Growing up with Service Dogs
My dad, the Service Dog Trainer and what I’ve learned growing up with Service Dogs
Jason DeVito Jr & Jason DeVito Sr
Having observed my father’s business, Canines 4 Hope, for so many years, words cannot explain how proud I am to be a part of this corporation. Growing up as a small child amongst these service dogs, one at that age cannot really understand the immense importance a service dog provides in the lives of those affected. But at the age of 16 now, and with my dad’s business now flourished into a facility where each service dog can get their own individual and personal care, I can truly see the major role our family service dog business plays amongst our peers in our ever changing and growing society. I’ve seen these animals provide more than just a pet that is obedient to you, a service dog provides one of the utmost privilege of having a best friend ready to comfort you at all times, through the highest of mountains and the lowest of valleys. Anywhere you go these dogs will be there to guide you, comfort you, and having seen the most severe of my father’s cases, and the trauma some of his clients have been through, seeing successful case, and getting the response from our clients letting us know that their dog has changed their lives for the better, warms my entire family’s hearts. After working with a case involving a client who has experienced the worst possible seizures from epilepsy, and hearing that after just a week of having their service dog in their home, that their dog had alerted to a life threatening seizure, is what all the hard work , all the dedication, and the adversity, and all the blood sweat and tears poured into my family’s business pays off to be. At the age of 7, seeing the cute fluffy service dog being trained right out of my garage did not invoke an afterthought, but “how cute”. Now after seeing these service dogs, and working with them personally one on one, I fully understand and grasp the concept that this very dog is what is going to change the lives of an entire family, and relieve them of pain, and problems that they have so dreadfully subdued in the past. So yes, after my father got injured in a car accident he lost his old golf career, but from this injury sparked a business that would not only benefit our lives, but has benefited and is continuing to benefit the lives of our peers in need around us, and that is what myself and my entire family are truly proud to be apart of.
Jason DeVito
Tyler and his Autism Service Dog, Cookie
In March 2016, Jason Hackett, a reporter for WPTV, featured a story of 4 year old Tyler and his family’s journey to obtain an Autism Service Dog from Canines 4 Hope, an organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.
The article explains how Cookie will be trained to the specific needs of Tyler including bolting and running off. For complete story, visit WPTV, Palm City service dog to assist South Carolina 4 year old on the Autism spectrum
On Sep 23, 2016, WPTV reporter Jason Hackett caught back up with Tyler and Cookie to follow up on Tyler’s journey when Tyler and his family came to Canines 4 Hope in Palm City, Florida to pick up his Service Dog, Cookie. The bond was immediate and months of training were put to the test right away as Tyler’s mom explains,
“The other day we had a thunderstorm, and usually at home when there thunderstorms Tyler melts down and is so upset,” Kimberly says. “We just put Cookie over by him and he just calmed down.”
For the complete follow up story, A New Leash on Life: 4-year-old South Carolina boy on autism spectrum paired with local service dog
Recently, Tyler’s mother reached out to Canines 4 Hope to let us know how Tyler and Cookie are doing since they’ve arrived home with Cookie.
Here they are the other day before school. Tyler needed some deep pressure while I made breakfast and Cookie came to the rescue and helped keep him calm while I cooked.
Cookie, Autism Service Dog, applying deep pressure to his owner Tyler.
For more information on Autism Service Dogs, visit Canines4Hope.com or contact Canines 4 Hope Service Dog Trainer and owner, Jason DeVito, Phone: 1-855-885-6262.
Service Dog Fundraising
Service Dog Fundraising, Service Dog Fundraiser
How to Raise Money for a Service Dog & Ideas for Service Dog Fundraising
Service dog fundraising can seem a little overwhelming and coming up with ideas can be difficult. With any type of fundraising, it takes time and energy but with devotion, dedication, creative thinking and planning, anyone can fundraise for a service dog.
Canines 4 Hope’s goal is to provide some guidance for anyone who may need to set up a service dog fundraiser and offer some ideas, tips and suggestions that can make your fundraising efforts for a service dog successful and fun.
