Click here to view and download a rendering of the proposed training facility.
Enriching Lives
Since 2001 Dogs For Life has been turning lives around by providing independence and self-reliance for people who need assistance and a renewed purpose for abandoned dogs thorough specialized training. Dogs For Life trained assistance dogs enrich people’s lives – providing ears that hear smoke alarms, paws that tap 911 button to call for emergency assistance, legs that provide mobility and eyes that provide access to an unseen world. These are the scenarios that first come to mind. However, the fastest growing need for assistance dogs in Florida is among the brave men and women who serve in the United States military.
A Unique Need
Over one million veterans have returned home from service since September 11, 2001. Of these, 20 percent struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and are facing physical limitations associated with injuries form combat. As they face the daunting challenge of continuing military service or integrating into society, specially trained assistance dogs can provide a life of independence and dignity to meet the unique needs of these American heroes.
PTSD symptoms such as hyper-vigilance, anxiety attacks and perceived threats trigger what is known as the “flight or fight” mode, which served these soldiers well when they were in combat. However, if untreated, PTSD become as life sentence of mental illness that affects the ability sleep, interacts socially, and maintain a job or a meaningful relationship. Consequently, veterans account for 20% of suicides in the US And one-third of the homeless population in the state of Florida, and 45% of them suffer from mental illness. Add to this, the number of veterans with physical disabilities, and the numbers are staggering.
Men and women who have served our country deserve an opportunity to love a self-reliant, productive life and to pursue the American dream.
In addition to the growing demand amount US veterans, several thousand residents in our community who are hearing, mobility and emotionally impaired would benefit from an assistance dog. As an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International, Dogs For Life is contacted daily by people with disabilities who need information on dog placement and training. We are ready to fulfill this need in our community, which can only be filled by Dogs For Life trained assistance dogs. Currently, the need for assistance dogs far outweighs the availability.
This situation is unacceptable.
Our Vision For The Future
In response to these growing needs Dogs For Life has taken action and developed a plan that will enhance the Off-Leash Dog Park campus and expand the assistance dog program.
To execute our plan, we must build a self-sustaining training center. Located on our 45 Acre Off-Leash Dog Park campus in Vero Beach, the 1,600 sq. ft. air-conditioned center will enable additional revenue-generating programs including year round dog obedience classes, private companion dog training, a pay-as-you-go dog park membership and a doggie daycare that will help to maintain the campus and provide support for services and programs. Additionally, the center will include office space for staff and volunteers, a canine assessment center, rest station facilities for dog park guests and a hurricane shelter for assistance dog owners and their dogs.
How You Can Help
Please consider how you can help Dogs For Life fulfill our vision for the future.
• A tax-deductible financial contribution to support the new Dogs For Life Training Center.
• Serve as a volunteer on the Capital Campaign Committee
Campaign Goal
Building and Campus Costs – $350,000
Endowment & Operating Costs – $350,000
Naming Opportunities
Off-Leash Dog Park and Training Center Campus – $250,000
Training Center – $150,000
Gazebo and Covered Boardwalk – $50,000
Rest Station Area – $50,000
North Parking Lot – $25,000
Executive Directors Office – $25,000
Landscaping – East, West, North or South View – $25,000 each
Benches – $5,000 each
Click here to view and download a rendering of the proposed training facility.
