Service Dogs for Veterans: The Life-Changing Impact of DDS4VETS

Service Dogs for Veterans: The Life-Changing Impact of DDS4VETS

Service dogs for veterans aren’t just companions—they’re lifelines.

These incredible animals help veterans regain independence, manage PTSD, and rediscover a sense of purpose after their service.

At DDS4VETS, their mission is simple but powerful: supporting veterans with PTSD and ensuring no one is left behind.

Since 2019, this non-profit has changed lives by offering veterans the resources to heal and thrive. Their life-saving service dog program is at the heart of this mission.

For many veterans, the return to civilian life is overwhelming.

Years of structured, purposeful days suddenly give way to uncertainty, and for some, PTSD sets in.

It was heartbreaking to know that according to VA estimates, the average used to be, 22 veterans take their own lives each day, then to be DOUBLED in 2023 and now estimated for 2024 to be over TRIPLE the amount of veterans taking their lives each day!!

Deb Doherty, DDS4VETS’ founder, understands this pain firsthand.

With support from people like you, DDS4VETS provides fully trained service dogs to veterans at no cost.

These dogs do more than offer companionship—they provide security, freedom, and a reason to keep going every single day.

DDS4VETS Dedicated Devoted Solutions for Veterans

All Florida Security Services proudly supports DDS4VETS.

For the past three years, our team has proudly secured their annual red-carpet galas. The community gathers to raise funds and honor our heroes.

Richard, a board member and DDS4VETS’ Security Advisor, has seen the life-changing impact firsthand.

He’s met veterans who’ve had their lives transformed by the love and support of a service dog.

Every story we hear and veteran we meet reminds us of one thing. These brave men and women deserve all the help we can give.

Together, with your support, we can continue to change lives, one service dog at a time.

Deb Doherty DDS4VETS Founder and CEO

Deb Doherty: A Leader Dedicated to Serving Veterans in Every Way

Deb Doherty brings personal experience, professional expertise, and a passion for helping veterans to everything she does. Her leadership is multifaceted.

As the founder and CEO of DDS4VETS, she is deeply committed to bridging the gap between veterans and the benefits they deserve, ensuring that those who have served their country receive the life-saving resources they need.

Her dedication to leaving no veteran behind comes from losing her brother, a Navy veteran who struggled with PTSD after returning home.

Beyond her role at DDS4VETS, Deb is also a licensed real estate agent with Baron Real Estate, where she leads the Doherty Team—a group of former veterans and first responders who are now licensed real estate agents.

The Doherty Team is passionate about helping fellow veterans and first responders navigate the complexities of homeownership.

Deb, certified as a Military Relocation Professional (MRP), helps military families overcome the unique challenges of relocating or buying a home.

Deb brings over 37 years of experience in real estate, mortgage origination, and title work. She uses this expertise to help veterans and their families confidently achieve homeownership.

National Veterans Alliance

Deb’s commitment to veterans doesn’t stop there. She is also the Founder and President of the National Veterans Alliance, an organization dedicated to advocating for veteran rights and providing additional resources for veterans and their families.

Through this alliance, Deb continues her mission to ensure that veterans receive the respect, care, and support they were promised.

Her leadership in DDS4VETS, her real estate expertise with the Doherty Team, and her work with the National Veterans Alliance show Deb’s commitment to improving veterans’ lives in every way.

Whether helping veterans secure a home or offering support to overcome PTSD, Deb ensures those who served are never forgotten.

The Vital Role of Service Dogs for Veterans in DDS4VETS’ Mission

At DDS4VETS, service dogs are at the core of their mission to help veterans regain a sense of purpose and security.

Studies have shown that veterans who partner with service dogs experience a 66% lower chance of receiving a PTSD diagnosis after just three months.

These dogs help veterans with daily tasks and significantly improve their quality of life. They reduce anxiety, depression, and isolation.

For veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or physical disabilities, these dogs provide life-saving support. Their help goes far beyond simple companionship.

Mental Benefits

Calming Anxiety and PTSD Symptoms:

Service dogs are trained to detect the onset of anxiety attacks or PTSD-related symptoms, such as flashbacks and nightmares. When service dogs sense their handler is in distress, they act. They offer deep pressure therapy, interrupt anxious behaviors, or create a physical buffer in crowds.

Grounding and Emotional Support:

For veterans who experience dissociation or overwhelming stress, service dogs provide grounding. They keep veterans grounded by nudging or pawing when they feel overwhelmed, reminding them to stay in the present. Their constant, steady presence helps reduce feelings of isolation and provides a sense of comfort and security.

