A Tulsa-based program is connecting veterans with trained rescue shepherds through Oklahoma GSR’s Battle Buddies initiative, offering companionship and service dog potential at no cost to participants.
Program Overview
Battle Buddies evaluates rescue shepherds and pairs them with veterans who apply through the Oklahoma GSR website. Once approved, veterans choose a dog, participate in a one-week bonding period at home, and then begin a two-week in-home board-and-train program with JPK9 Oklahoma in Tulsa or High Caliber Canine in Oklahoma City.
After training, veterans maintain the dog’s skills through weekly group classes, attending at least six sessions during the first year.
Classes are held Sundays at 1 p.m. in Tulsa and Saturdays at 10 a.m. in Oklahoma City, with locations rotating.
Program Changes and Benefits
The program recently transitioned to in-home board-and-train sessions to better prepare dogs for daily life with their veteran owners. Lifelong access to group classes and private lessons ensures ongoing skill development, including urban public access and scenario-specific tasks…