Billings Veterans Find Solace With ADI-approved Service Dog Training

It is the only ADI approved dog training service in Montana.

BILLINGS, Mont. – Dog Tag Buddies has officially received accreditation from Assistance Dogs International, making it the only ADI-approved service dog training organization in Montana.

This program provides veterans with service dogs to help them manage stress and triggers resulting from their military service. Bryan Mills and Blaine Rackliff are two veterans who say the program has changed their lives.

The dogs are trained to sense heightened emotions and alert their owners by resting their heads on knees or bumping legs. This serves as a reminder for the veterans to breathe and reset before continuing their day. Mills explained the impact his service dog, Flapjack, has had on his life. “In crowded areas I wouldn’t be able to walk through, I wouldn’t even be able to come to Scheels without having my family with me or somebody that I trusted. Now I find myself being able to go in some crowded areas and like today I was able to come in here with him and we just did a walk around before and so it’s been a very helpful environment to be in and having this service dog has been a godsend for me and my family.”

Rackliff explained how his service dog, Cody, provides comfort in dealing with PTSD. “My lines in work have been in public safety as well as a firefighter in the military, police officer, firefighter, EMT and 911 dispatcher as well. And all of those lines of work you join to serve, to help others, you don’t realize those things that you see are hurting your brain and eventually that catches up with you and you don’t expect it,” he said.

Mills and Rackliff received their service dogs on August 21, 2024, and attend training sessions every Monday. They have completed the first stage of training, which is an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation.

While this program does not replace other mental health services, it offers significant support, comfort, and guidance to many veterans.