Reducing Hypervigilance:

Many veterans with PTSD experience hypervigilance—an exaggerated sense of alertness to potential dangers. Service dogs can help by providing security. They can watch doors, create personal space in public, and ease the constant need to stay on guard.

Physical Benefits

Mobility Assistance:

Service dogs for veterans with physical disabilities perform essential tasks like retrieving items, opening doors, and providing balance. These tasks give veterans the freedom to live more independently.

Nightmare Interruption:

Many veterans suffer from night terrors as a result of PTSD. Service dogs sense distress during sleep and wake their handlers by nudging or lying across them. This helps disrupt nightmares and restores calm.

Medication Reminders:

Service dogs remind their handlers to take medication on time. They do this by nudging or retrieving the medication bag. This task can be critical for veterans who rely on timely medication for both mental and physical health needs.

And the best part?

DDS4VETS provides these incredible animals at no cost to veterans, ensuring that financial constraints don’t prevent them from getting essential support.

Ret. Sgt. Michael Colton: Executive Vice President and K9 Trainer at DDS4VETS

Ret. Sgt. Michael Colton is a vital part of DDS4VETS, where his extensive experience and dedication to service dogs play a key role in the organization’s mission.

As Executive Vice President and lead K9 trainer, Michael oversees the rigorous training of service dogs. He ensures each animal is expertly prepared to meet the unique needs of veterans.

Michael deeply understands veterans’ emotional and physical challenges. He tailors training to match each handler’s needs, from mobility support to easing PTSD symptoms.

His role at DDS4VETS builds on over 34 years of law enforcement experience with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office. He worked as a K9 handler, SWAT team member, and Field Training Officer.

Michael’s impressive resume includes instructing in critical areas like firearms, defensive tactics, and active shooter response.

Michael’s skill in training rescue dogs into loyal companions comes from his extensive K9 operations background. This expertise helps veterans regain their independence through DDS4VETS.

In addition to his work at DDS4VETS, Michael also shares his expertise through All Florida Security Services, where he continues to provide specialized training.

Michael’s background in law enforcement, coupled with his passion for training, enables him to contribute to multiple fields, always with a focus on empowering others.

Under Michael’s leadership, DDS4VETS has raised the bar for service dog training, helping veterans rebuild their lives with the support of their service dogs.

His work is critical to DDS4VETS’ mission of providing life-saving service dogs at no cost to veterans, ensuring that those who have served their country have the resources they need to thrive once again.

Supporting Veterans Every Step of the Way: DDS4VETS’ Expanded Services

In addition to pairing veterans with fully trained service dogs, DDS4VETS provides:

Mental Health Resources:

DDS4VETS connects veterans with counseling and support groups that focus on the emotional and psychological struggles many face when transitioning to civilian life. This holistic approach ensures veterans receive mental health support alongside the companionship and care their service dogs provide.

Job Placement Assistance:

Transitioning from military service to civilian employment can be daunting. DDS4VETS works with veterans to offer job training and placement services, helping them find meaningful careers after their service.

Housing Assistance:

For veterans who may be struggling to find stable housing, DDS4VETS partners with local organizations to offer temporary and permanent housing solutions. They believe that security goes beyond just emotional support—it extends to having a stable home where veterans can begin to rebuild their lives.

Community and Peer Support:

DDS4VETS fosters a strong sense of community among veterans, offering peer support networks where veterans can connect with others who understand their struggles. This sense of camaraderie helps veterans feel less isolated and provides them with a network of support beyond their service dogs.

Under Deb’s leadership, DDS4VETS has grown into a vital resource for veterans, addressing their emotional, physical, and practical needs.

DDS4VETS is building a community where veterans can access a full spectrum of services designed to support their reintegration into civilian life.

The Annual Believe in the Mission Gala: Bringing Communities Together for a Life-Changing Cause

The annual Believe in the Mission gala is one of the most anticipated events supporting DDS4VETS.

Each year, this red-carpet affair brings together an incredible mix of retired military personnel, government officials, and community leaders, all united in one purpose: to raise crucial funds and honor the sacrifices made by our veterans.

More than just a fundraiser, the gala shines a spotlight on the importance of providing veterans with resources like service dogs.

The need for service dogs is immense, with less than 1% of veterans in need receiving the support of a trained service dog.

Events like the Believe in the Mission Gala help raise the crucial funds required to continue DDS4VETS’ life-saving work.

The evening’s highlights include a formal dinner, live auctions, and perhaps the most moving part of the night—the emotional presentation of a fully trained service dog to a deserving veteran.

This powerful moment is a reminder of the vital role DDS4VETS plays in helping veterans overcome the challenges of PTSD and other disabilities.

What makes these galas truly special is the caliber of people who come together to support the cause.

