Brigadoon Service Dogs Enhances Lives Through Specialized Dog Training

Carrie Murphree, Executive Director of Brigadoon Service Dogs, emphasized the organization's approach: “Every person who comes to us has different needs, and that’s at the heart of how we approach our work. Our goal is to create a partnership that provides each client meaningful support in their everyday life.”

The training process begins when puppies are just 8 to 10 weeks old. They start with volunteer puppy raisers before joining Brigadoon’s prison training program at two Washington state correctional facilities. In this program, incarcerated handlers teach foundational skills using positive-reinforcement methods, contributing to both the dogs’ training and the handlers' personal development.

For the first 18 months, the dogs move between the prison program and volunteer foster homes, where they gain experience in various environments. Around 18 months of age, they enter advanced training at Brigadoon. Trainers assess each dog's strengths and personality to find matching clients, after which training is customized to their specific needs.

Once a match is made, clients spend two weeks with their new service dog at Brigadoon to learn how to work together effectively. The partnership lasts for six to eight years, during which Brigadoon provides ongoing support. As a service dog nears retirement, the organization assists in transitioning clients to a successor dog, ensuring continuity of care and support.

Murphree pointed out the importance of recognizing that not all disabilities are visible. For instance, a veteran with PTSD may not present physical symptoms, but the service dog plays a crucial role in enhancing their daily life.

Brigadoon relies heavily on its community of volunteers. Ally Hiestand, Marketing Director, stated, “We’re always looking for puppy raisers. The more reliable puppy raisers we have, the more puppies we can bring into our program.” Volunteers can also engage in respite fostering or assist with various tasks like office work, community outreach, and fundraising.

Costs for training and preparing each service dog can exceed $50,000, typically requiring around two years of dedicated care. Brigadoon depends on individual donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors to support its operations and the creation of each service dog partnership.

“Creating a successful service dog partnership really requires an entire community,” Murphree said, highlighting the collaborative effort involved.

Brigadoon’s services extend throughout the Pacific Northwest, furthering its outreach and awareness efforts. Its collaboration with First Fed is a prime example, where Briggadoon interacts with the community through events and sponsorships, like the annual gala, and has even introduced its dogs in First Fed branches.

The organization encourages public involvement in various ways, whether by raising future service dogs, fostering, volunteering, or donating, all aimed at creating more life-changing partnerships between people and service dogs.