Service dog helps veteran resume daily life

Four in ten veterans who never had a PTSD service dog said they would like one, according to a 2024 survey of about 600 veterans. The study underscores a gap in care that the Department of Veterans Affairs is still studying, as the agency does not currently provide service dogs for mental health conditions.

James Poggi is one of the many service members living with that gap. He served in the Marine Corps in aviation. His time in the military resulted in five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation. He also suffered from multiple accidents, hard landings, physical therapy injuries, a car crash, and spinal meningitis while active duty.

Poggi described the shift in his physical abilities. He went from being six feet three inches and 250 pounds to relying on wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. He said he became a vulnerable person he never expected to be. To help with the emotional toll, his wife, who is also his caregiver, suggested he get a service dog.

Poggi now works with Teddy, a Goldendoodle. The dog performs tasks that help Poggi regain independence. Teddy retrieves dropped keys and cell phones. He also helps carry items. Poggi said the dog provides a physical support system similar to a battle buddy. He noted that Teddy brings back a sense of joy that is hard to replace. He described the dog as being right up there with another child in his heart.

Teddy received training at Dog Training Elite St. Louis. The facility prepares dogs for basic obedience, advanced therapy, protection, and service work. Poggi said the training uses real-world scenarios rather than just book learning. This approach helps prepare both the veteran and the animal for daily life experiences.

Matt Willis owns the training facility. He said service dogs help veterans with physical limitations and PTSD. He explained that the interaction with a dog causes chemical changes in the body that provide an uplift. Willis noted that veterans face traumatic events physically, emotionally, and mentally. He said the government tries to provide care, but there are gaps in the system for veterans.

A private donor grant will help cover part of the cost for service dog training for 10 veterans or active military members in need. The money pays for 30 percent of the training costs for those individuals. Willis said the donors wanted the funds to go toward veterans and military personnel to show the benefit of these dogs.

Teddy will return to work with Poggi, who is resuming his job as a school crossing guard in Mascoutah. Poggi said he will be back full-time next school year. He will stand on the corner every day, rain or shine, with Teddy by his side in a small crossing guard hut.