TOPSHAM — Local veterans and their service dogs recently graduated from the Paws for Peace program in Topsham held by Embrace A Vet, a Maine veteran service organization.

EAV’s Paws for Peace teaches veterans to train their own service dogs through a comprehensive, 16-week program provided at no cost to veterans.

After a comprehensive screening by canine training specialists, dogs are adopted from local shelters and other facilities, giving them a new home and a new “leash” on life. Both veteran and service dog work as a team with a renewed sense of honor, purpose and determination.

Beyond basic service dog behavior, each veteran selects at least two special tasks for the dog to address specific needs, including medication reminders, soothing anxiety attacks, retrieving dropped items, creating personal space behind the veteran and many others.

FMI: embraceavet.org 207-449-9149 [email protected].