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Military K-9 handler helps provide 'Shepherds for Lost Sheep'

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Mary O'Dell
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  A 92nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler works with four-legged wingmen on a daily basis and found a way to use her skills as a handler off-duty to benefit wounded veterans.

Staff Sgt. Melissa Schmalhorst volunteers as a trainer for Shepherds for Lost Sheep, Inc., a program designed to train service dogs for veterans with psychiatric and in some cases physical disabilities.

"Seeing the effects a dog has on veterans suffering traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder or physical restrictions is unexplainable," Schmalhorst said. "Working with canines is a passion for me and now I am able to do that while benefiting someone that needs it most."

Schmalhorst has been fostering and training a 13-week old puppy named Ashton, who is named after a member killed-in-action and is expected to be picked up by her veteran around May.

Dogs from all breeds, many rescued from shelters, are involved in the program, and each dog is assigned to its veteran based on the condition it's assisting them for.

"My role consists of training the puppy on basic obedience, including potty training and sit, stay and lay down commands," said Schmalhorst. "Another important aspect is socializing the dogs to ensure their behavioral attitudes are up to par with the programs requirements."

The goal is to have each dog accurately American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen certified through a local evaluator. If a canine doesn't pass the certification, it returns to the next class for more training.

Classes are held once a week, but Schmalhorst spoke on the importance of members training their dogs throughout the week on their own.

"Everyone should be building a trusting relationship with the dogs they are fostering and training," Schmalhorst explained. "Dogs react differently to different people, so sessions with the adopting veteran are especially important to ensure compatibility."

Schmalhorst assists in teaching the courses, putting her skills as a MWD handler to work.

"Every emotion you carry with you runs down the leash when working with a dog," said Schmalhorst. "I show them different techniques and how to control their attitudes in certain situations."

Transportation Security Administration members and veterinarians come out to class to teach veterans about regulations involving their service canines and basic medical knowledge, such as CPR.

According to the program's website, www.shepherdsforlostsheepinc.org, they take all prospective families and veterans and submit an extensive application, so the organization can make an educated and reasonable determination for each veteran's needs.

"I have seen the effects of members who have deployed and returned with emotional and physical disabilities firsthand," Schmalhorst lamented. "Seeing the reactions from people being comforted by man's best friend is not something quick to forget. Paying it forward and helping other veterans, my service brothers and sisters, is not something I'll soon forget, either."