Vanderpump Veterans Program!
We are pleased to announce the formation of the Vanderpump Veterans Program!
California has more military veterans than any other state, with nearly 2 million veterans calling it home. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression but find solace in dogs. Multiple studies have proven that dogs and cats are good for our health. The state of California is hoping to help veterans and save the lives of countless shelter pets by waiving adoption fees for military veterans. The ongoing love & devotion a pet gives to each Veteran is the best way ever to thank the men and women who fought for our freedom.
The Program
Working alongside the Raven Drum Foundation, we can provide dogs at no cost to veterans adopting from Vanderpump Dogs Foundation. As part of the adoption process we will match veterans with the best dog companion for them, followed by training to help with PTSD and mental disorders. VP Dogs will utilize a Board certified PSTD trained animal behaviorist named Madeline Quint to execute the training program over a 90 to 120-day period. The program begins with a 30-day intensive Board and Trainer with Ms. Quint then transitions into a 60 to 90-day intensive human / service dog training where Ms. Quint will work with our veterans alongside their service animal. The program will cover all professional service dog training, education programming, administration cost and all other affiliated costs.
Animal Behaviorist
Madeline Quint is a passionate dog behabiorist committed to educating both dogs and their owners through a holistic approach focused on consistent, positive feedback and reinforcement designed to address the particular needs of every dog/owner dynamic. Given the unique nature of every individual and their dog, regular evaluations play a key role in each day’s lesson planning. Training focuses on body language/ behavior, energy, what motivates a dog, and the reward in order to get the desired behavior. Madeline thrives on spending the day working with her client helping to foster a loving bond between them and their dog.
Our First Dog: Roxi Vanderpump
As you may have been following her journey, we have chosen Roxi Vanderpump as our first rescue for this program! Roxi is a one-year-old Shepherd Mix that was rescued from a local high kill shelter. She had been hit by a car and properly cared upon rescue with our partner Metropolitan Animal Specialty Hospital. To view her story and her updates see the videos below:
Roxi has learned to turn on/off lights, push on objects as well as take objects to and from people!