Key Facts
- Veteran
- Raychelle Salter, Army veteran, served six years in Operation Enduring Freedom
- Service dog
- Riot
- Program
- Fulton Homes Operation K-9 Companion Program, in its fourth year
- Partners
- Fulton Homes, Soldier’s Best Friend (Peoria-based nonprofit), BIG 94.5 radio station
- Purpose
- Pair trained service dogs with veterans living with PTSD or TBI
Background
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A Valley woman, Army veteran Raychelle Salter, has been matched with a service dog named Riot through the Fulton Homes Operation K-9 Companion Program. The program, now in its fourth year, pairs newly trained service dogs with military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury.
Fulton Homes partners with Peoria-based nonprofit Soldier’s Best Friend and radio station BIG 94.5 to provide rescued service dogs with the training they need. The goal is to help improve the lives of deserving veterans like Salter.
Current Situation
Mick Milem, executive director of Soldier’s Best Friend, said the canine companions have 'specific tasks' to help veterans mitigate their symptoms, such as watching their back to help veterans feel comfortable in public places.
Salter, who served six years in the Army as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, recently began training with Riot. She said, 'I now have the opportunity to have the assistance of Riot, especially when I’m being triggered due to my PTDS. I have that extra assistance in my life that I didn’t have before.'
| Program | Partner | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Operation K-9 Companion Program | Fulton Homes | Sponsor |
| Operation K-9 Companion Program | Soldier’s Best Friend | Training |
| Operation K-9 Companion Program | BIG 94.5 | Promotion |
Impacts
The program directly benefits veterans like Salter by providing trained service dogs that can perform tasks to help manage symptoms of PTSD or TBI. This assistance may help veterans feel more at ease in public settings and provide daily support.
The collaboration between Fulton Homes, Soldier’s Best Friend, and BIG 94.5 also gives rescued dogs a new purpose, potentially increasing their chances of adoption and improving their welfare. The program's fourth year suggests a sustained commitment to supporting veterans in the community.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the program continues to receive support from its partners, it may expand to pair more veterans with service dogs in the coming years. However, the availability of trained dogs and funding could influence the pace of expansion.
Should Salter's training with Riot prove successful, it could serve as a model for other veterans seeking similar assistance. Yet, the long-term impact on her symptoms remains to be seen, as individual outcomes may vary.
The program's future may also depend on public awareness and nominations of veterans in need. If more veterans are nominated, the program could grow, but without additional resources, it might maintain its current scale.
Source: azfamily.com