Steps for starting a Service Dog Fundraising Campaign
- Tell Your Story
Difficult as it may be, it’s important to tell your story. This allows your reader to feel connected and take interest. When writing your story, be yourself. Write in a way that you communicate on a daily basis because your initial donors will most likely be family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and your community. They already know you and how you communicate. So be yourself. You can also convey your story with compelling pictures and video. There will be opportunity for you to use all three during your fundraising campaign so take advantage of all mediums available. If at all possible, get a picture of the service dog that will be trained. People love to share pictures of dogs. - Set a goal and share it!
Services dogs don’t come without costs. Because of their specialized training, initial costs of obtaining a service dog can often cost thousands of dollars not including the ongoing cost of care including vet bills. This can become a financial strain. Be specific and upfront about the figure you need to raise for your service dog and feel free to share your goal. People who contribute like to keep track of your campaign and how close you are to meeting or exceeding your goal. - Social Networking
Facebook and twitter are powerful tools. Canines 4 Hope suggests at the very least, setting up a Facebook account for your service dog fundraiser. Have fun with it, tell your story, post frequently, giving updates on your campaign. You can even set up events via your Facebook page! Give updates about your efforts to raise the funds for a service dog and how you expect your dog to help you. Post pictures of yourself with your service dog on your blog and on Facebook. Pictures allow people to put a face to the story. Again if you don’t have pictures, contact your service dog trainer and request a few pictures. - Set Up A Service Dog Fundraiser Campaign Online
Now that you have your story in writing, your goal set and your social media page for your service dog set up, it’s time to make it easy for people to donate to your service dog fundraiser. In a few simple steps, you can create a service dog fundraising campaign online that allows people and groups to make a direct donation to your service dog fundraiser. There are plenty of Crowdfunding sites online. We might suggest” YouCaring.com, GoFundMe.com or FundRazr.com. This is where you tell your story. Upload your pictures and hook up your social media pages that you just set up. These sites make this super easy! Just follow their step by step instructions and you’ll be set up to raise funds in just a few short minutes! Be sure to update your progress often on the fundraising site. People like to see how their donations are benefiting your cause. Let them know how your campaign is going and how specifically their funds are helping you reach your goal!
Service Dog Fundraising Tips
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Surfers for Autism fundraising event
Look to your Local Community!
You’d be surprised how quickly your local community will come out to support your fundraising efforts. Reach out to your local churches, civic organizations such as, your local Boys/Girls Scout troops, local lodges and other service-based groups. Many churches and lodges often provide some financial assistance for medical needs to members of the local community. Keep in mind, you don’t necessarily have to be a member of a church or lodge in order for them to help you. Also, have family and friends reach out to their churches, lodges and employers. When contacting organizations, explain why you need a trained service dog and ask if they have funds available that can assist you in any way. They may ask you to provide letter from your doctor verifying that you are in medical need of a service dog and/or a letter from the company that is training your service dog verifying the cost. They may even offer the opportunity to host a fundraising event on your behalf and offer ideas on fundraising for your service dog. - Reach out to Organizations Who Raise Awareness
Look to the organizations that raise awareness about your special need. For example, Diabetes Foundation, PTSD organizations, Autism Awareness groups and so on. They all have facebook pages. Don’t be afraid connect and reach out to them to request they share your story, ask them for suggestions on what you can do to help set up fundraising events that would benefit you while raising awareness about your special needs while promoting their organization at the same time. Many will be more than willing to send you several copies of their brochures which is a great tool to have at your fundraiser events and these organizations may offer additional ideas and suggestions for fundraising events. Tap into their years of experience and knowledge. - Fundraising Events
Now that you’ve tapped into your local community and reached out to awareness organizations you’ve probably gathered enough information on how to go about setting up additional fundraising events. Quite possibly, you may have had offers from your local community organizations to set up fundraiser events with donations going to you for your service dog. You may have even had offers from organizations or groups who may be willing or able to assist you plan, host or advertise for events such as a car wash fundraising event sponsored by your local Boy Scouts or local church Youth Group. - Reach out to Local Businesses
Reach out to your local restaurant owners, even the chain restaurants in your area, to see if they’d sponsor a fundraiser day with a portion of their day’s sales to help with your fund raising event. Ask if you can set out collection jars at local businesses. Some businesses may prefer to donate merchandise or services rather than cash. Use those donations to hold raffles and silent auctions at your event. - T-Shirts, Support Bracelets and other items customizable fundraising items
Look online to design fundraiser t-shirts and support bracelets. You can design them and sell them at your events and promote online. This is a great way to allow someone to really get involved in selling items that can continually be purchased even after the event is over and it makes it easy for people wearing your awareness items to help spread the word as it will becomes a topic of conversation.
