Founded in 2010, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Smoky Mountain Service Dogs pursues its mission with no paid administrative staff. Since its inception, advertising/fundraising/administrative expense is less than 5%, so approximately 95 cents of each donated dollar goes directly to the care/training of our service dogs and recipients. Volunteers within the greater Knoxville community serve as puppy raisers, socializers, and respite fosters under the guidance and direction of our professional trainers. The organization is led by a nine member volunteer board under the leadership of Chairperson Mike Kitchens, a US Army Veteran. Our mission is to: “Enhance the Quality of Life for Veterans with Disabilities by Providing Public Access Tested and Approved Mobility Assistance Service Dogs”. SMSD provides these service dogs to qualified Veterans at no cost. Often times, these Veterans have suffered traumatic brain injuries or limb loss where balance is a significant issue. Our motto is: “Facilitating a Better Life Thru Canine Companionship and Service.” Our Core Beliefs:

 

o   We believe that through appropriate utilization of a well- trained public access tested/approved service dog, Veterans with physical and psychological disorders can often become increasingly happy, confident, self-sufficient and independent.

 

o   We believe that a large percentage of these individuals can experience a higher level of societal and community involvement and acceptance through effective use of service dogs.

 

o    We believe that positive reinforcement is the best form of dog training, and we are committed to training our service dogs in a way that honors them and encourages trust on all levels.

 

o   We believe that it takes community involvement and commitment to insure the success of our mission. SMSD is committed to being appropriate custodians of the giving and volunteer spirit of donors and volunteers. Contributions of either will be greatly appreciated and graciously accepted.

 

Our Dogs are healthy, happy, hard- working canines. They intuitively know they are serving a greater purpose in life and are happiest when fulfilling our important mission. All of our dogs are given the best medical care, socialization and training available. These important components of our program insure our recipients will be receiving the quality of service dog that our high standards dictate. Our Application Process: Potential recipients are invited to submit a Preliminary Application on our website. This Preliminary Application is reviewed by our Veterans Family Liaison. If the applicant meets our criteria, they are sent a Full Application and the process is begun. If the applicant does not meet our criteria, they are referred to other appropriate organizations which might be able to assist. Our Training: Each Smoky Mountain Service Dog receives between 1500 and 1800 hours of training. This training includes three months of custom training after a home visit is made. The recipient is then matched with a canine and receives two weeks of team training with his/her dog prior to taking the public access test. Once the public access test is passed, there is a “Passing of the Leash” ceremony where sponsors and volunteers pass the leash of the dog to the recipient.

 

Additional information on the organization may be found at www.smokymountainservicedogs.org and on Facebook.