The Awesome Foundation is going to the dogs.
The collective of South Shore business owners has invested $1,000 to a new school that will train service dogs for first responders.
Board member Kevin Johnson says the inspiration for the school came out of his own experience.
“The idea came out last year after I received my service dog. Seeing the issues of other first responders trying to get their own service dogs”
Board Member Kevin Johnson knows first hand the difference a service dog can make in the lives of those suffering with PTSD.
“If it was a year ago, you and I would not be talking. I was bunkered at that time. I didn’t want to be out anywhere where I was going to be in the limelight or anything like that. Maggie has changed my life.”
Four puppies are already being trained at the school, which isn’t accepting applications yet.
Johnson says the money will help them insure the pups so they can have the same access as fully trained service dogs.
The school is expected to officially launch in First Peninsula in late May.