My name is Dean. I retired in 2006, after 13 years with the Canadian Armed Forces so I could start a family with my wife, Stefanie, and be home to raise our kids. During my time with the Forces, I was deployed to Afghanistan where I experienced some traumatic situations. I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2005. Over time I have become increasingly depressed and often struggle to find the energy to fully participate in both work and family time. 

I have taken several steps to treat and cope with my PTSD over the past several years. Through discussion with my therapist and family, it has been determined that a trained service dog would benefit me in managing my PTSD and depression so I can enjoy and be more present with my family.  At this time, Veterans Affairs does not provide financial support with acquiring a service dog, so I am reaching out for financial help. It takes approximately two years to fully train a service dog and handler at a cost of approximately $25,000. 

There are several amazing organizations in  Canada that provide the specialized training for PTSD service dogs. Dogs are selected and trained for about one year before being connected with their new handler (i.e. me) for another year of training. After the second year of training,  the dog and handler go for certification testing.  Due to this long time period, I am attempting to raise funds as soon as possible. While some organizations offer charitable support to applicants, the current pandemic has resulted in reduced funding for these organizations and delays in accepting new clients. It was suggested that my family attempt to raise as much money as possible, even if we are able to obtain a dog through a charitable organization. Anything raised beyond what is needed to obtain my own dog would be directed to a service dog charity to assist another member in their quest for help.