Support Dogs for Veterans
Veteran Michael Wishnia
By Mary Ann Hutcheson
The events a combat soldier experiences during war can be deep-rooted and painful. Exposure to that level of danger can affect a soldier’s physical and emotional life for years, often leading to post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms. Sleep issues, relationship challenges, and panic attacks are among the lasting effects that veterans may face.
Service dogs can provide transformative support to veterans, helping them regain independence and emotional stability. Once known mainly as “seeing eye dogs,” service canines now fill a broader role. When well-trained and matched properly, they can be life-changing for veterans who need them.
Michael Wishnia served nearly 15 years in the Marines, taking on leadership roles and deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. During a firefight there, an explosion shattered his right leg, severely injuring him. Despite these challenges, Wishnia embarked on a self-empowerment journey. He became a non-lethal weapons instructor, martial arts instructor-trainer, and combat marksmanship coach, leading the Marksmanship Training Unit for the 1st Marine Regiment. In addition to setting military records, he joined Team USA for the 2016 Paralympic Games, where he was named “Outstanding Male Olympic Athlete of the Month” in May 2015.
Unfortunately, the emotional and mental toll caused by active combat is often hard to overcome. On one particularly difficult night, Wishnia came very close to taking his own life. However, his dog Sammie, a German shepherd/Labrador mix, whom he rescued for companionship and not for service, saved his life
when he intervened at the perfect moment.
Because their bond was a powerful force, Wishnia began to educate himself about service dogs. He discovered that only about one percent of U.S. veterans who need a trained service dog can afford one, even when it could help them recover and regain independence. Costs can range anywhere from $20,000 to $60,000, and not all programs are trustworthy. Many veterans hesitate to seek help due to financial and emotional barriers, so access to service dogs often remains limited to those who need
them the most.
In his research, Wishnia discovered an organization in California called “4 Paws 4 Patriots.” This non-profit pairs a disabled American veteran with an untrained dog and instructs them together to become a service dog team—at no cost to the veteran.
Currently, Wishnia has a one-year-old Cane Corso puppy named Achilles. While some canine assistance organizations avoid this breed due to their reputation, Wishnia emphasizes that, with proper instruction, any dog can be successfully trained. According to Wishnia, the Corso’s size and strength are ideal for mobility assistance and bracing, critical requirements for Wishnia, and they can also support medical alerts or psychiatric needs.
Looking ahead, Wishnia faces surgery to remove his right leg, and he is determined to move forward by relying on Achilles and his proper training to help him achieve peace and independence. Thus, the need for affordable service dogs is critical for veterans like Wishnia who are seeking healing after their service. Truly, dogs are man’s best friend, but in many cases, their assistance is not just life changing—it is lifesaving.
After this article was written, Wishnia had the surgery to remove his right leg below the knee. Our Town Magazine would like to express our gratitude to him for his dedicated service and for sharing his story with us.
