Dogs For Heroes, INC. 501(c)3 Non-Profit OrganizationOur mission to place rescued American Staffordshire Terrier's, Staffordshire Terrier's, American Pit Bulls, American Bullies, English Bulldogs, and other Molosser Breeds, then rehabilitate and train them as Companion, and Service Dogs for fellow Veterans who are suffering with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Military Sexual Trauma (MST). As a Combat Veteran Myself who suffers from PTSD, I understand the effects PTSD can have on everyday life and how PTSD affects relationships with family, and friends. It is our honor to rehabilitate, train, and place dogs with a well deserving Veteran suffering from PTSD. We strive to place quality trained dogs with our Veteran's. We do not accept dogs into the program without thorough temperament testing. Dogs that fail the temperament training will not continue as a candidate in the program to ensure safety of the Veterans, family, friends, and the general public. Throughout training the dogs will be socialized with other dogs, animals, people, and the general public. The dogs will be placed in many different situations as our goal is to have a well-rounded socialized and trained dog at the end of the Program. All dogs will be subjected to a public access test upon the completion of their training. We let dogs adjust to their surroundings, then start working on basic obedience training. The veterans and dogs are fully evaluated by our volunteers, and then our team reviews the evaluations and develops a training plan for both the veteran and the dog. If a dog shows the drive and passion to learn, we then continue to the next level where we focus on the specific needs of the Veteran. We are an all-volunteer based organization, veterans and civilians with all levels of skill sets are part of the Dogs For Heroes team. Our corporate office is based in Illinois and we have chapters around the country.We are partners with several dog rescues who donate rescued dog’s to the program if the dog is a candidate for service training. This allows us to help mature dogs who are either at a local animal shelter or in a rescue facility who may not otherwise get adopted because of their age. We are also placing dogs with their Veteran at very young ages and these young pups who come to us from backyard breeders or local animal shelters go home with their Veterans, and are required to attend training 2-3 times a week. All dogs are Vet Checked prior to the starting training, and on a regular basis as deemed necessary by a licensed veterinarian, while in training. Our goal is to get the Veteran involved in Training their dog, starting with basic obedience, and then specific training based on their individual needs. This proven method allows a closer bond between the dog and their Veteran. The veteran is given a list of short and long-term goals for their dog, and practice what they have learned when they are home. Our volunteer trainers then test the progress of the dog and veteran upon the return to the training class. We believe this will create a stronger bond between dog and their Veteran.If dog at any level of training fails to socialize, or if the trainer deems the dog unfit for service, the dog will be then be placed in a forever home with volunteers who have working knowledge and experience with any issues that may arise. We do not return dogs who cannot complete the service training program to any animal shelters or city dog pounds, every effort is made to find safe and permanent homes for these dogs. The safety of our Veterans, service dogs, volunteers, family, friends, general Public, and our trainers is our Number One Priority. As we work to strive to utilize rescued dogs, we often have limited background on the dog, so we make every effort to rehabilitate the animal, train and place the animal to the utmost of our ability. We also have contingency plans in place should one of our veterans become ill, or unable to care for their service dog. Once a dog is part of the Dogs For Heroes family, that dog is our responsibility both financially, ethically, morally and physically from the cradle to the grave.Our mission covers three main purposes:1) We utilize rescued dogs in our program, saving the life of an animal.2) Promote a Positive Breed Image for American Staffordshire terrier’s, Staffordshire terrier’s, American Pit Bulls, American Bullies, English Bulldogs, and other molosser breeds.3) To show the loyalty, willingness to learn, and please not only the veteran, but to the public as well.Our overall mission to place a quality trained dog with a honorably discharged Veteran with PTSD/TBI/MST and this is our Number One Priority. While we focus on the above breeds we also have other breeds in our program as well. We depend on contributions to successfully complete our mission as all dogs will be fully vetted including spay/neutering prior to placement with their Veteran. We supply