Welcome to America's Defenders SKIP47-K9 Program

Often, a disabled veteran will seek relief from the VA for a disability that occurred on active duty. Most of the time that disability is physical in nature and easily diagnosed. Sometimes we have veterans returning from service that have both physical and emotional injuries. We have launched a service dog program that assists veterans suffering from an injury as a result of their service to our country.

We have partnered with Blue Line K9 of Texas, run by Donnie Tarter. Donnie is a retired police K9 handler/trainer for the better part of 30 years. He holds IDA certification to train all of our companion/service dogs under IDA requirements.

Where did we come up with the name SKIP47-K9 program? That leads back to the foundation's First Lady and her father. Lailani's father was a 4 tour Vietnam veteran in the U.S. Army and early on he acquired the nickname "SKIP". Nobody really remembers why he got SKIP as a nickname, but it stuck for the remainder of his life. After becoming her father's caretaker, she began looking into service dog programs and found most wanted to charge between 25-40 thousand dollars. That seemed near criminal considering you are generally dealing with veterans on fixed incomes or veterans that are still supporting full households. This angered Lailani, and all of us here at AMDEF know that usually brings a solution. The solution became AMDEF's very own companion/service dog program. Lailani decided to combine her father's nickname with the year he was born, and the SKIP47-K9 Program was born. The mission of the program is simply to bring a companion/service dog together with a veteran in need for no cost to the veteran. For more information please continue reading below.

how the program works

SPONSOR

America's Defenders Foundation will attempt to seek out sponsors to acquire and train a specific dog for certification. Once the sponsor has committed and signed on we open up the process for veterans seeking a companion/service dog. All donated funds for sponsorship have tax benefits as AMDEF is a 501 c(3) organization.

Selection Process

All interested veterans are required to apply for the programs benefit by supplying basic information outlining the reasons for their need, copy of their DD-214 to confirm service, and references. A rigorous vetting process to affirm the veteran will be a good fit for the program is conducted. Once a veteran has been selected for a companion dog they will enter into a contractural agreement with America's Defenders Foundation to protect both parties interests throughout the process.

Selection of the pup

Once we know how the veteran recipient is going to be and have identified their needs; Blue Line K9 of Texas begins the search for the right dog. This can be a somewhat lengthy process since not all dogs are made equal, and not all of our veterans have the same needs. Once the proper fit is found it is on to the training phase.

Training

Blue Line K9 of Texas will spend several months training the selected dog candidate through multiple disciples they will need to serve. Some of the training will be standardized obedience training, but then they graduate to some more intricate training. All training is performed under IDA standards.

Introduction and Duty Assignment

Once our selected dog candidate has progressed past basic training and has moved into the more specialized training block we bring dog candidate and veteran together for the first time! This is usually the first time it feels "real" and it's always an emotional hello. This is when the real work begins. Veteran and candidate will work together for weeks and start the bonding process that will last a lifetime. Once the dog candidate has fulfilled all of the training requirements he/she will graduate the program under IDA certification and have their first set of orders cut for service to our veteran!

Protective Probationary Period

Earlier we mentioned a selected veteran and AMDEF will enter info an agreement to protect both parties throughout the program. This also includes the protection of our graduated dog. All companion/service dogs that graduate the SKIP 47 K9 program shall remain the property of America's Defenders Foundation for two years, post-graduation. This is to ensure AMDEF has the ability to confirm the veteran's home remains a safe environment for the graduate dog to be. Unfortunately, there are occasions where the home is not suitable or safe for the dog, and we may be forced to recall the dog. This provision is solely for the safety of the dog and to ensure no abuse is suffered through service. Once the probationary period has expired and there are no safety concerns, AMDEF releases all ownership control to the veteran so they may continue service together.

How much does this cost?

We strive to cover the cost of the dog candidate and training free of charge to the veteran. We are not in the business to make a profit assisting our veterans. The only expense the veteran will incur comes through food, after graduation, and shots after the first two years. AMDEF will not charge any veteran a fee to apply for the program, solicit any veteran under consideration to find their own sponsors, or charge the veteran for the graduate dog at any time. This program exists to help fill a need and not make a profit.