For the last decade, local nonprofit Shelter to Soldier has been training shelter dogs to be psychiatric service animals for military veterans. Now, it’s working directly with the U.S. Navy to bring the healing powers of these pups to thousands of active-duty Marines and sailors by placing “morale dogs” on ships full-time.
The amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is the first to partner with Shelter to Soldier on this program.
Nicky Moore, Shelter to Soldier’s director of training and operations, said the idea came about when they started bringing their canine ambassadors to the ships for therapy dog days…