 24/7. She is as much a part of me as my right arm. I'd rather lose my right arm than lose her.
To understand her importance to me there are some things you must understand about me.
I have PTSD and Psychoses. This makes life very difficult without my Lucy. Without her crowds are out of the question. Going into a store to buy a gallon of milk is a tremendous ordeal for me.
Forgetting to take my meds is commonplace and nightmares would keep me up sometimes for days. Often the psychoses would cause me to lose touch with reality and I would forget where I was or what I was doing.
Although I was never a danger to other people I was however capable of doing something that could cause harm to myself such as walking out into traffic. This was often a source of great stress and worry for all the members of my friends and family.
The story of how Lucy and I came to meet is an interesting one. After my 3rd hospitalization. The VA recommended a service dog and put me in contact with Working Dogs For Vets.
After completing the application process and talking with Ken and Brenda on the phone I was accepted into the program.
I was told it could take some time to get matched with a dog that would meet my needs and to be patient. I had told my family about what was going on and they were ecstatic about the prospect of me getting a service dog.
My daughter Andrea decided she was not going to wait and she was going to “find” my dog that could be trained as a service dog.
Ken had told me that if the dog was of the proper age and temperament we could go through training with our dogs.
So one day my daughter calls and says she found me a dog. A female German Shepherd named Lucy. The only problem was she would need a lot of training.
The owners were taking her to the pound that afternoon, she was very destructive. Ran off often. Was not good with other animals and had no discipline. And no basic skills. I love German Shepherds, my best childhood friend was one and although I’d love to have her knew little to nothing about training a dog and did not think I could handle her. I had to say thanks but no thanks.
So like a good daughter, she called my wife! Who (never decides the drop of a hat) says yes!
So here I am with a dog I can't handle. I’m mad I called my other daughter Holly to see what can be done. She works at an animal shelter in Mississippi. She tells me that with the dog's background, it will probably get adopted many times, brought back, and eventually put to sleep. I can't let this happen so I decided to make the drive to Lawrenceburg to let Ken see if there was any hope for her to become a service dog. I was not hopeful at all.
But I must say even at this very early stage Lucy and I started to bond quickly.
The first time I got to Working Dogs For Vets it was quite the site to see. There were seven or eight teams there, all well-trained dogs. Some are in the heel position, and some lying quietly at their teammate's feet. All were well-behaved and almost unnoticeable. People were talking and sharing stories, hardly paying attention to their extremely well-behaved partners.
And then there was me and Lucy, the beast from hell! Walking on her back feet as I held her lead with both hands leaning back to counter the force of her pulling. She had to smell EVERYTHING! She had to bark at EVERYONE! She pees on the floor, steals food, jumps on people, and jumps on the desk. Knocks over a trash can and will not sit down. You name it she does it. She made Godzilla’s romp through Tokyo look like a stroll in the park.
The other teams just smile and let me know Ken has run into town and will be back in a few minutes. I thank them and go outside to wait. After a bit, a tall slender man pulls in and hops out of a car and says “Is that your pup?”
I shake my head thinking the next words will be get her out of here! But he smiles and says “Bring her on in let's see what we got.”
And that’s how it started. That day within a couple hours Ken had Lucy walking on a lead without much pulling at all. She was sitting (most of the time) on command and she gave me at no charge all the supplies I needed to have to continue her training at home.
Ken sits with me for a couple of hours and just talks with me about the process of training a good service dog.
How imperative working with them every day at home is and that it is a lifelong commitment.
I now have the confidence to do things I have not been able to do in years by myself. And my family has the peace of mind to know I’m never alone and I always have someone looking out for me.
Working Dogs For Vets has provided me with everything I could need to aid in training Lucy at no cost. Leads of different lengths for walking. Training collars, Treat bags, and much more.
They even paid once for Lucy to go to the vet's office to have a spot looked at on her leg when Ken noticed it at training one day! I do not doubt in my mind that if I need something for Lucy or myself for that matter I could call Ken and he would move heaven and earth to get it to help me out. That’s just the type of people Ken and Brenda are.
That’s how all of them are at Working Dogs For Vets. I go to training around 3 times a month on average. It’s a three-hour drive for me. But it's worth it. As of right now she walks in the heel position, loose lead, reminds me to take my meds, keeps me safe, wakes me from nightmares, calms me during anxiety and panic attacks, and gives my family peace of mind.
Lucy is My service dog but she is part of who I am. Working Dogs for Vets truly do save lives on both ends of the leash!
