Support Oklahoma Veterans
Tax deductible
The Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue (OKGSR) Veterans Program launched February 29, 2024.
To date, we have successfully matched 8 Veterans with 8 basic obedience trained Shepherds who are supportive companions or show task training potential, free of charge.
Veteran Arnold/Ghost
Veteran Hurt/Kita
Veteran Wolf/Malibu
Veteran Adasiak/Lankston
Veteran Rodriguez/Bo
Veteran Renteria/Charlie Brown (Viper)
Veteran Carroll/Nyx
Veteran Crispin/Admiral
We were even featured on the local news!
Approved Veterans who adopt through our program, have the choice to utilize their adopted dog as a Companion, ESA, or to further their training to meet the requirements of a Service Animal if the dog they select passes Torchlight K9’s evaluation.
Due to the success of this program, the Crane Institute America (CIA) Giving Fund, agreed to match $1 for $1- up to $20,000- of funds raised during the month of May: National Military Appreciation Month! In total, $16,776 was raised!
Because the program recognized the needs of Oklahoma Veterans to include what is beyond the scope of this program, a solution was found, and the GI Wishes Adjunct Rescue Project was birthed:
For Oklahoma Veterans who already own a dog with task training potential, or desire a different breed of dog (Labrador Retriever), 25% of proceeds raised was gifted to GI Wishes by the CIA Giving Fund for our program’s Adjunct Rescue Project!
Additionally, 15% of raised proceeds went back to the rescue to replete funds used for boarding or medically clearing eligible dogs.
To everyone who donated to the May Fundraiser, and who continues to donate- We thank you for your involvement in this program and for spreading the word!
As of 6/1/24, any funds donated through this GoFundMe will go directly to Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue specifically for the Veterans Program.
If you would like to donate specifically to the Adjunct Rescue Project (currently in pilot phase), please visit: giwishes.org
OKGSR Veterans Program Overview:
The mission of our program partnership with GI Wishes and Torchlight K9, is to provide eligible OKGSR dogs who show task training potential, the opportunity to become an obedience trained companion animal, free of charge to Veterans.
Program Highlights:
-Revolving list of 5 eligible dogs*
-Waived OKGSR $350 adoption fee
-2 week board/train at Torchlight K9, valued at $2,100
-Lifetime Saturday group classes for brush up basic obedience (6 required classes within first year), or Veterans desiring to task train their animal
-If in dire financial need, one year of basic pet/Tulsa-based veterinarian assistance through GI Wishes
-Option to opt in/opt out of media involvement to raise additional awareness for the program
Important advisory:
It is important to note that many rescue animals have unknown genetic and breeding history, and cannot be expected to fulfill many specific tasks that a Veteran may require- for example, mobility assistance, seizure detection, etc. Thus, it is important that the tasks required not be a deal breaker prior to applying for our program.
Application Process:
To apply to our program, please e-mail:
Organizer
Shannon Headley, DO, LPC
Organizer
Jenks, OK
Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue, Inc.
Beneficiary