While dogs show us unconditional love as pets, that companionship can be especially beneficial for veterans. Over the last decade, a partnership between the Royal Canadian Legion and Wounded Warriors has been making it easier for vets to find their best friend. In Simcoe County, Chandler is an eight-year-old Golden Newf who works as a service dog for Ret.-Sgt. Dave Sampson. “I don’t think I’d be able to live without him,” said Sampson. “He means a lot. Definitely means a lot.” Sampson served for many years in the military, most notably in the Airborne Regiment, and is now a veterans service officer for Simcoe County. Chandler was paired with Sampson seven years ago at the height of his struggles with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. “I didn’t want to go onto other medications that the doctor was prescribing, so I felt that the service dog was the last step that I could probably take,” recalled Sampson. Chandler completed his service dog training in Missouri where he was born and raised. He helps Sampson in crowded environments and can settle him down during PTSD nightmares. “He’s changed me,” said Sampson. “He’s allowed me to laugh. Meet people. Enjoy life.” Pairing with Chandler was at no cost for Sampson thanks to the Legion’s partnership with Wounded Warriors and their Operation Service Dog program. Wounded Warriors estimates that it costs $35,000 to buy and train each service dog, but the Legion covers those expenses up until the match is made. “They entrust us to ensure that the dogs are trained to the proper standards, that they’re placed with veterans, and that they’re effective,” stated Phil Ralph, Wounded Warriors director of clinical services. Wounded Warriors recently paired it’s 100th Ontario service dog since 2018 and will soon be making an official announcement in British Columbia for its 500th service dog nationwide. “This represents an investment of Canadians who care of $15 million over that time since we began,” said Ralph. “These dogs have saved veterans’ lives,” repeated Sampson. “They have saved veterans’ lives.” Sampson confirms he is now five years sober. He is one of eight veterans in Simcoe County with service dogs. He reminds that everyone is welcome to pet Chandler and other service dogs, as long as they ask first.
