Mission First
Veterans and First Responders have sacrificed so much for their country, and we thank you for everything that you have done.
At Forgotten Coast K9, we are deeply committed to making a positive impact within the hero community by addressing the distressing rate of Veteran and First Responder suicides. Our main focus is to help provide individuals with highly trained service dogs along with comprehensive education and support. We understand the immense sacrifices made by those brave individuals and their families to ensure our freedom and security.
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To fulfill our mission, we have forged a partnership with one of the most renowned dog trainer schools in the world. This collaboration enables us to provide comprehensive training programs for our recipients and their K9 companions, Our unique Build a Battle Buddy Program provides an extended 28-week online training course, with a 2-week in person seminar, which allows for a stronger bond between handler and dog. We understand individual circumstances and offer alternative programs to cater to different needs. Our commitment extends beyond training with ongoing support. If you are ready to change your life, reach out to us. Together, we can make a difference.
In Need Of Help?
Taking Care of Our Own
We prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to addressing the critical issue of veteran and first responder suicide. Through our experience, we have found that the most impactful way to make a difference is by providing the best education and trained SERVICE DOGS to those in need.
To ensure that we offer the highest level of training and education, we have cultivated a strong partnership with Top Tier K9 (TTK9), one of the top dog trainer schools in the world. This collaboration allows us to tap into their expertise and resources, enabling us to provide unparalleled training to our handlers and their canine companions.
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We ensure the utmost quality, we begin by selecting puppies that have been thoroughly vetted through TTK9, where they begin their journey to become Foundation Dogs®. Each handler undergoes TTK9's Pet Trainer class, where they learn valuable skills in training pets through our Build a Battle Buddy Program, where they continue down the pipeline for advanced training. We prioritize finding the perfect match between pup and its trainer, considering individual needs and strengths to maximize success.
Not Forgotten
Every day Veterans and First Responders are diagnosed with PTSD.
We empathize the challenges and struggles individuals with PTSD face on a daily basis - feeling isolated, on edge, and lacking support. At Forgotten Coast K9, we believe that no one should have to endure this battle alone. Service dogs have proven to be highly beneficial in alleviating symptoms and providing crucial assistance.
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Traditionally, the process of obtaining a service dog can be lengthy, often taking between 2 to 5 years. However, through our innovative training methods in collaborating with TTK9, we have streamlined the process significantly. We can now class up and provide an essential service dog to a veteran or first responder in need once they entered into the program in less than six months.
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This revolutionary approach enables us to expedite the training and placement of service dogs, ensuring that those who require them can have access to the support and companionship they desperately need. Our goal is to make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals battling with PTSD by providing them with a specially trained service dog in a shorter timeframe than traditional programs.
Programs Available
Build a Battle Buddy
Take a 30-week course, 28 weeks will be online, and the last 2 weeks you come to Madison, FL with housing already paid for. This is our longest and most rewarding program, you pick your pup, you train him/her starting at six weeks old yourself as we are with you every step of the way, teaching you everything you need to know.
Buy a Battle Buddy
This is a 8-week online course, where we teach you everything you need to know about service dogs, what to do, and what not to do. After the course you will receive your service dog fully trained as an official Foundation Dog®.
Emotional Support Dog
Emotional Support Dogs for Veterans program provides an emotional support dog to veterans and first responders who may not need a full-blown service dog.
Foundation Dog®
Foundation Dog® is indeed widely regarded as the gold standard in the world of working dogs.
These dogs are utilized as police K9, COVID-19 detection dogs, service dogs, protection dogs and sports dogs. The Foundation Dog® was developed by and is a registered trademark of Top Tier K9, LLC. TTK9 employs a meticulous breeding, selection, and training process to consistently produce high-quality working dogs.
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Through this development, TTK9 has established a reputation for breeding dogs with exceptional genetics, temperament, and working abilities. the trademarked Foundation Dog® designation guarantees that these dogs have undergone a rigorous evaluation process and come from a lineage of proven working dogs.
Eligibility
To be eligible to enter the Forgotten Coast K9 program, you must either be a veteran and/or first responder.
Application must be completed by the veteran and/or first responder or answered under the direction of the applicant. If completed by someone other than the veteran and/or first responder, on a separate sheet of paper, please identify the person completing the application and explain why the veteran and/or first responder is unable to complete the application on their own.
