NC West Virginia News

The West Virginia University Hearts of Gold Program is set to contribute significantly to establishing new standards for service dog training. This initiative is supported by a grant exceeding $590,000 from the Wounded Warrior Service Dog Grant Program.

For nearly two decades, the WVU Hearts of Gold Program has been aiding veterans by pairing them with specially trained service dogs. This program is a collaboration between the WVU Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Human Animal Bond.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs aims to expand access to service dogs as therapeutic resources for veterans with disabilities. The research conducted under this grant will be crucial in developing guidelines for training and supporting these service animals.

Since 2018, the Hearts of Gold program has secured almost $3 million in funding, which has allowed it to expand its staff, classes, and increase the number of service dogs placed with veterans.

Matt Wilson, a professor of animal sciences and member of the Hearts of Gold staff, stated: “The Wounded Warrior Service Dog Grant Program found significant variations in how different entities train dogs.” He further explained that over the next few years, they will evaluate more than 130 best practices for service dog training. Annually, all involved entities will meet to share findings and establish industry-wide standards.

Wilson added that these standards could lead to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs covering costs related to training and placing service dogs nationwide. “That’s what’s really exciting,” he said. “We are a part of a group that will put in a mechanism whereby Veterans can access service dogs as a therapy for their disability.”

Hearts of Gold trains its dogs over two years with contributions from students, inmates at Federal Correctional Institution — Morgantown, faculty and doctoral students from WVU School of Medicine's Occupational Therapy program, along with Hearts of Gold staff.

Wilson emphasized: “Hearts of Gold was established to give students in the Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences experience working with dogs but also to expose students to what it is like to work with people with disabilities.” He noted that the program focuses on giving back to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Thomas Sico, a senior animal and nutritional sciences major from New Jersey shared his experience: “When I came to school, my original thought was to go to veterinary school. Now, after taking this lab, my future goal is to train dogs for a K-9 unit." He remarked that "this class helps you find a love for helping people with dogs."

The program primarily serves veterans within 100 miles of Morgantown by providing these valuable service animals at no cost while offering students practical experience through hands-on coursework.

Sico expressed his sentiments: “It definitely makes me feel like I am doing something good.” He acknowledged having veterans in his family and appreciates efforts made on their behalf.

Wilson concluded by highlighting the lasting benefits this project offers both veterans and students involved.