From generals and sheriffs to senators and prominent community figures, attendees show their deep commitment to the DDS4VETS mission.

It’s not just an event—it’s a powerful gathering of people expressing their gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes.

All Florida Security Services: Ensuring Safety and Success at the Annual DDS4VETS Gala

A key part of the event’s success is ensuring that everyone feels safe and secure while attending.

That’s where All Florida Security Services steps in.

For the past three years, our team has proudly provided professional security services for the gala, ensuring that the night runs smoothly and without incident.

Our commitment goes beyond just monitoring the event; we work closely with DDS4VETS to plan and execute a comprehensive security strategy that guarantees the safety of every guest, from VIPs to volunteers.

Richard, who serves as DDS4VETS’ Security Advisor and sits on the board, oversees all security efforts for the gala.

His role is vital in making sure every aspect of the evening is protected, from coordinating with local law enforcement to managing the event’s on-site security team.

Richard’s deep respect for veterans makes this more than just a job—it’s a personal mission.

He has the privilege of hearing firsthand the powerful stories of veterans whose lives have been transformed by DDS4VETS.

His work ensures that the gala remains a safe and welcoming space where people can focus on the real purpose of the evening: supporting our heroes.

Richard often shares how honored he feels to stand among these brave men and women, and how his security efforts contribute to protecting not just an event, but a cause he deeply believes in.

The success of the gala, from start to finish, depends on having a secure and well-coordinated environment, and All Florida Security Services is proud to be part of such an important mission.

It’s more than just a gala.

It’s a night where communities come together to make a real difference in the lives of veterans who have given so much for our country.

DDS4VETS’ Vision for the Future: Expanding Support for Veterans

As DDS4VETS continues to transform the lives of veterans, founder Deb Doherty has an ambitious vision for the future: the creation of a dedicated training facility for service dogs.

But this facility will be much more than a place to train dogs—it will be a sanctuary for veterans in need.

Deb envisions a space where veterans can stay, heal, and access the full range of services they need to thrive.

The goal is to acquire a piece of land where veterans can live on-site, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in bonding with their service dogs while also receiving the comprehensive support they deserve.

This future facility won’t just focus on dog training; it will provide mental health counseling, job placement programs, and other resources that help veterans smoothly transition from military service back to civilian life.

The goal is to create a one-stop center offering everything from emotional support to practical assistance with housing and employment.

Making this dream a reality will depend on the generosity of the community.

Donations raised at events like the annual gala, along with ongoing support from individuals and businesses, are critical to funding this project.

The vision is clear: create a place where veterans feel safe, supported, and empowered as they rebuild their lives.

With the help of supporters like you, DDS4VETS can take this next big step in expanding their impact, ensuring that even more veterans have access to the life-changing resources they deserve.

Video Source: DDS4VETS.org

How You Can Make a Difference: Donating to DDS4VETS

Every donation helps provide essential services, including:

  • Fully trained service dogs
  • Mental health counseling
  • Job placement assistance
  • Legal support

Everything veterans need to successfully reintegrate into civilian life.

No matter the size of your contribution, it plays a crucial role in ensuring veterans receive the help they deserve.

Training a service dog is a significant investment, with costs ranging from $25,000 to $60,000. DDS4VETS covers all expenses, including the dog’s training, care, and upkeep, so that veterans don’t have to bear the financial burden.

These service dogs are more than companions—they are life-saving partners that give veterans back their independence and emotional strength.

By donating, you become part of a mission that transforms lives.

Whether you give a one-time donation or commit to regular support, your generosity ensures that veterans receive the stability, purpose, and support they need to rebuild their lives after service.

Every dollar truly makes a difference.

Spread The Word: Help Us Share DDS4VETS Mission

Now, more than ever, our veterans need us.

The challenges they face after service—PTSD, physical disabilities, and the emotional toll of reintegration—is overwhelming.

DDS4VETS is here to help, and you can be part of this life-changing mission.

But we need more than donations.

You can make an even bigger impact by spreading the word.

Share DDS4VETS’ mission with your friends, family, and community.

Let others know how service dogs are transforming the lives of veterans, and encourage them to get involved as well.

Together, we can make sure that no veteran is left behind.

Stay Connected and Support Our Veterans

Want to stay updated on how DDS4VETS is making a difference in the lives of veterans?

Sign up for the All Florida Security Services newsletter!

You’ll receive the latest news on upcoming events like the Believe in the Mission Gala, stories of veterans whose lives have been transformed, and updates on how you can continue to support DDS4VETS.

By subscribing, you’ll join a community dedicated to giving back to those who’ve given so much for us.

Together, we can ensure no veteran is left behind.

Join us today and make a difference!