For many military veterans, the transition to civilian life brings unique challenges, especially for those dealing with service-related disabilities such as PTSD. One South Florida Army veteran, Jimmy Thomas, is working to provide a powerful form of support—service dogs trained to assist veterans with physical and emotional needs. Through his organization, Doggie Paddle for Veterans, Thomas is raising awareness and funds to help more veterans access these life-changing companions.
This mission to connect veterans with service dogs is more than a noble cause; it addresses a critical gap in support for those who have served. Service dogs can detect emotional distress, interrupt panic attacks, and assist with mobility issues. These trained animals not only offer practical help but also provide a sense of stability and companionship that many veterans find essential. The initiative is especially vital in areas like Broward County, where access to such services remains limited.
Thomas, an Army veteran himself, understands firsthand the importance of this kind of assistance. As reported by David Volz in Coral Springs Talk, Thomas has taken a hands-on approach to the issue. He rescues dogs—often Labradors or Golden Retrievers—that may not be suitable for police work but show strong potential to become effective service animals. These dogs are then trained to support veterans in their daily lives, helping them regain a sense of independence and emotional balance.
The effort to expand access to service dogs in South Florida is gaining momentum. Thomas is working to formalize a partnership with Canines Providing Assistance to Wounded Warriors (CPAWW), a program based at Florida Atlantic University. Together, they aim to increase the number of veterans in Broward County who can receive a service dog. This collaboration underscores the importance of community partnerships in addressing veterans’ needs.
Colleen Mountford, a member of Doggie Paddle for Veterans and the Rotary Club of Coral Springs, is also deeply involved in the initiative. She emphasized the importance of outreach, saying, “We are going to continue to raise awareness and make veterans aware that effective service dogs are there for them.” This awareness campaign is crucial, as many veterans may not know that such resources exist or how to access them.
At a recent Rotary Club of Coral Springs community social, Thomas and Mountford met with local leaders and members of the Coral Springs Veterans Coalition. The event served as a platform to build meaningful relationships with various veterans’ organizations. According to Rotary member Sal Golfo, the gathering was productive. “I believe that some positive relationships were established, and the next steps are to formalize relations,” he noted. These connections are expected to help identify veterans in need and streamline the process of matching them with trained service dogs.
I found this detail striking: the dogs selected for this program are often those that have been deemed too gentle for police work. Rather than being discarded, they are given a new purpose—one that transforms not only their lives but the lives of the veterans they assist. It speaks to the power of second chances, both for the animals and the people they are trained to support.
The initiative also highlights the role of local communities in supporting veterans. Organizations like the Rotary Club of Coral Springs are stepping up to help spread the word and connect veterans with the resources they need. It’s a grassroots effort that relies on collaboration, compassion, and a shared commitment to those who have served the country.
As Doggie Paddle for Veterans continues to grow, the hope is that more veterans across South Florida will benefit from the companionship and support that service dogs provide. The program not only addresses practical needs but also fosters emotional healing, offering a path forward for those grappling with the invisible wounds of war.
With partnerships forming and awareness increasing, the future looks promising for this initiative. As more community members get involved and more dogs are trained, the impact will ripple outward—helping veterans reclaim their independence, rebuild their confidence, and reconnect with the world around them.
Read more at coralspringstalk.com
