The Sentara Simulation Center in Chesapeake partnered Thursday with to offer clinical training for veterans and eight newly trained service dogs.
Based in Virginia ӽ紫ý, Mutts With A Mission trains service dogs for disabled veterans, law enforcement and first responders at no charge to the recipients. Thursday’s simulation marked the nonprofit organization’s first opportunity to conduct this type of final-phase training for its dogs.
The experience took place in a simulated hospital room, where the service dogs accompanied their handlers through each step of a typical visit — from check-in at the front desk, to the waiting room, to the doctor’s office and finally back to the front desk for check-out.
Jo Ofeldt, office manager and puppy raiser at Mutts With A Mission, said she was pleased to hear the dogs were attentive to their handlers and Sentara’s staff during the simulation.
“It’s the culmination of all the love and care we’ve poured into these dogs, and to see it all come together is just incredible,” Ofeldt said.
The simulation was also Sentara Health’s first clinical training partnership involving service dogs, Director of Clinical Education Jolene Dorrell said.
“The most important part to me is paying back to the service community, for the veterans and for first responders,” said Debra Gillis, manager of the Sentara Simulation Center in Chesapeake. “It just really shows that there are so many aspects of healthcare and of the human being.”
After spending three days at Mutts With A Mission’s training facility, Kyle Cozad, CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation and retired two-star rear admiral, said the simulation was his first outing with his dog, Neo.
Cozad highlighted the simulation’s importance in preparing Neo for routine doctor’s appointments.
“It’s a tremendous partnership, and hopefully this can continue in the future for other transition camps,” Cozad said.
Navy veteran Jamey Hebert said Mutts With A Mission’s training effectively prepared his dog, Yeti, for the simulation.
“I really appreciate that more people are getting on board and understanding what a game changer these guys are,” Hebert said.
Maddie Mohamadi, madeleineleila.mohamadi@virginiamedia.com
