Train A Dog, Save A Warrior (TADSAW)

Transforming Lives—Two at a Time

Train A Dog, Save A Warrior (TADSAW) is a nonprofit organization who’s mission is to provide the training of a Medical Alert Service Dog, as designated by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990/2010 guidelines, for any wounded Veteran Service Member (Active Duty, Retired, Discharged) surviving with Military Induced Anxiety Depression Syndrome (MIADS), post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Military Sexual Trauma (MST) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in order to restore and improve the Veteran’s Quality of Life with a canine ‘Battle Buddy’ at NO CHARGE to the Veteran or the family. TADSAW is dedicated to improving the lives of both veterans and rescue dogs by bringing them together through service dog training, creating a meaningful opportunity for healing, growth, and connection—where each participant supports the other in a shared journey forward.

Through structured, positive reinforcement-based training and mentorship, participants are matched in one of two ways: a veteran’s own dog may be evaluated for suitability as a service dog, or the veteran may be paired with a rescue dog in need of guidance, stability, and purpose. Together, they work through a comprehensive training process that helps develop reliable service skills and tasks while also supporting the handler in building confidence, routine, and emotional resilience.

This program benefits both ends of the leash:

  • Veterans gain a loyal companion , practical training skills, and freedom

  • Rescue dogs receive structure, care, and a meaningful job

  • Communities gain stronger, more supported human-canine teams

At its core, this work is rooted in patience, compassion, and relationship-based training, creating lasting bonds built on trust, mutual growth, and moving forward with newfound freedom together.

Once teams successfully pass the Public Access Temperament Test (PATT), they graduate and become accredited. At that point, they carry required documentation and health records and are granted public access in appropriate settings such as stores, restaurants, housing, and other public spaces.

TADSAW has accredited over 1,500 teams across the United States, creating lasting partnerships that strengthen both human and canine lives.

As of April 2026, I am proud to be a TADSAW trainer—a role that is especially meaningful to me as the daughter of a disabled Army veteran and the significant other of a first responder.

To learn more, visit Train A Dog Save A Warrior.