WOUNDED WARRIORS CANADA AND THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION – ONTARIO PROVINCIAL COMMAND CELEBRATE THE 100TH PTSD SERVICE DOG PAIRED IN ONTARIO
Wounded Warriors Canada and The Royal Canadian Legion – Ontario Provincial Command (RCL-OPC) are proud to announce the pairing of the 100th Veteran in Ontario with a PTSD Service Dog. This important milestone has been made possible thanks to RCL-OPC’s Operation Service Dog initiative.
“For more than twelve years, Wounded Warriors Canada has been committed to providing PTSD Service Dogs. We are proud of the team we have built from coast to coast, training and pairing dogs to the highest standards,” said Capt. (Ret’d) Philip C. Ralph, CD. Director of Clinical Services. “The vision and leadership of our partners, The Legion’s Ontario Provincial Command Branches and Ladies’ Auxiliaries in Operation Service Dog, have been transformational since 2018, providing stable funding that has enabled us to expand, as reflected in today’s celebration. This partnership benefits our Veterans in Ontario and has had a positive ripple effect across the country. Together, we will continue to raise the bar on standards and ensure that these life-changing dogs remain available for years to come. As our Service Dog providers mature, we remain committed to increasing capacity while maintaining the highest standards.”
Since the partnership between the two organizations began in 2018, the funding provided by RCL-OPC through Operation Service Dog has made a significant impact in Wounded Warriors Canada’s ability to fund the training and pairing of these life-changing, canine companions.
“We are thrilled to see the 100th leash meet the 100th hand. That it’s happening during the Legion’s 100th anniversary year is additionally meaningful. Each of the ninety-nine other times we witnessed a pairing, the world also got a little brighter. We are humbled to have had a role in helping these heroes find their footing, and these dogs find their purpose. One soul can endure the weight of service but two working together, eases the pain,” said Mr. Lynn McClellan, Provincial President, The Royal Canadian Legion, Ontario Provincial Command. “We thank Wounded Warriors Canada and the approved Service Dog handlers who have partnered with the Legion’s Ontario Provincial Command Branches, and our Ladies’ Auxiliaries Operation Service Dog program. We salute all those who have served, those still serving, and all their families.”
