Andrew and Carolee have been training greyhound service dogs for veterans for several years with another company. Many of the pictures are from that time.  Currently, we are training both greyhounds and other breeds as service dogs.  

Originally named Gazza, this retired racing greyhound came from Ireland.  He was brought to the US by a greyhound rehoming group, Adoptable Greythounds of Florida, but due to counter surfing and a rambunctious personality, he found it hard to stay in a home.  The group contacted us to train with him so he’d be more adoptable.  We saw the potential in him and after 2 weeks of working with him, he was gratefully donated to us.  With rules, consistency, and adventures, Vaughn really started to shine.  He will make an excellent mobility, PTSD, TBI, or MST dog.

 

He is named for Aaron C Vaughn, a Martin County Navy Seal that was killed in action on Extortion 17.  We contacted his parents to receive permission to name our first Captain’s Canines for Heroes service dog after their son to honor him.  He was posthumously awarded (among other medals), the Bronze Star Medal with Valor.

Originally named Bram Bones at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast, Woody came to us at the suggestion of a volunteer there.  We had donated some dog beds, food, etc., to the shelter and explained who we were and what we did.  We also described what qualities we were looking for in a service dog and they showed us their little Pittie.  He had been in the shelter for a year -  at his last adoption, the family didn’t like his high energy and their dogs were resource guarding (food, toys, etc.).  We did an evaluation and found a sweet, even-tempered dog that just had way too much energy and had not been given any boundaries.  After several meet-and-greets with our pack, we brought him home.  Burning off a layer of his energy unlocked his mind and he’s been learning things at an incredible rate.  He was also “mouthy” - we both had some wounds from the early days, but again, with some structure and a lot of exercise, that faded away.

 

Due to his small stature, Woody will likely be used as a PTSD, MST, TBI, or psychiatric service dog only.

 

He is named for Hershel Woodrow “Woody” Williams, who was the last surviving WWII Medal of Honor recipient.  This Marine received the medal for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima.  After landing on the beach, a group of Marines were asked to make a lane for the infantry by taking out the machine guns from the reinforced concrete pillboxes that housed the enemy.  He went with a flamethrower and several riflemen.  Along the way, all of the men, except Woody, were killed.  He continued on and used his flamethrower on all of the pillboxes.  This occurred for four hours under intense small arms fire - he would return to his own lines, get another flamethrower, and return to the front.  He was presented the Medal of Honor by President Truman.  When he died at the age of 98, he lay in honor at the Capitol Rotunda.

Originally named Ricky, this male German Shepherd came to us through a private donation.  He is a big boy, but very aware of his size and very gentle with people.  He is a bit reserved, but his confidence is rising daily.  We’ve only had him for a week, but Artie is soaking up training like a sponge.  Due to his large stature, he is being considered for mobility as well as wheelchair, PTSD, etc.

 

He is named for Ardie Copas, an Army veteran of the Vietnam War and Medal of Honor recipient. He was killed in action holding his post as a machine gunner under heavy fire while his wounded comrades were evacuated after their convoy was ambushed.

Originally named Lucy, this female German Shepherd came to us through a private donation.  She is very outgoing and sure of herself.  She bonds closely with people and shows great aptitude for learning.  She will make an excellent MST dog, although she would also shine as a wheelchair, PTSD, etc. dog.

 

Lucy got to keep her name, but now she is named for Lucille McClarren, the first woman to enlist as a Marine.  She was also the first female drill Sergeant.  She was Secretary to the Secretary of the Navy in the Pentagon during the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis.