JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is teaming up with K9s For Warriors to help train veterans and their service dogs.
Training at the Zoo gives veterans a preview of what they can look forward to upon graduation from K9s For Warriors -- having fun in public with family and friends.
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K9s For Warriors provides service canines to warriors suffering from invisible wounds of war as a result of military service post-9/11.
Its mission is to empower warriors to return to civilian life with dignity and respect.
“We are very excited about our partnership with the zoo,” said Rory Diamond, K9s For Warriors Executive Director. “This training not only provides our soldiers with a life-saving gift, but it also makes them feel supported by the community.”
Veterans travel to Jacksonville from all over the country to be matched with a service dog.
For 21 days, they stay at the K9s for Warriors facility where they bond with their canine and receive 120 hours of training in order to graduate as a certified service dog handler.
Training at large attractions such as the Zoo helps veterans prepare for scenarios they will likely face when home.
They learn to use their service dogs to mitigate their symptoms, giving them the opportunity to focus on the present.
“The Zoo is committed to partnering with organizations throughout our community,” said Janet Wesley, Director of Marketing and Development at JZG. “We are grateful for the men and women who have served our country, and are honored to host K9s For Warriors through their continued training at the Zoo. This ongoing partnership will enable future classes of service dogs and their warriors to train here at JZG.”