Seniors Meet Rodeo from Got Your Six Service Dogs

About 115 seniors gathered for the Lunch with Friends on May 20 at the Marco Island Lutheran Church and the room was visibly less crowded but just as lively!  Many thanks to all the volunteers from the San Marco Columbiettes. A delicious lunch of pork loin with mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, and apple sauce was catered by Mr. Crab Cakes. Once again, the guests were treated toa decadent dessert platter from JW Marriott! A big thanks to the many sponsors: Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, Marco Lutheran Church, Al’s Pals, the YMCA, and the stacks of door prizes!  

Attendees were treated to a presentation by Lisa Frey, president and lead dog trainer of “Got Your Six Service Dogs”and her Great Dane canine companion, Rodeo.   

As lead trainer, Frey is responsible for shaping each exceptional service dog. She has 40 years of professional dogtraining experience with a deep respect for the veterancommunity. Her leadership reflects the heart of the organization: integrity, service, and a promise to always “have the six” of every veteranwho walks through the door. Got Your Six Service Dogsis a non- profit dedicated to ensuring veteransreceive life-changing service dogs at no cost, from puppyhood through retirement. 

Got Your Six essentially means “I’ve got your back,” I’ve got you covered,” and is used throughout the military, law enforcement, and even with civilians, meaning, “there is no need to worry, because I am there to help you.” 

Frey specializes in Great Danes, harnessing their natural intuition, strength, and gentle demeanor to create highly capable mobility and PTSD support dogs for veterans. Frey is not a veteran, but she does have disabilities that Rodeo helps mitigate. Rodeo helps with her mobility issues and also supports her in training other service dogs. Frey shared that one of Rodeo’s tasks is to turn off the lights and during episodes of night terror or nightmares, Rodeo will come and place his giant head on her chest, interrupting the night terror episode; he will turn on the lights and will go back to comfort her. 

According to Frey, there are many organizations that will provide a service dog to a veteran in need but once the veteran gets the dog in their hands, all costs are on the veteran. There are many veterans who cannot afford that or veterinary care.  

“The gear (Rodeo’s gear setup is about $400-$500) has to be replaced over time. There isbedding, food…as dogs get to be seniors and past their service years, we want to make sure that we take care of these dogs from start to finish –with NO cost ever to the veteran.” Frey added, “There are more veterans who need service dogs than there are service dogs available. It takes two years to train a dog like Rodeo and most veterans cannot afford service dogs.” When you get a dog from Frey, you are family to her.“Providing a highly trained service dog typically costs $45,000–$60,000 from puppyhood through placement with a veteran,” said Frey. 

Many veterans live with PTSD, mobility challenges, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), anxiety, and depression.  Service dogs perform trained tasks that mitigate daily limitations and improve a veteran’s quality of life. The bond between veteran and dog creates constant support; they provide veterans with enhanced independence and self-assurance. 

There are several types of service dogs. 

If you are looking for a meaningful way to make a difference and to support the mission, please visit: gotyour6servicedogs@gmail.com.