The sudden loss of a service dog named Bruno left a disabled Army veteran, Kerrie Porter, without the crucial support she had come to rely on. Bruno was tragically killed in a car accident after being scared away by other dogs. He was a key part of Porter's life, providing not just companionship but significant assistance following his high-level training to handle specific needs like waking Porter when her blood pressure spiked dangerously high. In a statement obtained by Atlanta News First, Porter is reported to be 100% disabled, legally blind, and also suffers from PTSD.
Blake Rashad, under the banner of the Topp Dogg K9 Foundation, is now steadfastly rallying to quickly and efficiently train a new service dog for Porter. According to a FOX 5 Atlanta interview, Rashad expressed his determination not just as a founder, but from the perspective of someone who has battled with his own demons of PTSD. "Every single day. Yes, we've done it 500 times. And I want to do it 500 more times," he stated, underlining the importance of their mission to both the veterans they help and their own healing.
The painstaking process to prepare these service dogs involves over 400 hours of rigorous training, including interactions in various public settings to ensure they're well equipped to handle potential distractions. Given the exorbitant cost of training each dog, ranging from $15,000 to $21,000, the nonprofit relies heavily on donations and fundraising. The death of Bruno was not only emotionally devastating but also a significant financial setback for the organization, which is why an urgent fundraising initiative has been set in motion to support the cost of training Porter's new service dog.
Topp Dogg K9 Foundation has been instrumental in pairing almost 500 dogs with veterans since its foundation in 2011. The organization is committed to not only providing veterans with trained companions but also to creating a space with more green for both the dogs and their owners to thrive. "Topp Dog K9 Foundation is really a labor of love, but funding is our biggest challenge," Sheila Rashad told FOX 5 Atlanta, emphasizing the ongoing need for financial support. For those interested in contributing to this cause, the nonprofit's website details how to get involved.
With the immediate goal to find and to train a successor to Bruno, the foundation is not only ensuring the well-being of Porter but reaffirming its commitment to the veteran community. The impact of these service dogs cannot be overstated, and the foundation remains on the front lines, not just to save lives, but according to Rashad, to find a measure of redemption and purpose in their ongoing mission. "I get to save a fellow vet," Rashad told Atlanta News First. "By doing so, I get to save myself."
