ABOUT US
Our Mission:
At Survivor's Companion we aim to provide freedom and a quality of life through PTSD service dogs trained to the highest caliber specifically1 for Survivors of sexual abuse2 and domestic violence3. Additionally, we provide education to Survivors training their own service dogs, and raise awareness of PTSD and its many forms - especially those forms which are inflicted through violence within the home.
1.) Not only is our entire program based around serving abuse Survivors and the trauma they're likely to experience, we train each dog specifically for one Survivor.​
2.) This includes all forms of sexual abuse, including sex trafficking, rape, and childhood torture.​
3.) We define "Domestic Violence" as "any violence that has occured within the home" - This includes Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), but also includes child abuse, or any other abuse happening in a domestic setting.
What it means to be "America's first PTSD Service Dog organization built just for abuse Survivors"?
The Dogs
Each dog is selected for traits that will make them suitable for help a Survivor of abuse for their unique trauma. For example, "snuggliness" is something we select for, so that they can aid their Survivors with attachment-related wounds.
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They are then trained entirely for one individual, with their unique lifestyle and needs, including tailored Service Dog Tasks.
Being Trauma Informed
Our entire organization is centered around abuse Survivors, so our processes must reflect that. Not only do we work with a qualified team of mental health professionals, we also consider the impacts of trauma in all of our interactions.
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For example, we have special meetings to go over each contract our Survivors sign, so they're 100% empowered and aware.
Pairing
Pairing the Survivors and dogs together is a whole unique process, where our Survivors work with a team of Somatic Psychotherapists to learn effective ways to utilize their Service Dog to address their nervous systems. Then, Survivors work with a team of trainers to go all about the city of Indianapolis and learn how to handle their new Companion.
We want Survivors to leave ready and empowered!