I Got Your Six

I got your six is a terminology commonly used by the military to mean someone is watching your back.  The latest and greatest that dogs are offering to returning soldiers is a constant companion who is always looking out for them.  The dogs used in the program called K9s for  warriors are rescued from shelters and pounds across the country.  In return the rescued pets work diligently to "save" their new handlers. 

Once a potential dog is located, its temperament , energy level and disposition are accessed and  matched with a warrior in need.  The team is set up and undergoes training together, from the beginning,  thus creating an inseparable bond.   The selected soldiers suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and often have a hard time transitioning into civilian life.  Plagued with taking daily medications, nightmares and an overly acute sense of situational awareness, performing  daily tasks such as shopping, going to restaurants, banking or even using an ATM machine becomes a battle field. 

The new canine partner is taught to physically place themselves between the handler and another person. Whether the stranger approaches from the front or the rear, the dog will indicate to the handler, by barking or nudging, thus making them aware of the other person.  The dog then moves between the handler and the new person creating a physical, visual and mental barrier.  Often lay people are not aware of stepping into the personal space of another thus the use of this  training allows the dog to keep an approaching person at a respectable distance from the handler.  Knowing the dog is watching allows the handler to be more relaxed.

The four footed second set of eyes and ears allows the soldier to feel "safe".  Some soldiers even report a reduction in the need for medication, as well as a new key to help them interact with the community they are reintegrating themselves into. 

The dogs wear the typical back pack type of vest (although not required) which reads "Do Not Pet" in bold letters.   The teams train in every day situations such as shopping, eating, and driving.  The dogs are afforded the same abilities as other service animals and there is no specific breed type chosen.
Our canine companions serve us unquestioningly for little more than basic essentials and petting.  Offering these incredible dogs to our soldiers provides them with a much needed means of becoming a vital part of the community when they return from battle. 


                                                                 © PawEarFull Legacys