On a sunny Tuesday in June, the Pennsylvania State Capitol became a hub of celebration and advocacy as Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans attended the annual "Service Animal Appreciation Day." Hosted by Senator Doug Mastriano, this event was part of the broader "State Working Animal Appreciation Day" initiative, aimed at recognizing and honoring the invaluable contributions of service animals to society. This year’s event held special significance for veterans, highlighting the life-saving impact of Service Dogs on veteran suicide prevention.
Representing Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans were Bill Jeffcoat, Tom Anderson, and Craig Hodgkins along with his faithful Service Dog, Foxy. Their presence underscored the deep bond between veterans and their Service Dogs, and their mission was clear: to inform and inspire lawmakers and the public about the crucial role these animals play in saving lives.
The trio engaged with numerous members of Congress and the Senate, sharing personal stories and compelling data about the impact of Service Dogs on veterans' mental health. Craig Hodgkins, accompanied by Foxy, spoke passionately about his own experiences. He highlighted how Foxy provided him with critical support that helped him navigate post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and other medical conditions.
“We’re not just talking about dogs,” Craig emphasized. “We’re talking about life savers. Foxy is my guardian angel in canine form. She’s pulled me back from the brink more times than I can count.”
Their conversations also touched on broader issues related to veterans’ mental health, particularly the alarming rates of veteran suicides. The team conveyed how Service Dogs have been instrumental in reducing these numbers, providing veterans with the emotional and physical support needed to rebuild their lives.
A key topic of discussion was House Bill 2392, known as the Service Animal Integrity Act. Sponsored by Representative Dan Miller and supported by Team Foster, this bill aims to amend existing laws to better protect the integrity of service animals and ensure they receive the respect and recognition they deserve. The bill addresses issues such as fraudulent representation of pets as service animals and seeks to establish clearer guidelines and protections for legitimate Service Dogs.
Team Foster, an organization dedicated to ensuring no veteran is left behind, played a pivotal role in bringing this legislation to the forefront. They collaborated closely with Craig Hodgkins and Foxy, whose advocacy efforts were instrumental in gaining the attention of Representative Miller.
During the event, Craig and Foxy had a significant meeting with Senator Doug Mastriano, who expressed strong support for the bill. Senator Mastriano’s endorsement is expected to be a game-changer, as he agreed to sponsor the bill in the Senate. His commitment to advancing this critical piece of legislation reflects a growing recognition within the government of the essential role Service Dogs play in the lives of both veteran and civilian community.
Service Animal Appreciation Day wasn’t just about legislative advocacy; it was also a celebration of the incredible animals that serve our communities. The event featured demonstrations and testimonials showcasing the diverse ways Service Dogs assist individuals with disabilities.
Members of the public had the opportunity to interact with Service Dogs and learn about their rigorous training processes. Many were moved by the stories of transformation and healing shared by veterans who had experienced firsthand the profound impact of these animals.
Bill Jeffcoat, Tom Anderson and Craig Hodgkins & Foxy took the time to speak with attendees, spreading awareness about the mission of Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans. They explained how their organization, in partnership with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, is focused on raising funds for a new fully built campus in McDonald, PA. This campus is dedicated to breeding, raising, and training Service Dogs capable of assisting up to 70 additional veterans per year.
“Our goal is to create a state-of-the-art facility that can meet the growing needs of our veterans,” Bill noted. “The bond between a Service Dog and its handler is powerful and life-affirming.”
The outreach efforts extended beyond the Capitol as local media covered the event, amplifying the message about the importance of Service Dogs. Social media channels were abuzz with posts and photos, helping to spread awareness far and wide.
As the day came to a close, the sense of camaraderie and shared purpose was palpable. The event not only highlighted the critical need for Service Dogs but also set the stage for future legislative advancements.
With Senator Mastriano on board to sponsor the Service Animal Integrity Act in the Senate, there is renewed hope for stronger protections and recognition for Service Dogs. The collaboration between Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans, Team Foster, and lawmakers like Representative Miller and Senator Mastriano exemplifies the power of collective advocacy.
The journey to legislative change is ongoing, but the momentum from Service Animal Appreciation Day is a promising sign. The dedication of advocates like Craig Hodgkins, Bill Jeffcoat, and Tom Anderson, combined with the unwavering support of organizations like Team Foster, ensures that the voices of veterans and their Service Dogs will continue to be heard.
In the words of Craig Hodgkins, “Every step we take towards recognizing and protecting Service Dogs is a step towards saving lives. Foxy saved mine, and I know that Service Dogs will save others too.”
For more information about Life Changing Service Dogs For Veterans and their mission, visit our Mission and Vision. To learn more about House Bill 2392 and support the Service Animal Integrity Act, visit the Pennsylvania General Assembly website. To Learn more about Team Foster visit https://www.TeamFoster.org
By continuing to support and advocate for these remarkable animals and the veterans they serve, we can ensure a brighter, safer future for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.
