Marine's Service Dog Helps Restore Daily Independence

A private donor grant will cover 30 percent of service dog training costs for 10 veterans or active military members, according to Matt Willis, owner of Dog Training Elite St. Louis. The funding comes as a 2024 survey of about 600 veterans found about four in 10 never had a PTSD service dog but would like one.

James Poggi served in the Marine Corps in aviation. His service included multiple accidents, hard landings, physical training accidents, a car crash and spinal meningitis. The strain on his body led to five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation. He described the shift from being six foot three, 250 pounds and able to travel worldwide to relying on wheelchairs and walkers. "You become a vulnerable person that you never thought you'd be," Poggi said.

Poggi's wife, who is also his caregiver, suggested he get a service dog. He works with Teddy, a Goldendoodle. Teddy retrieves dropped keys, carries items and retrieves Poggi's cell phone. Poggi compared the dog to a military partner. "You never went anywhere without your battle buddy. And he always, always better have your back. And that's how it is. He's always got my back," Poggi said. He also said Teddy brought back joy, placing the dog alongside his children in importance.

Poggi and Teddy trained at Dog Training Elite St. Louis, which prepares dogs for basic obedience through advanced therapy, protection and service work. Poggi said the training facility replicates real conditions. "They prepare you and your service animal for real world experiences that you just you're not going to get out of that book," Poggi said. Willis said service dogs can address physical limitations and PTSD in veterans. "Dogs just-they change your feeling, the chemical changes in your body with that interaction. And that's exactly the uplift that these guys and ladies need," Willis said. Willis also noted gaps in veteran care. "While you know our government and the system tries to do what they can, there's obviously some gaps in that care for our veterans," he said.

A 2024 study found service dogs are associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not provide service dogs for mental health conditions, including PTSD, and is studying the potential benefits of such interventions.

Teddy will return with Poggi to his role as a school crossing guard in Mascoutah. "Next school year, I'll be back full-time out on the corner every day, rain or shine. He's out there with me. He's got the got a little crossing guard hut and everything," Poggi said.