Thank you for your continued support
Sincerely Andy Smith
USMC
Team: Andy Smith/Lucy
Enjoying some water therapy at
Working Dogs For Vets
Team Elizabeth Harmon/Axle Oklahoma Army Veteran
This morning made me cry happy tears. I was meeting with one of my clients who is an E6 getting med-boarded at 17 years old, fighting to make it to retirement.
This soldier has been through the wringer. As we were discussing his future for him and his family I could see panic set in.
Before I knew it Axel my service dog looked at me for my approval and I gave it, he then sat in front of this soldier, barked once, and gave his paw. The soldier asked for my permission to pet him and immediately started to cry as Axel consoled and brought down his anxiety.
This all would not have been possible without the amazing training we have BOTH received. It was a proud moment for me that not only did my dog sense it from someone else but also looked for approval to leave my side to take care of another. I love that my job allows me to help the military community and that Axel has come such a long way in his abilities. Today reminded me how I am truest blessed. Thank you!
Team: Richard/Eli of Iron City TN
I had a grenade go off… took my hand off instantly,” recalls Richard Smith, an Army veteran. “I got gangrene in my leg.” As a double amputee, life for Smith and his wife became very challenging.
What’s made it easier his service dog, Eli. “When I drop something, Eli picks it up. When I have problems because of a pinched nerve, my wife can put a harness on Eli and he will pull me up out of the chair. When I don’t get out of bed at my normal time, Eli Checks on me and nudges me.
Smith says his relationship with Eli changed his life. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate Working Dogs For Vets for hooking me up with a great friend.”
Teams: Richard/Eli, Lonn/Hank, Pam/Anna, and more tell their story in the video below.
Pam Douglas Service Dog Anna
There are not enough words to explain the bond between a Service Dog and their handler.
My name is Pam Douglas, I am a Vietnam Era Veteran with severe hearing loss.
Anna is a Border Collie / Labrador mix and is my Service Dog. Let me tell you, our story.
Sounds are taken for granted until you lose your hearing and can’t hear them anymore.
It changes your life in so many ways. Little things become big things, such as a knock on the door, a smoke alarm sounding, an alarm clock buzzing and so much more.
I became fearful and didn’t want to leave my home alone because I could not hear what was going on around me. Yes, a silent world is very scary.
Anna, I am sure had some scary times at the beginning of her life as well. She was a stray that had been taken in by a shelter. The shelter knew I was looking for a dog that could be trained as a Hearing Service Dog and contacted me about Anna. She was
already 9 months old and needed a home we have been together ever since.
Anna and I would make the 2-hour drive (in each direction) to and from Working Dogs for Vet’s weekly for her to get training.
As her training progressed, we started making the trip monthly. It has been over 3 years now and we still make the trip to Working Dogs
for Vet’s, not as frequently as we would like but we still go.
The programs at Working Dogs for Vet’s is not just about training the dog it is about helping the Veteran and the Veteran’s Family. It truly is “Saving Lives on Both Ends of the Leash”
Thanks to Working Dogs for Vet’s, Anna and I are a team. We go everywhere together.
But it’s not just about going out together, it’s about the security and safety that I know I have because of Anna.
She has become my ears and hears for me. She alerts me to things I need to be aware of.
I no longer fear someone coming up behind me. I know when someone is at my door.
I don’t stay awake at night fearing I won’t hear the alarm clock.
A Service Dog is not just a dog they are far more than that! A Service Dog is
companionship, and love, but most importantly a Service Dog is safety, security, and life!
“This is grassroots; there’s a lot of giving, and they are always there,” Pam said earnestly about Working Dogs for Vets. The program utilized the Owner-Training option and aided in the training of Anna with Pam. Some of the things they learned together were practicing alerts, turning on light switches, and picking items up such as a credit card off the ground. When describing her experiences at Working Dogs for Vets, Pam said, “Everybody helps everybody. It’s relaxed, and it’s not stressful. You can ask questions, and it feels like family.” She remarked in high regard.
“Anna is full of life. We participate in competitions such as Flyball and Fastcat. She works hard all day, every day, as my service dog. So I need to give a lot to her too. Therefore, she gets to be a dog too,” as Pam commented on wanting to make sure she gives back to Anna by letting her have fun. “Because of Anna, I can look to where I’m going, not where I’ve been,” she added sincerely.
Sincerely, Pam Douglas and Anna
Dropped my credit card...
Not to fear Service Dog
Anna is here!
