Service Dog Program: Veteran Returns to Work

James Poggi will stand at a street corner in Mascoutah, Missouri, every day next school year. He will serve as a full-time crossing guard, a return to daily routine made possible by the assistance of his service dog, Teddy. This arrangement allows Poggi to perform his job duties while managing physical limitations that have accumulated over decades of service.

Poggi served in the Marine Corps in aviation. His time in the military resulted in five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation. He cited multiple accidents, hard landings, and a car crash as contributing factors. He also developed spinal meningitis during his active service. These conditions reduced his height and weight perception from a former 250 pounds to a reliance on wheelchairs and walkers.

Teddy is a Goldendoodle trained through Dog Training Elite St. Louis. The dog assists Poggi with specific tasks, including retrieving keys and cell phones. Poggi described the animal as a battle buddy who always has his back. The service dog also addresses emotional needs, helping to alleviate the psychological toll of his injuries.

A 2024 study indicates that canines are associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. A separate 2024 survey of approximately 600 veterans found that four in ten had never had a PTSD service dog but would like one. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently provide service dogs for mental health conditions and is still studying the potential benefits of such interventions.

Matt Willis, owner of Dog Training Elite St. Louis, stated that the interaction with dogs causes chemical changes in the body. He noted that while the government system attempts to care for veterans, gaps remain in the support provided for those who have experienced physical and mental trauma. The training facility prepares dogs for real-world scenarios rather than just basic obedience.

A private donor grant will help cover part of the cost for service dog training for 10 veterans or active military members. The grant is divided to pay 30% of the training costs for each of those 10 individuals. Willis explained that the donor wanted the funds to go specifically toward veterans and military personnel for this purpose.

Poggi’s wife, who is also his caregiver, suggested he get a service dog to ease the emotional toll of his condition. Poggi said Teddy brought back a sense of joy comparable to his relationship with his children. The dog’s ability to assist with physical tasks and provide companionship has restored a level of independence that Poggi had thought was lost.