the XSK9 Project

Torn from a fitful sleep at zero two dark,  in a cold sweat, the smell of cordite in your nose, and the wrenching feeling that you may die, is one of the flashbacks that many combat veterans with PTSD or TBI, suffer through.  You can make a difference by saving two lives at a time. 
Rescue shelter dogs trained as service dogs to assist veterans suffering with PTSD and/or TBI can provide a sense of security, a calming presence, and provide a positive focal point in the life of a veteran. “rescuing two lives at a time”! Like all service dogs a psychological service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks that reduce or minimize their handler’s disability. Service dogs have shown a remarkable ability to reduce night terrors and anxiety in public places allowing the veteran to become more confident with daily living tasks and reintegration to civilian life giving them back some of the freedoms that PTSD or TBI has robbed them of.  

My name is Bear;
I am the owner of Bear Skin Art tattoo studio in Edmonton Alberta and I need your help to support our veterans.

XSK9, was founded by a veteran who recognized the life changing benefits a service dog could provide. After losing his WD (working dog) to a lengthy battle with cancer, It became obvious that his dog had also supported him with his own battles with PTSD. It was a difficult and challenging first year of losing his dog to cancer and without the support of his wife, this veteran may not have survived his battles. Unfortunately he was not able to acquire support from Canadian Veterans Affairs, and the loss of his dog drastically exasperated his condition. His wife, who is his life line, found a documentary program about Paws and Strips in the USA, and the support they were offering many US combat veterans was exactly what she believed her husband needed. She made it her mission to help him direct his frustration, his energies and personal challenges into a positive direction and suggested he search for a similar program to become a part of.

After a year of extensive research it became apparent there was no program locally that provided the same type of support, (specifically for combat veterans) that is offered by Paws and Stripes. Committed to supporting her husband and his personal struggles, she encouraged him to assist his fellow combat veterans and together they created XSK9. Based on her drive and passion to help her husband, she suggested they contact Paws and Strips and establish a connection and a relationship with Lindsey and Paws and Stripes. After meetings and many discussions with the founder and director, a concept was born! (A Canadian version of the American mission). 

the objective of XSK9  is  to provide service dogs to combat veterans at no cost to the veteran!  This takes you, to make this happen.  Your donation will help establish XSK9 and its objectives. 

 Rescue shelter dogs trained as service dogs to assist veterans suffering with PTSD and/or TBI can provide a sense of security, a calming presence, and provide a positive focal point in the life of a veteran. “rescuing two lives at a time”! Like all service dogs a psychological service dog is individually trained to do work or perform tasks that reduce or minimize their handler’s disability. Service dogs have shown a remarkable ability to reduce night terrors and anxiety in public places allowing the veteran to become more confident with daily living tasks and reintegration to civilian life giving them back some of the freedoms that PTSD or TBI has robbed them of. 

The XSK9 Project needs your help.  Please help by making a donation to this very valuable cause. Save a Dog, save a Hero!
For more information about the XSK9 Project check out the website xsk9.com