South Dakota Service Dogs

With 17,000 disabled veterans in South Dakota and compassion for all disabled veterans in her heart, Michelle Mattson Swanson decided to hold a fundraiser for the South Dakota Service Dogs Rapid City branch.
On average 22 veterans commit suicide on every day. 20 to 30 percent of veterans suffer with PTSD and mental health issues while 33 percent of First Responders are diagnosed with PTSD.
Along comes their hero – a service dog. The dogs are making a difference in the lives of those who are suffering with these issues and their families. Research is finding that people with these conditions are able to be more engaged in life and better able to manage their triggers when they own a service dog.
The website, sdservicedogs.org, quotes Holly Soper, former Community Outreach Specialist of the Rapid City Police Department, “Shadow is more than just a dog. On my hard days, she keeps me present so the darkness doesn’t consume me.”
The South Dakota Service Dogs organization’s vision states “We invision a world where every hero in need is matched with a highly trained service dog—a companion that brings healing, independence and renewed purpose.”
While working at Hettinger’s American Legion Post 115 bar, Michelle was able to raise $2,400 for this well-deserving program.