The more you speak with your local community about your efforts, the more fundraising ideas and offers will come your way. Most importantly, have fun!
Service Dog Fundraising Ideas
Canines 4 Hope has compiled a list of fundraising event ideas to help get those creative juices flowing. You can use many of these event suggestions in one fundraiser, hold multiple fundraisers or direct your friends and family here to this site to help give them ideas on how they can help organize a fundraising event with suggestions and tips to help make it a successful one!
| Baby and Kids’ Clothes Resale Sale Bakeoff Bake Sale Barbecue Contest Basketball Tournament Battle of the Bands Birthday Party Beach Cleanup Board Game Tournament Book Club Fundraiser Bowling Event Bonfire Cookout Party Cake Walk Car Detailing Car Wash Card Tournament Carnival Chili Cook-Off Chili Dinner Darts Tournament Dodge ball Tournament Dog Bakery Dog or Cat Sitting Dog Walking Dog Wash Dunk Tank Face Painting Fish Fry Football Tournament Fundraising Walk Garage Sale Golf Outings Golf Tournament Hayrack Rides |
Haunted House Hog Roast Holiday Party Hole-in-One Tournament Horseshoe Tournament Ice Cream Social Karaoke Night Kickball Tournament Movie Night Music Festival Pancake Breakfast Pizza Party Pool Tournament Raffles Rake Leaves Recycle Drive Restaurant Event (Restaurant donates portion of proceeds on specific date) Scrapbook Party Scavenger Hunt Shovel Snow Skate Party Silent Auction Spaghetti Dinner Soccer Tournament Softball Tournament Talent Contest Theme Dinner Party Treasure Hunt Trivia Night Walk-a-Thon Yard Sale Youth Lock-In |
Don’t forget to sell tickets to your event or party. Raffle away your donated items. Have a 50/50 draw. Make it fun and have fun!
Diabetic Service Dogs – Diabetic Alert Dogs, Hypo-Alert Service Dogs
Diabetic Service Dogs, Diabetic Alert Dogs, Hypo Alert Service Dogs
Diabetic Service Dog, Diabetic Alert Dogs also know as Hypo Alert Service Dogs
Dogs are hyper sensitive and can be trained to detect a change in chemical levels and blood sugar levels in humans.
Canines 4 Hope can train a dog to detect subtle changes in a diabetic patient’s body chemistry that occur when the levels of glucose in the blood drop too low or rise too high which can lead to seizures, convulsions or diabetic coma. There are two types diabetes in which both types need to be monitored very closely. Type 1 is a disease in which the body no longer produces insulin, consequently it requires a different source of insulin which is shots in most cases, and some cases pumps. When diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes you have a life changing formation because everything from food, physical activity, growth spurts, hormones, weather, even emotions can affect your blood sugar levels. The second form is Type 2 diabetes. This type of diabetes is a condition in which the body still produces some insulin, but is not as effective as it should be. Type 2 is a little easier to keep under control and can be managed with diet, exercise, possibly a pill, maybe every now and again a shot.
Usually a person who has diabetes can feel the warning signs of low blood sugar. These warning signs are sweating, dizziness, shaking, and possible nausea. Nevertheless, many individuals are unaware of these warning signs and are unable to feel that their blood sugar levels are dropping or could possibly be dangerously low. If one’s blood sugar levels were to get too low it can lead to you having seizures, brain damage, and fainting. These could all be very dangerous depending on where you are at and if you are alone or not. There are resources, such as a Diabetic Service Dog, that can help with these issues.
