Memorial Day serves as a reminder to show support for veterans who did make it home. An organization in Hollis is dedicated to making things a little bit easier for those service members.“We want to make sure that this program is here so that we can help all of those who have given so much for us,” Executive Director Charlotte Troddyn, of Operation Delta Dog, said.The nonprofit group Operation Delta Dog rescues homeless dogs and trains them to become service animals for veterans with post-traumatic stress and related challenges. Troddyn said it makes a world of difference.“When they have that dog by their side, it’s truly life-changing for them,” Troddyn said.The program is donation-based and is free for veterans.Over 18 months, veterans come in a few times a week for classes. After three months, they get paired with a service dog, who they work with in class and at home.“You can see the veteran when they walk in on their first day, when they interview and on the last day, and they are changed people,” Troddyn said.Doug LeShane, who served two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, participated in the program. “Memorial Day is usually not really a good week for me, or weekend, I would say,” LeShane said. “I had a lot of friends that didn’t make it home.”LeShane has been working with service dog Wally for about three months and he said it makes a big difference. “Yes, it’s comforting to have him. He’s a companion. But also, I equate him to another tool in my toolbox,” LeShane said.Anyone interested in donating to or receiving services from Operation Delta Dog can visit this link.
Memorial Day serves as a reminder to show support for veterans who did make it home. An organization in Hollis is dedicated to making things a little bit easier for those service members.
“We want to make sure that this program is here so that we can help all of those who have given so much for us,” Executive Director Charlotte Troddyn, of Operation Delta Dog, said.
The nonprofit group Operation Delta Dog rescues homeless dogs and trains them to become service animals for veterans with post-traumatic stress and related challenges.
Troddyn said it makes a world of difference.
“When they have that dog by their side, it’s truly life-changing for them,” Troddyn said.
The program is donation-based and is free for veterans.
Over 18 months, veterans come in a few times a week for classes. After three months, they get paired with a service dog, who they work with in class and at home.
“You can see the veteran when they walk in on their first day, when they interview and on the last day, and they are changed people,” Troddyn said.
Doug LeShane, who served two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps from 2004 to 2008, participated in the program.
“Memorial Day is usually not really a good week for me, or weekend, I would say,” LeShane said. “I had a lot of friends that didn’t make it home.”
LeShane has been working with service dog Wally for about three months and he said it makes a big difference.
“Yes, it’s comforting to have him. He’s a companion. But also, I equate him to another tool in my toolbox,” LeShane said.
Anyone interested in donating to or receiving services from Operation Delta Dog can visit this link.
