How Service Dogs Are Changing Lives: Our Presentation to the City of El Paso VAAC
UPDATE:
There are 2 more programs in El Paso:
Project Always Beside You: Project Always Beside You is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization as of November 2020. Project Always Beside You was founded by the Diaz Family, a Gold Star Family and is led by a Marine Veteran, Salvador Diaz, Jr. The organization was inspired by the help they received by other organizations like this one, when their adopted dog, SSD P068 Dino took ill, and in Dec 2020 crossed the rainbow bridge
https://www.projectalwaysbesideyou.org/
Sun City Service Dogs: This program works diligently to make our community safe for service dog teams.
https://scsdep.weebly.com/
Sharing Our Mission at the City of El Paso VAAC Meeting
On January 16, 2025, I had the honor of presenting at the City of El Paso Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee (VAAC) meeting to share the mission of Service Dog Nation. It was such an exciting opportunity to talk about the work we’re doing to support veterans and how service dogs, like my dog Finn and my husband’s dog Rain, are transforming lives.
Finn is my personal service dog, and Rain supports my husband, who is a veteran and first responder. Both of them have made an incredible impact on our lives, and I’m passionate about creating opportunities for other veterans to experience the same life-changing bond with their service dogs.
What I Shared
During the presentation, I spoke about:
1. The Role of Service Dogs: These amazing animals do more than provide companionship—they’re trained to perform tasks that help with physical challenges, emotional support, and mental health.
2. Understanding the ADA Laws: I talked about the importance of educating the community on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) laws, which protect the rights of service dog handlers and ensure they have access to public spaces.
3. Collaborating with the Community: I emphasized how important it is to work together with local organizations, like the VAAC, to raise awareness and expand support.
You can watch the full presentation here. My portion starts at 28:14.
Why This Matters
My goal with Service Dog Nation is simple: to empower veterans and their families by connecting them with the education, advocacy, and resources they need to thrive. Service dogs like Finn and Rain have given so much to my family, and I want others to experience the same hope, independence, and support that they bring.
This is just the beginning, and I’m so grateful for the support and encouragement of this community. Together, we’re making a difference—one wag at a time.
