Weekly Insights: Dogs for Life
Nearly 11% of Indian River County residents are veterans. Those who have served in the Armed Forces often have unmet medical needs related to their service. Founded in 2002, Dogs For Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for veterans and other individuals in need through training hearing and service dogs, providing therapy dogs for first responders and school resource programs, and owning an off-leash dog park.
Dogs for Life (DFL) obtains and places service dogs with veterans and other individuals to assist with managing their specific disability. The organization operates a training facility for the purpose of training teams of people with their dogs and maintains an off-leash dog park to enhance social interactions for veterans, their dogs and others in the community. Through outreach to partnering organizations including American Gold Star Mothers of IRC, Next Generation Veterans, the Veterans Administration, Assistance Dogs International, and the Mental Health Association, DLF also provides additional resources for veterans seeking support. DFL also provides emotional support dogs to the IRC Sheriff's Department, Victim Assistance and School Resource Program and facilitates veterans' post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) support group meetings.
"Prior to having a dog, I didn't go out much because I was afraid. I'm not so fearful anymore," Joan states when asked how her service dog has impacted her life.
"Dogs for Life has been amazing," Jim replies, "I don't think I'd be here sitting here with you today without them."
Weekly Insights works in conjunction with Indian River Indicators. Indian River Indicators was launched in June 2021 and originated after the completion of the 2019 Indian River Community Needs Assessment. It provides key data and information about our community that is updated annually and can be used to support and sustain proven programs. It can also be used by community leaders to develop policy, promote promising practices and inspire innovation that can lead to solutions to persistent community challenges.
To learn more visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org and click “Indian River Indicators” or contact a member of the Community Foundation’s team at 772.492.1407.
Photos by Carly Lenhardt