Veteran Fosters Corgi to Support Service Dog Training Program

In Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, a local veteran is fostering a corgi named Timber as part of a program aimed at training service dogs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Jeff Sailer, a 21-year veteran of the Army and Air Force, is preparing Timber for her vital role in this mission, which could be life-changing for many veterans.

As Sailer walks Timber through the city park, he assesses her focus on the bustling environment, a crucial skill for her future as a service dog. “This is my way to keep serving,” Sailer remarked, noting the importance of his contribution to the well-being of fellow veterans. He and his wife, Annette, have fostered four dogs for the Patriot Assistance Dogs (PAD) program in just over a year. This initiative aims to transform everyday dogs into trained service animals that can provide support and companionship to veterans.

Building a Lifeline for Veterans

Timber, at just 1.5 years old, represents hope for veterans struggling with the invisible wounds of war. Sailer describes her as a source of warmth and comfort, highlighting her playful nature and affectionate demeanor. “She loves to run and play… she’s a little Bunsen burner that keeps you nice and toasty,” he explained.

Fostering dogs like Timber allows the Sailers to assist the program without the long-term commitment of owning a pet. This arrangement is particularly beneficial given their active lifestyle, which involves participating in motorcycle rides with local veteran organizations. “I think our next investment needs to be a sidecar for dogs,” Sailer joked as Timber playfully jumped onto his lap.

The training process for service dogs is rigorous. Basic training takes place at the Sailers’ home, where Timber learns essential commands and socialization skills. Advanced training occurs at the PAD facility, where she will acquire the specialized skills necessary to support her future veteran companion.

A Community of Support

The efforts of the Sailers are part of a broader initiative to assist military veterans with PTSD. Linda Wiedewitsch, founder of PAD, emphasized the importance of creating a supportive community among veterans. “It becomes a brotherhood and a sisterhood,” she noted, referring to the strong bonds formed among veterans and their families during the training process.

PAD recently acquired a new 7-acre facility in Detroit Lakes, officially closing on the property on October 24, 2023. With plans to build a new kennel and secure fencing, the program aims to enhance its capacity to train and house service dogs. “Now we can start clearing trees and prepping the property,” said Wiedewitsch, who is eager to expand the program’s reach.

Since its inception in 2012, PAD has certified 323 dog-vet teams, serving veterans across Minnesota and neighboring states. The organization relies on donations and fundraising efforts to cover all associated costs for the veterans, including a “go” bag for each dog upon graduation, provided by the United Way of Becker County.

The community’s support has been instrumental, with some donors even leaving bequests to the organization. A notable contribution came from Dr. Bridget King, a veterinarian from Aldrich, Minnesota, who left $50,000 to PAD after her passing last year. “She was instrumental from the beginning… found a lot of nice dogs for us,” Wiedewitsch recalled, announcing plans to name an infirmary at the new facility in her honor.

Looking ahead, the Minnesota Vikings will highlight PAD’s mission during their “salute to service” event on November 9. Nine PAD teams will be honored at the game, with opportunities for veterans to share their stories and raise awareness for the program.

There are numerous ways for community members to contribute to this vital cause, including participating in fundraising events, walking dogs, or fostering animals for short or long-term periods. Interested individuals can visit patriotassistancedogs.org to learn more about fostering, volunteering, or applying for the program as a veteran. The collective efforts of the Sailers and the PAD community exemplify the enduring support veterans provide to one another, fostering healing and hope through the bond between veterans and service dogs.