That's a great teamwork!
Team: Shaun Kelly/ Bud Bud of Forsyth-GA
As a retired Navy Chief Damage Controlman I was always living life at 65mph, no pause button just full speed ahead. So when combined disabilities started tossing wrenches into the gears, I was starting to get worried. Then I had a chance meeting with Kevin Truitt, a professional dog trainer, who happens to be a volunteer with WDFV. Nothing happens on God's green earth by accident. He helped me get the application process started and with an adoption from our local Save-A-Pet, Bud-Bud adopted my wife and I, and we were on our way.
Once approved, Kevin met with us twice a week for months to train Bud-Bud and to train me to train Bud as well. Me and my wife are retired so we could spend time every day training Bud on that week's lessons and any homework assignments.
The training alone has helped me and now with Bud-Bud's full certification, we go everywhere together safely and confidently.
Maybe it's being together 24 hours a day every day, but I believe the Good Lord brought us all together and graced Bud with an exceptionally keen, adaptable, and just plain above-average intelligence.
He constantly surprises us with tasks he picks up on his own from routines he already mastered. Everywhere we go people are so impressed with his calm demeanor and his attention to my every move, always alert and ready to help me if needed.
I could never thank Kevin and Working Dogs For Vets enough. Shaun Kelly DCC(SW) Ret.
Team: Vickie Hagan/ Peaches of Warner Robins -GA
To Whom It May Concern: Not all angels have wings – I read this somewhere a few years ago and each time I think of Working Dogs for Vets, I see angels without wings
– I’m so grateful for their program. Miss Peaches and I have been with Working Dogs for Vets in their No Veteran Left Behind project since 2019.
Before we entered the program, I found myself as a disabled person due to a rare condition called Spinal Dural Malformation in my thoracic spinal cord (SDMF).
It was tightly wrapped around my spinal cord choking off the blood supply. I was unable to walk at one point; however, I was able to have surgery and I started a new normal.
It was not easy; I was unable to get around without falling – the seizures gave no warning signs that I was aware of, and I would be flat on the ground. I was using a wheelchair and a walker.
I knew I was not a person to sit around and feel sorry for myself, but that is exactly what was happening in my life. My dog Cognac, a red Serbian Huskey, was a firm believer in walking for health. I’m so forever grateful to him but suddenly at the age of 14 he passed away a few months after my surgery
- I was devastated. I found myself falling even further into depression and not walking for fear of falling.
Well, shortly after Cognac passed away, I was blessed with Miss Peaches, a red Gold Retriever. I was having trouble training her for my needs and I heard about a program for Veterans that assists you in training your service dog. I quickly signed up
– the application process is easily accessible and quick response time. I had to have my doctor order the service and as soon as I requested it, the doctor thought it was a great service. My doctor encouraged me to follow through with the application process.
Miss Peaches and I were given a personal disabled team trainer, Ms. Becky Chapman-White, who quickly contacted me with questions, and she was helpful right from the start of the 1st contact
– wow, I was ever so grateful! I needed help and Miss Peaches, and I had a lot of life to live, and we were now at the start of making it happen. Becky has a lot of wisdom and skills in training disabled people with dogs to build a team
– we started the program as a team in training. I was able to contact her by phone, text, and in-person visits. Plus, and it’s a huge plus, Working Dogs for Vets has training camps that we were able to attend
– wow, Miss Peaches and I were so impressed with so many skilled trainers in one spot ready to help. Mr. Ken, Brenda, Becky, Jax, Holly, Matt, Cheri, Jeramie, and so many more trainers. Also, the other disabled person/dog teams were there and so helpful as well. Everyone was ready to share what they tried and dos and don’ts.
We made progress and now I’m out of the wheelchair and not using the walker, I still have seizures without notice but Miss Peaches knows what to do to assist me.
There is so much love between me and my Miss Peaches – we can get around and we are part of life. Miss Peaches and I started attending Clown school together and now Miss Peaches and I plan on going to the local children’s hospital. Due to my disability, I cannot jump up and kick my heels, but Miss Peaches and I can do clowning smiles. Miss Peaches has the most beautiful smile too!
I credit most of my and Miss Peaches' success to Working Dogs for Vets, the No Veterans Left Behind program, and our trainer, Becky. Also, Miss Peaches gets most of the credit too
– she is an amazing best friend who has slowed down to let me catch up so we could learn how to be a team.