Diabetic Alert Service Dogs trained by Canines 4 Hope can help a person living with diabetes live the life they were meant to live. Canine 4 Hope can train a Diabetic Alert Service Dog to take care of you or your loved one’s special needs. With their superior scenting abilities, a Diabetic Service Dog can actually sense chemical changes taking place when blood sugar goes too high or low in a person with diabetes. Diabetic Alert Service Dogs can detect breath scent changes of high blood sugar, recognize the scent of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), alert the individual to take their medication, retrieve medication and glucose, and retrieve the phone or even be trained to dial 911. These loyal and loving dogs are usually paired with an individual for life.
Nat Geo WILD takes an intimate look at our faithful friends with fresh eyes and renewed appreciation — from their super senses to their unquestioning loyalty. The Secret Life of Dogs
If you have Diabetes you may want to look into getting a Diabetic Alert Service Dog. Contact Canines 4 Hope: www.Canines4Hope.com or 772-631-4931.
Help Fund A Service Dog | Medical Expenses – YouCaring.com
Help Fund A Service Dog | Medical Expenses – YouCaring.com.
Service Dog Fundraiser at Youcaring.com
Canines 4 Hope has begun a Service Dog Fundraiser through youcaring.com. All donations will be applied to the purchase of service dog for clients who want and need a service dog but may not have the funds available. Our goal is to always have the Service Dog Funds available so people do not have to wait to get on the road to the quality of life they deserve. We appreciate any and all donations as do our clients. Thank you!
We are Canines 4 Hope, Certified Service Dog Trainers and we offer trained Service Dogs and Service Dog Training for children and adults with medical afflictions such as Diabetes, PTSD, Seizures and Autism. Our service dogs are trained to the specific medical needs of each person. Since medical insurance companies do not pay or reimburse for the cost of a medical service dog, many times our client’s have to make the hard decision to put their medical needs on hold while they attempt to save up for the purchase of the service dog. Our goal for this fundraiser is to help our clients get on the fast track to a better quality of life and with your help, we will use the money donated to help fund a service dogs for our clients.
We provide trained service dogs for people with limitations that require a dog to help with everyday tasks, early warning situations or companionship. Customized service dog training include:
Diabetic Service Dogs, also known as Hypo Alert Dogs are carefully trained to do the following:
• recognize the scent changes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• recognize breath scent changes of high blood sugar
• alert diabetic to take medicine
• retrieve glucose
• retrieve medication
• retrieve phone or dial 911
PTSD Service Dogs are trained to:
• Assistance in a medical crisis
• Provide treatment related assistance
• Assistance in coping with emotional overload
• Perform security enhancement tasks
PTSD Service Dogs can:
• help adjust serotonin levels
• help lower blood pressure
• help with episodes of depression
• provide companionship
• calm their handler
• preventing people from crowding around or rushing up on their handler
Autism Service Dogs
are trained to respond to the following symptoms:
• Impulsive Running – dog will help retrieve and get child back to parent
• Self Harming Behavior – dog will interrupt behavior and alert parent
• Awakening at Night – dog will bark to alert parents
• Interpret Mood Swings – dog will crawl into child’s lap to calm child
• Interrupt Social Isolation – child tends to focus on dog companionship
• Non-Verbal Child – child learns to give dog commands
• PICA – dog will stop child from eating inappropriate items
• Self Stimulation – dog can interrupt behavior
Benefits of Having an Autism Assistance Dog
• Increased social interaction
• Redirecting repetitive behaviors
• Improved independence
• Increased vocabulary
• Improved quality of sleep
• Overall calming ability
• Recovering children quickly
Seizure Alert response dogs are trained to respond and help someone who has epilepsy or a seizure disorder. The seizure alert dog can:
• Summons help, either by finding another person or activating a medical alert or pre-programmed phone
• Pull objects away from the person’s body that may be potentially dangerous
• Block the individual with absence seizures and complex partial seizures from walking into obstacles, streets, and other dangerous areas that can result in bodily injury or death
• Attempt to rouse the unconscious handler during or after a seizure
• Provide physical support and emotional support
• Carry information regarding the dog, the handler’s medical condition, instructions for first responders, emergency medication, and oxygen
• Sense an impending seizure and their handler or care taker
Psychiatric Service Dogs help with psychiatric conditions such as:
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Anxiety
• Severe Depression
• Panic Attacks
• Phobias
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
Psychiatric Service Dogs are trained to:
• Assistance in a medical crisis
• Provide treatment related assistance
• Assistance in coping with emotional overload
• Perform security enhancement tasks
We appreciate any help! With every dog we provide and with you’re help, we can help those in need of a service dog so they can get on the road to a quality of life they deserve.
