WarHawk PTSD Service Dogs

Kevin is a United States Marine Corps Veteran with 7 years combined Middle East service. He currently lives in Bartlesville, Oklahoma with his wife, Kim (also a fellow Marine Corps veteran) and their young daughter, Isabel. After returning home from the Middle East, Kevin had to confront the toll that his service took on his mind and body. And then Kevin met Lacey. And together, they began a journey which led to Kevin’s passion to help others in similar need of the support from a specially trained service dog. This, in turn, led to the development of the Kevin’s recently formed PTSD Service Dog Program.

3. And . . . Just Who is Lacey?

Lacey is Kevin’s beloved Australian Shepherd who picks-up on Kevin’s moods and emotional state. Lacey provides direct support to Kevin and was specifically trained to respond to various “social anxiety triggers” and challenges through personal contact with Kevin (for example, nuzzling Kevin’s leg and putting her snout under Kevin’s armpit). Lacey also “runs interference” for Kevin so that other people do not intrude on his personal space. In effect, Lacey “herds” unwanted people away from Kevin (as Australian Shepherds are typically trained to “herd” cattle, sheep, etc.) . . . also referred to as a “block and circle maneuver”.

4. Why Australian Shepherds and What Must They Be Able To Do?

To quote from a successful Service Dog Training Program out of Oregon . . . “Australian Shepherds can be trained as Service Dogs and perform the same work and tasks as other breeds. It is all about good breeding, temperament, character, loyalty, health, a willing attitude, and lots of training. Aussies LOVE to work, and in our opinion, there is no better job for an Aussie than to be a Service Dog.” And one of those key jobs for the Service Dog is to respond to “anxiety triggers”, “social anxiety” and other PTSD symptoms in a manner that helps stabilize the mood of their owners. Generally speaking, PTSD and other types of Service Dogs must meet three basic requirements . . . they must be obedience-trained, they must be house-broken, and they must be able to perform specific tasks that support the service needs of their owners.

5. Who Breeds and Trains the Dogs for the WarHawk?

At present, R.C. Aussies, Inc . . . a cattle ranch business in Pryor, Oklahoma . . . breeds, raises and trains Australian Shepherds for the WarHawk Program. The WarHawk Program also contracts with other trainers. Other breeders have also offered some of their puppies to the Program. R.C. Aussies is a member of The Australian Shepherd Club of America (ASCA), which was established as the parent club for the breed in 1957. ASCA is the largest independent breed-specific club in the United States and proud to represent our Australian Shepherds.

6. What Does It Cost to Breed, Raise and Train a Dog for the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

National data indicate that, on average, it takes about $20,000 to train a PTSD Service dog and there is a 2-year waiting list. The WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program relies on donations, fundraising and community support to deliver these dogs free of charge to the recipient. There is no cost to the recipient other than an application fee of $100.

7. How Does Someone Request a Service Dog from the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

An applicant fills-out and submits a formal Application to the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program. The Program then proceeds with a background check (including references, any criminal record and any record of animal abuse), an interview with the Applicant (to assess responsibility, stability, etc.), and related information gathering. If accepted, the applicant must sign a formal contract with the Program that spells out the rights, requirements and obligations for both the recipient and the Program. This process, which includes routine follow-up by the Program with the recipient, helps ensure the protection of the Program, the recipient and, of course, the PTSD Service Dog. In fact, the recipient or other responsible person is required to sign they will constantly take good care of the dog as part of their contract with the Program.

8. What is the Cost to the Recipient of a Dog from the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

The only cost to a recipient of a WarHawk PTSD Service Dog is a $100 Application Fee.

9. With What Types of Individuals and Groups Does the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program Collaborate and Coordinate . . . And Why?

The WarHawk Program collaborates and coordinates with similar PTSD Service Dog Programs, related organizations, and knowledgeable individuals throughout the country. This serves a number of purposes including the sharing of important program information, making continuous program improvements, enabling cross-referrals for program applicants so that the base of available services is expanded for them, identifying and contracting with skilled Australian Shepherd breeders and trainers, improving and standardizing the applicant screening process as well as program operations and formal contracts with breeders, trainers, etc.

10. What are the Current Sources of Funding for the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

Currently the sources of funding for the Program are through donations, sponsoring and annual events to raise funds for the benefit of WarHark PTSD Service Dogs. Potential sponsors and donors alike are encouraged to reach out to the WarHawk Team for details.

11. What Has the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program Accomplished So far . . . And What Are Its Plans for the Future?

To date, the Program has placed nine dogs, with a tenth currently in training. We post live videos when we deliver the dogs, which are cataloged on https://www.facebook.com/WarHawkPTSDServiceDogs/, our social media site . Three of these dogs were our own Australian Shepherds, and the rest were donation dogs that we worked with to help place them. We are developing our breeding program so that we can have a constant flow of dogs in training. However, one of the amazing things that happened throughout 2019 was how the community stepped up and rallied to our cause. 2019 was a tough year, with flooding causing damage to our kennel, the summer being stressful for the dogs, and we therefore missed our breeding cycle. Outside organizations teamed up with us so that we could get dogs in the hands of those in our waiting list. This is the power of our program and how we collaborate, not compete. We are all driving in the same direction.

12. What is the Current Organizational Status of the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

The Program is a Registered Nonprofit organization and has also applied for Charitable Tax-Exempt 501(c)(3) status. A Board of Directors has been established and will be expanded as the Program develops. The Program also conforms to the requirements for PTSD Service Dog Programs that have been established by the Federal government’s American Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as other local and state organizations. Any dog that does not make it through our program still has the opportunity to develop into a Service Dog, but will require additional work with the recipient and training local to the handler. When funds are available, we assist with this. We continually communicate with the recipient to monitor and support the development of the dog in our training program.

13. How Can People Help the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program?

Individuals can certainly contribute much-needed financial support to the Program. They can also help “spread the word” so others will become interested in the Program and possibly support it. And very importantly, the WarHawk Program also needs volunteers to both accomplish its Mission and carry-out its routine program operations. Those familiar with “civic volunteering” know this can encompass a very wide range of activities . . . from supporting day-to-day operations . . . to helping set-up and carry-out special events . . . to providing specialized expertise to the overall Program, its daily operations, its Board of Directors, and the Board’s various specialized Committees.

14. How Can I Contact the WarHawk PTSD Service Dog Program and Get More information?

Please see the Program’s page, “WarHawk PTSD Service Dogs”; or see Kevin Doncaster’s personal page; or contact Kevin by phone at (918) 815-8998.