A prevailing myth in America lies in the widespread belief that Uncle Sam takes care of everything for veterans.  For healthcare and other needs the government covers all the costs, right? Not true.

Did you know, for instance, that if a veteran needs a service dog for mobility, that’s no problem. But if it’s needed for PTSD, to mitigate this disability, the veteran must pay for it. That’s because the benefits of a service dog for veterans with PTSD are not yet recognized by our federal government. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs only acknowledges the abilities of service dogs for mobility, sight and hearing. How about that?

When left untreated the result too often has been suicide. Even now, despite all kinds of federal and state efforts we continue to lose approximately 22 veterans each day. And the real number may be even higher.

Somehow, it’s understanding that needs to catch up. Maybe that starts with listening. At K9 Partners for Patriots, before we even attempt to pair a K9 with the veteran who is taught how to train the dog that becomes his or her Service dog, we have to listen and learn as much as we can about all of the physical and mental health needs.  And that includes their “triggers” too.

It’s a formula that’s working. More than 800 veterans have made progress here with their working service dog that’s mitigating their disabilities. Their dogs alert to the scent of rising cortisol/adrenaline levels and respond accordingly. Throughout Florida and across the country many more are in need but well-trained service dogs are hard to come by. Yet the need is relentless.

All of our veterans are challenged by haunting, unspeakable experiences that induced their service-related PTSD, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma. And remarkably, upon completion of their training together with their K9 partner, veterans emerge from self-isolation. From self-medication. From oppressive anxiety. With their K9 partner they regain self-confidence. They reconnect with spouses and family members on a path forward.

How can we begin to convey the gratitude we owe our veterans today? Does a free doughnut or cup of coffee reflect America’s heart? Remembering their service and sharing their stories certainly deserves these conventional, time-honored responses, passive as they may be. But maybe it’s time for more than that. For too long too many have needed to be heard. To be helped. And if you know any veterans, you know they’ll never ask for it.  Let’s make a difference. The clock is ticking.

Gregg Laskoski is the communications director for K9 Partners for Patriots in Brooksville.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/11/commentary-service-dogs-are-vital-for-many-veterans/