Please feel free to visit our website: canines4hope.com
To donate visit: Service Dog Fundraiser
Autism – One Family’s Journey
Autism Service Dogs – Autistic Assistance Dogs
As a service dog trainer, I hear many heart-wrenching stories of the struggles people endure just to make it through a day.
Recently I was contacted about our Autism Service Dogs by a mother who has a 3 year old son with Autism. She shared with me a video, a very powerful video so I would be able to put faces with names and get a good idea of their family’s specific autism service dog needs. When I clicked on the video link. I was expecting something like “Hi, my name is___ and this is my son___”. Boy, was I wrong! This family put together a beautiful short but powerful visual documenting and highlighting their journey which includes the struggles their family endured to finally get to an autism diagnosis. Now they can finally focus on his needs. This is their journey with Autism.
If you know someone who is walking this same path, please share this touching and beautiful video. #AutismAwareness
For additional information on Autism Service Dogs contact: canines4hope.com
PTSD Awareness Month – Highlighting the Benefits of PTSD Service Dogs
With PTSD Awareness Month fast approaching, I wanted to take a moment to help spread the PTSD awareness message.
Since the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, most of us have heard of Post traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD by now. Many brave men and women in the armed services become afflicted with PTSD and it is because of their bravery and their willingness to tell their stories, that there is now a realization that PTSD effects not only our brave men and women in combat but also everyday people and children that suffer a traumatic experience in their lives.
The Veterans Administration has a great article called Understanding PTSD.
If you have a moment you may want to read their article they have available in pdf format:
Understanding PTSD
“Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault, a serious accident or disaster. Most people have some stress reactions after a trauma but if the reactions don’t go away over time or those reactions disrupt your life, you may have PTSD.”
4 Types of PTSD Symptoms
Reliving the event (also called reexperiencing) Avoiding situations that remind you of the event Feeling numb Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal)
“People with PTSD may feel hopelessness, shame, or despair. Employment and relationship problems are also common. Depression, anxiety, and alcohol or drug use often occur at the same time as PTSD.”
Getting Help for PTSD
“If you continue to be upset for more than three months, seek help. You can feel better! PTSD is usually diagnosed in one or two sessions. Your doctor or a mental health professional will evaluate you. You will be asked about your trauma and symptoms. You may also be asked about other problems you have.”
The VA has a PTSD Screen Questionnaire you can take online.
“Effective Treatments available for PTSD are psychotherapy and in some cases medication.”
911 VA Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The above information is available at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Visit the National Center for PTSD for additional information.
PTSD Service Dogs
PTSD Service Dogs are also known to work well with PTSD psychotherapy as a well-rounded approach to overcoming PTSD. Canines 4 Hope can create customized PTSD Service Dog training programs to help those who are suffering and living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Canines for Hope Trained PTSD Service Dogs to:
Assistance in a medical crisis Provide treatment related assistance Assistance in coping with emotional overload Perform security enhancement tasks
A speciality trained PTSD Dog can provide a sense of security, calming effects, and physical exercise that can make a positive difference in the life of those that suffer with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Like all assistance dogs, a psychiatric service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks that mitigate their handler’s disability. Training may include providing environmental assessment (in such cases as paranoia or hallucinations), signaling behaviors (such as interrupting repetitive or injurious behavior reminding the handler to take medication, retrieving objects and guiding the handler from stressful situations.
