This morning's meeting went to the dogs! The program centered around Liberty Dogs. Past President Dan introduced Ondra Berry who is the Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Dogs. Liberty Dogs is a national service dog training and placement program for U.S. military Veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). They are funded by the Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation., and are just opening a 21 acre campus in South Reno.
Also joining us was Hilary Larivee, Canine Training Manager who brought Frannie to the meeting.
Liberty Dogs is a full service agency that trains service dogs, and then places the dogs with veterans. Veterans who receive a service dog will attend a two week orientation that is held on the Liberty Dog campus.
Most of the puppies that enter the training program are bred to be service dogs. The training takes two years and includes living with volunteer trainings for about 12 - 18 months. And some of the puppies are trained by prison inmates. Liberty Dogs also offer 3 day classes for veterans who have PTSD .
If you are interested in raising a Liberty Dog puppy, or would like additional information, go to www.libertydogs.org.
Club members Jim van Winkle and Chelsea Moore, along with Chelsea's kids, 2 of whom attend Huffaker, outside the club supported "Quiet Room" (seen through the doorway) at the Huffaker Elementary Sweetheart Dance on February 6.
