Lori Weinstein part of the Community Out Reach for Alpha Bravo Canine About Us - Alpha Bravo Canine presented to the club.
Alpha Bravo Canine’s mission is to raise, train and donate trained service dogs to U.S military veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and other combat related disabilities.
Alpha Bravo Canine™ Philadelphia’s first and only 501(c)3 organization that donates service dogs with US veterans suffering from debilitating medical and psychological problems as a result of their active combat duty. It is estimated that twenty percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or depression. Also, an alarming average of 22 veterans commit suicide every day here in the United States, that’s 8,030 in just one year. Alpha Bravo Canine™ was founded to help the local community of veterans.
Alpha Bravo Canine™ believes in helping these brave warriors, who fought for our country’s freedom, by giving back to them.
A fully trained service dog from puppy to graduated dog can cost approximately $25,000-30,000 for up to the two year time frame while under the organization’s care. Everything we do is – free of charge – A service dog will make a huge difference in their lives!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- APPLICATION PROCESS?
- Who is eligible to apply for a service dog?
Veterans of the US Military who fought in overseas combat and now suffers from a disability related to their wartime service. - I’ve heard service dogs are costly.. How much do you charge veterans? Zero dollars and Zero cents. Thank you for your service.
- After I apply for a dog, what is the next step?
You will be contacted by our Veteran Coordinator to review your application and then will be referred to our Behavior Specialist who will set up an interview. Once that is completed your full application will be reviewed and if you meet the requirements an appointment will be set up to discuss our program along with wait times, expectations, and follow through. - What is the wait time to get a dog? It will vary from month to month depending on a few different things such as how many dogs do we have in the program and how many veterans have been approved to receive one. Puppies start training at 8 weeks old and they graduate when they are between 1 and a half and 2 years old. so typically, the wait time can be anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. You will be well informed of everything.
- GENERAL QUESTIONS?
- Where are you located and where do you work out of? We are located in Philadelphia, PA. When it comes to training, we understand that public anxiety is a big problem for our veterans. For certain training sessions, we will ask you to come to different training facilities so we can work one on one or in a small group. We will also go on field trips together under the supervision of the Director of Training.
- If you don’t charge the veterans, where does the money come from to fund the program? That’s a great question! We hold an annual “Dining out with the Dogs” at White Dog Cafe. Throughout the year we hold smaller fundraisers and appear at different events. We sell t shirts and other logo items. We may have the help of generous donors and sponsors. If you or someone you know is interested in becoming a full or partial sponsor, please let us know! We are frequently on the radio, news, and in the eye of the public so there is definitely a potential for some positive advertisement in the community in partnering with us!
- Where do you get your dogs? We work with Lynnville Labradors located in southern New Jersey.
- PUPPY RAISER FAMILY QUESTIONS?
All families must commit to attending an orientation class prior to the puppy’s arrival. The puppy raiser family and pup must also participate in weekly training classes. Please email TReupp@AlphaBravoCanine.org to set up an interview. - How long will the puppy live with their puppy raiser family? The family will commit to fostering for up to 18 months.
- Can the puppy raiser family take the puppy along on outings? Yes. The puppy needs to be comfortable in a variety of settings, meeting new people, and encountering different environments. The puppy will wear the Service Dog In Training vest at all times in public settings. Puppy Raising families will expose the dogs to hundreds of different environments and setting to prepare them for a life of working.
- Can I raise a puppy if I already have a dog in my home? The Director of Training and Puppy Raising Coordinator will evaluate the other dog and home environment to ensure a match.
- When does the puppy start training school? The puppy will begin socialization, training, and field trips right away. Field trips are started as soon as potty training is consistent.
- What’s involved with training my puppy? You will be given all of the education and tools needed to participate in the training of your service dog in training. We have weekly training classes with the Director of Training. You will take your dog everywhere with you for all types of socialization which will be discussed during orientation and during weekly classes