I still get depressed and suffer from PTSD and seizures, but my Miss Peaches will key in on my feelings, and seizure signs and let me know that we need to get up and get moving
– let's do something fun or protect me when I do have a seizure. I’m grateful for angels without wings here on earth
– Working Dogs for Vets is one of those angels. If you have any questions and want more information on my experiences with Working Dogs for Vets, please contact me through Brenda. It would be my pleasure to share because I would not have the same quality of life I do now if it was not for Working Dogs for Vets. Currently, Miss Peaches and I are a full-service dog team now – Yay – angels without wings – Working Dogs for Vets. Vickie J. Hagan
Team: David Young/ Lillie of Newborn, GA
From a dog, no one wanted to a service dog that I needed.
Lillie was found on the side of the road scared and homeless
But that all changed on May 7th when David found her.
She came into my life at a time when I needed her. The VA had recommended I look into getting a service dog. Soon after I found Working Dogs For Vets and they helped me to train her as my service dog. Lillie helps me every time I go out. She even goes to yoga! She helps to keep me from falling, she balances me, and even helps me out of chairs. Thank you for helping to make this possible!
David Young Army Veteran Service Dog Lillie
Team: Charita Rogers/ Bailey of Bartlett, TN
Bailey was rescued from Bartlet Animal Shelter at the time I had post-traumatic stress disorder
(P.T.S.D.) My symptoms were nightmares, isolation, and panic attacks at the time getting her
was a blessing to me because when I received her it was the same time my application through
Working Dogs For Vets was approved. So I brought her to Working Dogs For Vets for an
evaluation and after passing the evaluation she was such a good fit for me. We stayed with
Working Dogs For Vets for 3 to 4 days at a time on multiple occasions receiving extensive
training so that Bailey could learn to help me. She has learned to wake me from nightmares,
she rings a doorbell to go outside to use the restroom, and she will bark at the door to let me
know someone is at the door. She has become like the security system that I needed. She
helps me get back out there keeping me from having anxiety attacks, or when I do she helps to
calm me down removes me from stressful situations, and with crowd control. She will not allow
me to isolate, my focus is on her and it has helped me so very much with the healing process. I
can go with her to therapy groups and have even met with the VA secretary telling them about
WDFV helped me to train her and me as a team. Helping us with communicating is such a
blessing because I didn't know of any people of color with a service dog. I don't know if many
people know this but many disabled veterans may have very little income and to get this needed
training and the necessary equipment at no cost is lifesaving support! Thank you for your
support, this has given me my freedom and confidence back.
Charita Rogers Navy Veteran Service Dog Bailey
Charita/Bailey with Marine Commandant Gen. Berger
Team: Crystal Thomas/ Rogue of Lindenhurst, IL
Hello, there I have an asked to tell a little bit about my story and how I came to be at working dogs.
My name is Crystal and my service dogs name is Rogue. I’ve had Rogue since he was about seven weeks old. I am using my own dog to be trained for my service dog. Rogue is going to be a little bit different because he’s going to be a duel service dog for me he’s going to do two different sets of jobs. He’s going to be able to help me with my mobility and my movement along with my other conditions. When I was at the VA with my social worker in my packet of disability information what is this list of services that either had PTSD training or they have a dog that’s already trained that can be matched with you. I knew I didn’t want another dog and my dog had already shown capabilities of being able to connect with me and sense what I have going on. I reached out to Working Dogs and filled out the application and got accepted into the program. Being able to work with Working Dogs has given me a sense of purpose again. Working dogs helped me in the darkest times of my life that I’ve been in yet. Well, they helped me get through it and I’m still standing today. The volunteer that I was matched with through Working Dogs I can call anytime of any day and they will be there and it’s not like a work relationship we have built a family-based friendship. Working dogs has giving me family again that’s something that I never thought I would be able to have. The founders Ken and Brenda care, and we aren’t just a number to them we are not a quota! They really are here to help us, and I can say from personal experience not having a lot of that throughout my own life it’s a beautiful and amazing feeling to know you have people that really care. Before I was teamed up with working dogs I was unable to leave and I was extremely suicidal and already had an attempt, I can honestly say if it was not for this program I would not be here. I am in training with Rogue now, and we can go out into society and perform a daily routine again. Rogue helps me not feel threatened and safe. Having a safe space can make the work of a difference for someone like me. They have given me a family, they have given me a safe space, and not just me....me and my dog. We are always welcomed with open arms with no questions asked. The Working Dogs for Vets program is truly a blessing for disabled veterans.
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