Many of you have met Scout, my large red Golden Retriever. We underwent training in 2013 by Healing 4 Heroes in Peachtree City and he has been my service dog since. However, he'd actually been performing his primary tasks for years. Only problem is he turned 8 in February and is starting to slow down. He still has two good years before he will probably have to fully retire.
Yesterday, my wife drove Scout and I to Alabama to pick up my new Golden that will start training and assume Scout's post when the time comes. She's 9 weeks, weighs 10.6 lbs and is named Grace. First blonde we've had, but we're hoping she darkens up as she get's older.
The VA is currently conducting a study regarding the viability of using emotional support animals in the roll of service animals. Until then, the waiting time for a service animal through the VA is extremely long. Fortunately, non-profits like Healing 4 Heroes have picked up the slack. However, it still costs a lot to train the animals. Some are rescues, some owners provide. I got Grace because I love Goldens. Grace was just under the cost of two Blue Label Glocks.