I am a 100% disabled veteran who is wanting to go to school to become a dog trainer/handler and help other disabled veterans who are in need of a service dog. There are currently no trainers in Montgomery, AL to work with them. I have found a non-profit organization who is interested in me as a trainer if I can attend the school.
My name is Christine T, I am a 100% service connected disabled veteran. I’ve been to college before, but, due to my disabilities, was not a good fit for the regular classroom. I do best when I can be at home and doing my work online.
I have served twice in the U.S. Navy. Nov 1986-May 1992 and April 2005-Aug 2008. During my second enlistment, my 9 year old son, Daniel, was killed in a tragic school bus accident in Utah. I have not been really stable since. I suffer from PTSD, Bi-Polar disorder, severe depression and anxiety. In 2014 I went through a divorce and have been getting my life back on track since.
I am now stable. I have a good support system in place. I’m seeing my Psychiatrist on a regular basis and making great progress. With her help and guidance, I’m taking my medications on a daily basis and doing very well. I take them as I find that I like myself much better on them than when I am off them.
I have been approved for a service dog to help me with my PTSD and anxiety. But, currently, there are no local trainers. I am working with a non-profit group, TADSAW.org to find me a trainer, but, in order to attend with my dog, I’m going to have to drive 60 miles one way. This will be for about a year.
I’ve been trying to find my passion in life. Something to make me get out of bed every day. I want to work with dogs. My desire is to become a dog trainer/handler and work with other disabled veterans here in the Montgomery, AL area. The book portion is online and the hands on training is in the field in a nearby area. The total time to devote is about 1 year.
I’ve talked to TADSAW about being one of their trainers, and the only one in Montgomery, and Bart said that if I’m able to attend, then he will bring me on as a trainer.
The total cost of the course is between $3,500 and $5,000. I’m also looking at an additional certification to be able to work with my local animal shelter training dogs so that they are more adoptable.
The scholarship would cover my down payment and then allow me to make the monthly payments to the school.
I appreciate the fact that you are going to look at my application and read my story.
Sincerely yours,
