ABOUT US
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
GOAL
Our goal is to restore quality of life and empower our Veterans to function in society with dignity and independence through a trained service dog.
PURPOSE
Company 2 Heroes (C2H) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit service dog training program that works with the Veteran to train their own dog or rescue (of proper age, size and temperament) to perform the specialized functions that will provide much needed assistance, independence and companionship necessary in helping those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). There is no charge for our program, it is our duty, honor and privilege to give back to those who have given so much.
Company 2 Heroes was established to help veterans rise up and handle the overwhelming feelings that make them feel powerless and get back to participating in life again. The program was founded by veterans and volunteer K9 Trainers who recognized a gap in service dog availability to the many veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war. The founders understood the healing power and capabilities of a service dog, but became frustrated with the high cost and more than two-year long delays to acquire a service dog which was placing veterans at increased risk of suicide.
Company 2 Heroes holds an active membership with Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans and conducts testing and certification under American Kennel Club (AKC) and Assistance Dogs International (ADI) criteria.
WHY
Company 2 Heroes – Veteran Service Dog Training Program recognizes and capitalizes on the fact that Veterans are amazing trainers, experienced leaders, strong team builders and phenomenal problem solvers. Every member of today’s military is a volunteer. They come home with a desire to continue their service back home, but instead are greeted by public misconceptions. The public views all veterans as heroes but believe somehow they return broken by their wartime service. Unfortunately, the media often spreads this narrative with coverage about veterans who suffer from mental health issues, substance abuse problems and unemployment. Veterans do not want to be portrayed as either heroes or charity cases. We believe Veterans have the unique potential to strengthen our community by continuing to serve, but they come back feeling disconnected. Our communities and veterans can only reach their full potential when both are given meaningful opportunities to engage. When Veterans are able to detach mentally from themselves and their issues, what most Veterans call “getting out of your own head” and get involved with this service dog training program surrounded by fellow service-members, supported by staff and encouraged by volunteers, Veterans begin to feel a sense of accomplishment and hope. By helping one another with their challenges and difficulties, Veterans are able to cope more effectively with their own issues. Company 2 Heroes is just a small step in helping renew that connection and help our Veterans struggling to thrive.
ADVOCATE and EDUCATE – Adjustment to civilian, peacetime life after serving in combat has long been recognized as a process that all warriors must confront. Readjustment can be mild or severe, brief or longer in duration. Having difficulty adapting to exposed traumatic events from military experiences and just dealing with the symptoms can be overwhelming for veterans. Our program advocates expanded use of service dogs in the veteran community and educates how the increased use of service dogs is saving veterans’ lives and reducing veterans’ dependencies on prescriptions and alcohol. We will continue to build awareness and understanding of the medical benefits that supports successful use of service dogs, advocate best practices and educate the public on service dogs. These type of programs can be the best medicine.