Transforming Suicide Prevention Through Canine Companions for Veterans and First Responders
Our unique mission is to alter the staggering data of all lives lost to suicide. The initial goal of Service Dogs Saving Lives is to educate and raise funds for service dogs for veterans and first responders with prior suicidal ideation, as identified by the professionals at training organizations we are partnering with, for the common goal of saving lives. The gift of a loyal canine mental health buddy who can sense the onset of a flashback and provide safety and comfort while giving definition and purpose to each day is the essence of a lifesaving gift. Our mission will expand as we evolve to encompass other individuals in a society experiencing significant mental health challenges.
The rate of suicide in the United States is staggering. On average, 130 suicides occur per day, of that number, over 20 are veterans. In addition, first responders are exposed to traumatic events in response to protecting the lives of others. More first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty yearly. (May 2022 Ruderman Family Foundation) Our goal is to help reduce the epidemic of suicide each year in all populations by providing a tool that has been shown to help prevent suicidal tendencies in veterans and first responders by providing specific skills to address PTSD symptoms, such as applying pressure to alleviate and interrupt flashbacks. The reduction in the severity of symptoms results in improved social interactions and mental health.
How We Do It
With your help, we can be a lifesaver to those needing hope. Providing a highly trained service dog to a veteran or first responder and a Training Scholarship is a life altering gift.
Our partner organizations will receive funding from SDSL because data indicates that when veterans receive a service dog, the incidence of mental health complications dramatically decreases. Data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that in 2020, 46,000 individuals died by suicide in the U.S. Together, we can take on this mission. PLEASE join us in accomplishing this proven prevention effort. Providing those in need with a lifesaving service dog is an immeasurable gift.
Facts & Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) WISQARS Leading Causes of Death Reports, in 2020:
- Suicide was the second leading cause of death among those between the ages of 10-14 and 25-34
- Third leading cause ages of 15-24
- Fourth leading cause ages of 35-44
- Suicide was the twelfth leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of approximately 46,000 people.
- There were nearly two times as many suicides (45,979) in the United States as there were homicides (24,576).
- Men, in 2020, died by suicide 3.88 x more than women. White males accounted for 69.68% of suicide deaths.
Partner Organizations
Our partner organizations train the service dogs specifically to help those with both visible and invisible wounds. As loyal and loving companions, these compassionate animals have the capacity to alter lives and are a lifesaving gift.
Your support enables us to provide magnificent dogs from our partner schools free-of-charge to veterans and first responders throughout the United States who will know their service and sacrifice are not forgotten.
Our partnership with professionally recognized and accredited service dog organizations will provide the following:
- The breeding and training of an exceptional service dog
- The matching and selection of a service dog specific to an individual’s needs
- A scholarship for the training of the selected individual and their service dog
- Ongoing support for training
FAQs
What is the difference between a comfort dog, an emotional support dog, and a service dog?
An emotional support dog (ESA) provides support through its presence to its owner and is not expected to perform specific tasks that enable the owner to function or are related to their condition. An emotional support animal needs to be prescribed by a mental health professional to a person with a disabling mental illness. An ESA is not a service dog and is not recognized as service dogs under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
According to The Americans with Disabilities Act, a service dog can be any breed of animal individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person’s disability. Unlike an emotional support dog, a psychiatric service dog requires extensive training and is trained specifically to detect the onset of a psychiatric episode.
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Do you only award dogs to those with PTSD, or can an individual have multiple conditions?
No, SDSL does not award service dogs to only individuals with PTSD. A candidate may have multiple mental health conditions (not including PTSD) for which the service dog assists in their daily life.
How can I volunteer and get involved in Service Dogs Saving Lives?
Go to Get Involved, and please sign up for an an area of interest that is right for you. We love our volunteers!
Why should I donate to SDSL?
Our dogs are given to heroes who have placed their lives on the line to protect our freedom and safety. SDSL’s sole mission is to advocate for those suffering with a mental health condition(s) and has presented with prior self-harming tendencies.