Chris & Coco 12/1/2015- Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, a local nonprofit  in Prince William County, is currently looking for candidates in need of a service dog. Semper K9 provides Assisted-Living K9s for wounded, critically-ill and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

They are also looking for ideal canine candidates to become service dogs in training. “We are in the process of obtaining our 501c3 status from the IRS,” says Christopher Baity, Semper K9’s Executive Director. “During this waiting period we will begin training and preparing our program for success.” Semper K9 Assistance Dogs will focus on finding ‘rescue dogs’ from various organizations throughout the United States to give these unclaimed K9s a new leash on life and allow them to help a service member.  They are looking for dogs that will meet certain requirements to enter their training program. A list of these requirements can be found on their website, www.SemperK9.org.
“It takes at minimum 6-9 months to train a young adult dog to become a service dog. This gives us time to locate and match a service member with their future service dog, who’s training is tailored to meet the new handler’s specific needs.” stated Baity who is a veteran Marine Corps dog handler and kennel master. With 6 overseas deployments during his eight year career, Baity recognizes the overwhelming need for help of veterans suffering from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD).
Semper K9 Assistance Dogs currently has a GoFundMeaccount as well as an Amazon.com wish list to assist them with training and supplies. They help qualifying post 9/11 Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and reservists with amputations, spinal cord injuries, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), severe Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), burns, blindness, other physical injuries, or those suffering from life-threatening illnesses. Interested applicants can submit needs assessment form under “Apply For A Service Dog” on their website.
First deployment OIF II in 2004 with MWD Marco F285.
First deployment OIF II in 2004 with MWD Marco F285.
“There are a lot of organizations like us throughout the country; however we are trying to keep our efforts as local as possible while rescuing dogs in the process.”  To find out more about Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, including how to apply for a service dog or how to donate future service dogs, services or supplies, please visit their website at www.SemperK9.org.
Christopher Baity, Semper K9’s Executive Director, is an OEF/OIF combat veteran Marine Corps dog trainer and kennel master with three combat deployments, one civilian deployment and two additional overseas deployments. With 15 years of experience he continues to use progressive styles in an ever evolving field. Currently an AKC evaluator, Baity is proficient in animal behavior, obedience and training, and kennel management.