America's VetDogs Blog

Helping Dogs Overcome Fear


It is often disheartening to discover that your beloved pup doesn’t seem to like everyone they meet. There can be a few reasons why this may happen, but with patience and understanding, you can help them build positive relationships with people. Read more. 

 

An Inspiring Lens on Life


Stacy Pearsall got her start as an Air Force photographer at the age of 17. During her time in service, she traveled to over 41 countries, and attended the Military Photojournalism Program at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University from which she is a 50 Forward distinguished graduate. During three combat tours, she earned the Bronze Star Medal and Air Force Commendation with Valor for combat actions in Iraq. Though combat disabled and retired from military service, Pearsall has not let her disabilities hold her back. Read on about her earliest days meeting Charlie, her service dog, in front of a national TV audience, and her own new public broadcast television series, “After Action.”

Facing Life's Hardships with Resolve


Jo-Ann Rodriguez loved being in the Army. She planned to stay in the Army at least “until I was a colonel.” However, just a couple of years into her military service, she began experiencing numbness in her face and arms. Eventually, her ill health forced her to leave the service in 1991 and she returned home to her family in Puerto Rico. Without transition counseling to help her readjust to civilian life, she felt lost. Although she can walk short distances, her disease has affected her mobility to the point where she uses a wheelchair most of the time. She wanted a service dog shortly after she became disabled, but her biggest stumbling block was that “no one would give [a service dog] to someone in Puerto Rico.” Learn about how she found America’s VetDogs and her life with her service dog, Hickok.

Access Laws for Service and Guide Dogs


Having a service animal can be incredibly beneficial for citizens with disabilities that require the help of a service animal. However, it is important to understand the laws and regulations surrounding the use of dogs as service animals in public. Read more. 

Is Rawhide Bad for Dogs?


In recent years, dog owners have become concerned about giving their dog rawhide toys for chewing. We’re addressing the two main areas of concern so you can make the best decision for your furry friend. Read More.

Veterans, PTSD, and Assistance Dogs


Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, anywhere between 11 - 30% of U.S. veterans who have been in combat suffer from PTSD at some point in their lifetime. Read More. 

A Lifetime of Caring for Others


After serving 10 years in the Army and an additional 10 years in the Air Force, Kelly Knox retired from military service in 2000, but she continued to serve. She joined the Department of Veterans Affairs as a PTSD specialist and worked for the National Center for PTSD, training other therapists and mental health professionals throughout the country. She was a member of the VA’s rapid deployment teams, which responded to natural disasters such as the hurricanes in Louisiana. After 20 years at the VA, Knox medically retired in 2021 after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. This, coupled with a traumatic brain injury she had suffered during her deployment to Bosnia, began to affect her balance and coordination. She was teamed with her service dog, Amber, in January 2021. Read about how her life has changed for the better ever since.

Top 5 Cues to Teach Your Puppy


Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for many families! They’re cute, cuddly, and they’re usually too young to have picked up many bad habits. In the mix of all the playtime and snuggles, you’ll need to teach your puppy how to be a member of your household. Read more...

Holiday Safety and Tips 


The holiday season is upon us, and we're sharing a few ways you can make the holiday season extra special (and safe) for your furry friend! Read more!

Giving Tuesday History 


#GivingTuesday is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of dollars in donations to nonprofit organizations in one day – the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Learn about the origin of this day of global impact. Read more. 

VetDogs Graduate Honored At The ESPYS!


We are thrilled to announce that one of our own – two-time America’s VetDogs graduate, retired U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gretchen Evans – will be honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service at The 2022 ESPYS! Read more.

Plants That Are Toxic To Dogs


Plants can improve air quality in your home, as well as add color and style. If you have indoor dogs, you want to be aware of which plants can cause harm. The list of plants that are toxic to dogs and cats is extensive.We’ve gathered information about some of the most common houseplants that could seriously harm your furry friend. Read more. 

Dogs And Separation Anxiety 


With the majority of Americans working outside the home, it’s not surprising that separation anxiety in dogs is a common concern for pet owners.Understanding the cause of your dog’s anxiety is key to finding solutions that will help them relax when you’re away. Read More.

A First Responder Serving Her Community


From an early age, Megan Shacklett knew she wanted to dedicate her life to serving others. “I come from a long line of veterans and first responders,” she says. The concept of helping others and being of service was strong within the family: her grandfather served during World War II; her father was an Army veteran who later became a firefighter; and an uncle and cousin were firefighters. "Before I got my (service) dog, there were times I wouldn't leave my house," Shacklett says. "Now I can go out and do things. I know it's going to be OK. With her, every day there's a reason to wake up." Learn more about Megan here.

New Year, New Goals 


Another new year is upon us, which brings about a desire in many people to improve their lives in some way. About 38.5% of adults make resolutions, but only 9% actually keep them. Read more. 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I TAKE MY SERVICE DOG TO THE VET?


Service dogs are working dogs, and like any dog, it’s recommended that they go to the vet at least once a year for an annual check-up. An annual check-up normally consists of a wellness exam, in which a physical is conducted. In addition, the vet will document your dog’s physical growth and mention any concerns about their health. Read more about the importance of veterinary care for your service dog.

Leaving a Rewarding Legacy


As we mark National Make-A-Will Month in August, National Estate Planning Awareness Week in October, and prepare for the year-end season of charitable giving, now is a good time to explore estate planning including making a will. Doing so can provide immediate and long-term benefits to you, your loved ones, and the nonprofits closest to your heart. Read more. 

Things You Should Never Feed Your Dog 

Unless you’re adamantly against feeding your dog human food and your whole family is on board, it’s likely that your fur baby will consume some of the same foods that humans eat at some point. Take the time to know the dangers certain foods and substances pose to man’s best friend. Read More!