PTSD Service Dogs can literally change the life of a Veteran or other persons with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD Service dogs can help a person remain calm by preventing people from crowding around or rushing up behind in public places which will provide a comfortable space for the Veteran or PTSD sufferer.
PTSD Service Dogs can also:
help adjust serotonin levels help lower blood pressure help with episodes of depression provide companionship calm their handler preventing people from crowding around or rushing up on their handler
Canines 4 Hope has been training PTSD Service Dogs for people with PTSD across the country for over 20 years. Call Us 1-772-631-4931 or visit our website: http://www.canines4hope.com
Canines 4 Hope Dog Training Florida
Canines 4 Hope has a New Website!! Visit Canines 4 Hope Dog Training Florida
Canines 4 Hope Dog Training & Dog Training Services. Visit: http://www.canines4hope.com.
Canines 4 Hope Dog Trainers has been serving the Treasure Coast Florida with their dog training services for many years. However, on 5-14-2012, Canines 4 Hope unveiled a new look for the company including a new informative website highlighting their unique dog training services they provide to Treasure Coast Florida, as well as speciality training services for Service Dogs offer to clients nationwide.
Canines 4 Hope Dog Training in Stuart FL & Palm City FL provides Private In Home Dog Training:
- Obedience Dog Training Florida
- Behavioral Dog Training Florida
- Puppy Training Florida
- Therapy Dog Training Florida
Canines 4 Hope makes house calls! We also offer Dog Boarding and Training services. Canines 4 Hope Dog Training services: Obedience Dog Training, Behavioral Dog Training and Puppy Training are locally offered to dog owners in South Florida including Port St Lucie FL, Dog Training Stuart FL, Vero Beach FL, Jupiter FL, Jensen Beach FL, West Palm Beach FL and Martin County, St Lucie County and Palm Beach County on the Treasure Coast.
No Long Waiting Lists! Service Dogs and Service Dog Training to clients nationwide! Jason DeVito, Canines 4 Hope owner and certified service dog trainer specializes in training dogs to alert to specific medical conditions, retrieve medication and/or help and assist the owner. If you already have a dog, Jason can evaluate your dog to see if he/she is capable of being trained to service specifically for your medical condition. If you don’t have a dog but need a Service Dog, we will meet with you, discuss the details about your condition, needs and wants in the dog and we’ll find the perfect Service Dog for you. Canines 4 Hope will then train the dog custom to your medical needs. Many times we will go to our local dog shelters and find the perfect Rescue Dog for the job!
Service Dogs & Service Dog Training Canines for Hope dog trainers specialize in personalized dog training for Service Dogs, Assistance Dogs, Therapy Dogs and Alert Dogs and offer:
- Diabetes Dogs
- Epilepsy Dogs
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Canines 4 Hope offeres Dog Training, Dog Obedience Training, Dog Behavior Training and Service Dogs and Service Dog Training
- Hypo Alert Dogs
- Seizure Dogs
- Therapy Dogs
- PTSD Service Dogs
- Medical Alert Dogs
- Helper Dogs
- Service Dogs
- Alert Dogs
- Autism Assistance Dogs
- Psychiatric Services Dogs
- Seizure Response Dogs
- Wheelchair Assistance Dogs
Dog Boarding & Training Services Canines 4 Hope also offers board and train services for puppys and dogs. Located on the Treasure Coast: Fort Pierce FL, Stuart FL, Palm City FL, Vero Beach FL, West Palm Beach and Jupiter Florida. We can board your dog and train them while they are here at our dog training facility! Going away on a vaction and can’t take your dog with you? Bring your dog to Canines 4 Hope and will board and train your dog while your enjoying your vaction.
Contact: Canines 4 Hope Dog Training or call us: Phone: #772-631-4931
Canines 4 Hope – Florida Dog Training
Stuart Florida Dog Training
Dog Training Florida - Canines 4 Hope 