Beyond the Vest is a new VA podcast that dives deep into the world of service dogs, focusing on their role empowering and assisting Veterans. Hosts Michele Tate and Stacie Litsenberger interview with service dog trainers, breeders, Veterans, and more. Their discussions highlight the emotional and physical support these animals provide to help Veterans overcome the challenges they face after service.
Michele Tate is a Service Dog training instructor for Warrior Canine Connection in Asheville, North Carolina, where she works closely with service dogs and Veterans. Stacie Litsenberger is an occupational therapist with the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville, North Carolina. Before beginning her work with the Asheville VAMC in 2011, she served in the Army during the Persian Gulf War, as well as two tours to Iraq. During her 20 years of military service, she specialized in Combat Stress Detachments and Army Medical Units.
In Season 1, the 12 episodes highlight an organization, Warrior Canine Connection, which selectively breeds dogs with the right temperament, behavior and overall health for service work. Insights from trainers shed light on the challenges faced during training and the importance of structure and consistency.
Other episodes focus on types of assistance service dogs provide, like mobility support, psychiatric assistance, how the dogs respond to nonverbal cues, anticipate their handler’s needs and provide emotional stability. It’s these stories that show how service dogs become more than just companions—they become lifelines for Veterans.
“Puppy Talk with Arliss” features discussion on Arliss—a service dog in training named after retired Army Vietnam Veteran Arliss Daniels—and of his journey to becoming a companion for a wounded service member.
In “Empowering Veterans through service dogs,” the hosts examine how these dogs help to alleviate Veterans’ symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, and how they provide comfort and emotional support during challenging times.
From Veterans finding newfound independence and confidence to the profound emotional connection between handler and dog, these success stories display the transformative power service dogs play in Veterans’ lives.
Following season 1, the hosts have begun gathering VA service dog resources for Veterans.
More information
- Contact Assistance Dogs International (ADI) at assistancedogsinternational.org
- https://warriorcanineconnection.org
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Hello,
I am a disabled Army Veteran, served in Operation Desert Storm, and have been to war.
Live in Clarksville TN near, Fort Campbell, KY area.
I suffered from PTSD. I did have a service dog but she passed recently (August 2, 2023).
I am ready for another service dog.