Veterans Day Spotlight – Pets N Vets & One of Their Own

Veterans Day Spotlight – Pet n’ Vets and One of Their Own by Lisa J.  Photos by Marcy Jamrok Photography

Among summer evenings, a great book, and a random smile, I have three significant weaknesses in my life…chocolate, popcorn and four-legged fur-friends, specifically dogs. So, when I learned Pets N Vets was coming to the Thank God for Pets 5K on Sunday, November 24th at the Fairgrounds, I was excited to share their story.

In an interview with Jan Koutelas, Director & trainer at Pets N Vets, a program of the Dunes Dog Training Club of Hebron, and one she has been involved with since the beginning, she gave us a short summary of the non-profit’s mission. The Pets N Vets program was started in 2012 as a way to assist Veterans with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury or other emotional disorders.  Veterans obedience train their dogs for better companionship, emotional support, or as therapy or service dogs. A program no longer provided by the government for Veterans with PTSD, the training is offered at “no cost” for those who qualify. To date, Pets N Vets has been able to help over 65 Veterans obedience train their own dogs, with 11 of those Veterans going on to train their dogs to the level of service dog.

One of those Veterans is Jason Cotton and his sweet dog, Hunter. Jason is a former Marine, cancer survivor and now a service dog trainer. After numerous health issues, Jason had a choice, to either live with medical equipment every day, or find a companion that could help alert him of an emergency with nudges and doggy kisses. I’m not surprised by his choice.

It was a program flyer and the generous donation of a puppy by a couple from Jason’s church that got the ball rolling with Pets N Vets. At 10 weeks old Hunter and Jason began their training and evaluations that continue even now that Hunter is 3 years old. According to Jason, training never stops. Every day Jason is working with Hunter and, while it may seem like play, he is reinforcing problem solving, seek and find or other trained behavior.

As one of the 11 Veterans who has taken Hunter’s training to a service dog level, Jason had recorded 200 hours of training by the time Hunter passed his public access evaluation, which tests Hunter’s behavior in various ways. After these many hours of training and testing, Hunter became a medical alert service dog for Jason’s heart condition that he has as a result of numerous resuscitations while undergoing cancer treatments.

What an incredible gift Hunter has given Jason and Jason has given Hunter, but it doesn’t even end there. While having Hunter and undergoing the training program at Pets N Vets has given Jason peace of mind regarding any health emergencies, it also provides him a support system of Veterans with similar backgrounds. Jason explained that what him and many suffer from is an “invisible” disability that is hard for others to understand.  But, this program has given him camaraderie, advice and encouragement.  Jason also now volunteers to speak or demonstrate what Hunter does for him at events or for groups like the Girl Scouts.

As our conversation came to a close, I made a comment on what a wonderful and inspiring story Jason had and that it was even “book worthy”. His humble response was, “I’m not sure about the book worthy, it’s just been my life.” As true as that may be, please know Jason, that for all of those who served and now who face indescribable, sometimes “invisible” challenges and don’t know where to turn for support, you give them hope, and that’s the type of inspiration that changes lives. Thank you for your service and thank you for sharing your incredible story.

And thank you, Pets N Vets for your service to our Veterans in need of assistance, support and guidance. Hometown Happenings is proud to share your mission and proud to have you at our upcoming Thank God For Pets 5K.

Are you a Veteran or do you know a Veteran who may be interested in the Pets n’ Vets program?  If so, please give them a call at 219-996-4770 or email them at dunesdogtraining@yahoo.com.

Also, don’t forget to come out to Hometown Happening’s Thank God for Pets 5K on Sunday, November 24th at the Lake County Fairgrounds.  Register HERE.