VERO BEACH — She’s only 12 pounds, has a tendency to snort and bears a remarkable resemblance to Yoda from Star Wars, but little Pia Pia has packed a big punch, becoming a poster pug of sorts to promote the Dogs for Life Veterans Dog Program.
Pia Pia and Jim Taylor, a former Army staff sergeant who served in both Iraq wars, were the first veterans’ dog team trained and certified by Dogs for Life.
Duel certified in hearing loss and post-traumatic stress syndrome, Pia Pia has given Taylor the confidence to integrate back into society.
The pair was on hand last week at a reception hosted by former DFL board president Al Turner and Vero Beach Mayor Pilar Turner to encourage the continued support of donors in the capital campaign to build a veterans and service dog training facility at the DFL Off- Leash Dog Park.
“Alaska Airlines said Pia Pia was one of the best service dogs they had ever had,” said Dawn Taylor, speaking of a recent trip to Seattle, the dog’s first on an airplane. “She had her own seat with a certified car seat. She tapped Jimmy on the arm every time the service light would come on with a ding to fasten seat belts. She saw me doing it, and picked up on it.”
Dogs for Life, accredited for hearing and mobility service dogs and pet therapy dogs, provides the training at no cost to veterans, with funding provided by private donations, local grants, and a percentage of the Off- Leash Park memberships.
“We want to get this building built and train 10 service dogs for returning veterans each year,” explained DFL board president David S. Johnson. “Those we train will train others; it’s going to be exponential. I’m guessing at least 10 each year, and by year three it should be 20 or 30.”
A self-professed dog lover, Tony Donadio, of Donadio and Associates Architects, generously donated his services to draw up the architectural plans, and will oversee the entire construction project.
“I’ve had dogs all my life,” said Donadio. “I couldn’t say no. I love this community; this is just a great way to give back.”
Describing the facility as economical, functional and durable, Donadio said there will be both indoor and outdoor training areas, as well as a mock bedroom set-up.
As he introduced Taylor, Johnson said, “This is the beginning of what we can do.”
Cradling Pia Pia in his arms, Taylor spoke of the numerous ways she had improved his life adding, “We read each other now. I don’t even need to give her a command now.”
He also thanked Shelly Ferger, DFL founder and executive director, stressing, “I owe her my life.”
“Having a hearing dog made a dramatic difference in my life,” added volunteer trainer Beth Stryker, speaking of her service dog Tigger. “I had felt very isolated. This is going to mean so much. We’re going to be able to train so many more dogs.”