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There are many stories about MAP veteran/dog matches and how each one was uniquely successful. However, not all veteran/dog matches make it to completion or remain a permanent partnership. Over the years, MAP has been asked about veteran dog matches that don’t work out. What happens to the dog? Why didn’t it work out? Who decides that the match isn’t working? Can the veteran get a different dog? The story of “Sky” is one of those matches that didn’t work out…as planned.
Sky, a 1 ½ year old, Jack Russell/Cattle dog mix was adopted by MAP in June 2015. Like most rescues, Sky had a tough start spending her puppy months in a rescue where she was adopted for the first time. The new home turned out to be a domestic violence situation and Sky was scooped up and placed in a 2nd rescue – Paw Works out of Thousand Oaks, CA. It was several months later when MAP’s dog trainer came across Sky. Although a bit timid at first, Sky was an energetic pup and was eager to please those around her. She began her training as an emotional support dog (ESD) for Army veteran Steve.
Training moved quickly with Sky and it wasn’t long before she was ready to go to her new home with Steve. Both the trainer and veteran worked together on the obedience training & working tasks with Sky using positive reinforcement/relationship based methods. The trainer also provided a daily schedule with notes on their new pup. This schedule helps guide the veteran with a working plan as they get use to having a new pup in their home. In addition to providing training, vet care and dog food/products, MAP provides an Aftercare Program for each of the dog matches. It was the aftercare that began to identify potential issues with the match. Steve was expressing frustration with Sky – he was dealing with Sky counter surfing and having accidents in the home. Sky never exhibited these behaviors in the past and it needed to be addressed immediately.
Through reinforced training and assessment, it was determined that Steve was battling a downward spiral of depression. He was having a difficult time getting out of bed and staying on the established routine for Sky. MAP didn’t want to just rush in and remove Sky from Steve’s home. With the support of his therapist, Steve quickly concluded he wasn’t ready to take proper care of Sky. It was important that Steve understood and identified the true issue and lovingly give Sky back knowing it was in her best interest. He had bonded with her and wanted her to be happy.
Although there were a lot of tears on the day that Sky was picked up, it was mutually agreed that this was best for both Steve and Sky. Over the following weeks and months, both Steve and Sky got the much-needed support on their path to healing. Steve worked closely with his therapist and Sky was placed in foster care. Steve stayed in contact with MAP checking in on Sky hoping she would stay with the foster family we chose for her.
Popularly known in the shelter/rescue community, Sky became a “foster fail”. As can happen when fostering a beautiful pup, Sky’s foster family immediately adopted her! In addition, Sky continued to help veterans as a therapy dog greeting them at MAP events. MAP reached out to Steve and let him know she found her forever home! Steve continued to heal and eventually moved out of the area to be closer to his family. He was happy to be reconnected and surrounded by his loved ones.
Even though the match didn’t work out as originally planned, it did turn out to be the best outcome for both veteran and shelter dog. Although brief, Steve & Sky helped each other find their way home.
“Failed plans should not be interpreted as a failed vision. Visions don't change, they are only refined. Plans rarely stay the same, and are scrapped or adjusted as needed.”
“Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.”
John C. Maxwell
