Operation Service Dog

      Great outcomes begin with great partnerships.  In August 2018, The Royal Canadian Legion’s Ontario Provincial Command partnered with Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) to launch Operation Service Dog. With the support of the WWC PTSD Service Dog Program, the Legion is achieving its goal to pair as many injured Veterans as feasible with trained Service Dogs.    

     Currently, the Legion's Ontario Command leads a program called Operation Service Dog,  and through its collaboration with WWC, has provided over $2-million to  help train and pair over 61 veterans with service dogs, with 27 more on  the way. The Legion's Quebec Command is set to begin a similar  relationship. 

     Because WWC developed a set of standards, they could potentially be applied across the country today—pending modifications that might be needed. The framework exists and has been tested.

     Caliber—fondly known as Callie—is a standard poodle, a service dog paired with now-retired CAF veteran Kenda Doody two years ago after a suggestion from a health-care provider. They became a “team” last November. A former combat veteran, Doody describes the relationship this way: “[Callie] has been making me ‘soft’ again,” she says, having become ‘hard,’ unapproachable, angry, and isolated after living through traumatic experiences while serving in the forces.

     These animals can provide reassurance, reduce anxiety, and make a more “normal” life possible—literally taking some veterans from their basements back into society. Our country needs to take action to make it easier for our veterans to receive and maintain a qualified service dog 

 To apply for a service dog through the Royal Canadian Legion in Ontario, you can contact your local Legion Branch Service Officer  (Branch #160 Wellington  - Buck Buchanan 613 399-1684)  or Provincial Service Officer    

Other organizations that offer service dogs   

• Canadian Veteran Service Dog Unit (CVSDU) You can apply for a service dog by completing forms and returning them to CVSDU by email or mail. You will need to provide a copy of your military ID, veterans card, or first responder ID. 
• National Service Dogs (NSD) NSD has a breeding program, volunteer raisers, and behavioral assessments. NSD's Client Service Social Workers guide clients through the application and screening process. 

 Documents that may be required    

• A letter from a medical professional confirming that the handler requires the animal for disability reasons 
• A service animal certificate with the handler and animal's information 

 Disabilities that may qualify for a service dog    

• Mobility impairments 
• Visual or hearing impairments 
• Epilepsy 
• Diabetes 
• Autism spectrum disorders 
• Mental health conditions such as PTSD