‘Changing two lives’: Peoria-based nonprofit pairs rescue dogs with veterans

PEORIA, AZ (AZFamily) — A Valley nonprofit is making sure veterans don’t have to face the hardest days alone, and that rescue dogs get a second chance, too.

The Peoria-based nonprofit, Soldier’s Best Friend, pairs rescue dogs with Valley veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Founder and veterinarian John Burnham said he started working with veterans after seeing how animals affected clients with PTSD.

“I had one [veteran] in particular that went through three deployments over in Iraq and Afghanistan,” he said. “And I could just see the changes occurring.”

The nonprofit partners with animal rescues across the state to begin training rescue dogs. The dog is then paired with a veteran who has applied through Soldier’s Best Friend website.

“They go through a series of training phases, starting first with just good general obedience, well-behaved out in public, etc.,” Burnham said. “And then they start going into special tasks that help them with their issues with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.”

The nonprofit has training locations in Phoenix, Tucson, Prescott, Sierra Vista, Flagstaff, Yuma and Kingman.

‘Changing two lives at once’

One program member, Richard Dawson, said his life quickly changed once he and Midnight were paired together and began their training.

“Ever since I started in August, it’s not just been my life, but it’s been Midnight’s life, too,” Dawson said. “We’re changing two lives at once, my life and hers.”

He says Midnight helps him with stressors, including large crowds.

“At least de-stressing at home and having her day to day,” Dawson said. “Having that support has been beneficial for me.”

Dawson says he hopes to graduate from the program with Midnight by next year.

“I don’t know when exactly, but it all depends on both of us,” he said. “Not just myself, but Midnight as well.”

Those who want to donate to Soldier’s Best Friend’s mission can visit its website.

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