March 2025 Spotlight: Dog Tag Buddies

For many veterans, life after military service brings challenges that extend far beyond physical wounds. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and mobility limitations can make everyday life difficult, leading to isolation and a loss of purpose. Dog Tag Buddies was created to change that reality by pairing veterans with carefully evaluated dogs and guiding them through a two-year service dog training program—at no cost to them.

As the wife of a combat veteran with 21 years of service, DeeDe Baker founded Dog Tag Buddies after witnessing firsthand the comfort and relief their own dogs provided her husband when he returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005. Her deep love for dogs and unwavering commitment to supporting Montana veterans fuel her mission, making Dog Tag Buddies not just a cause, but a true calling.

Unlike traditional service dog programs, Dog Tag Buddies focuses on both ends of the leash. The dogs may be the easy part, but the real work lies in supporting veterans as they navigate the complex emotional and psychological impacts of their service. Years of operating in a constant fight, flight, or freeze state require new strategies, tools, and a strong support system to transition into daily civilian life.

Through structured training, Dog Tag Buddies helps veterans regain independence and stability with the assistance of their service dogs. The process is about more than teaching commands—it’s about empowering veterans to shift from reactive survival mode into executive thinking, allowing them to regain control over their lives.

Occupational therapy is also incorporated into the program, providing practical tools for managing stress, improving emotional regulation, and re-engaging with the world. This holistic approach ensures that veterans are supported not just in their training, but in their overall well-being.

By training alongside their service dogs, veterans build a deep bond based on trust and mutual support. These dogs are trained to recognize and respond to their handler’s unique needs—whether it’s interrupting a panic attack, providing grounding during distress, or waking them from nightmares. Since every veteran’s journey is different, each service dog is trained to meet their specific needs—there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

Beyond the veteran-dog partnership, Dog Tag Buddies fosters a strong sense of community, ensuring no veteran walks this journey alone. The impact is profound—not only do veterans gain a highly skilled service dog, but they also develop confidence, coping skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.

With the support of donors, volunteers, and businesses like 4Knines, Dog Tag Buddies continues to provide life-changing service dogs to those who have sacrificed so much. Every trained dog, every empowered veteran, and every partnership is a testament to the power of these incredible teams.

For veterans seeking a path forward, Dog Tag Buddies offers more than a service dog—it offers hope, healing, and the chance to reclaim their future. As the only Assistance Dogs International (ADI)-accredited organization in Montana, Dog Tag Buddies provides an added layer of security and comfort for the veterans who trust in their program.

4Knines is committed to supporting impactful organizations like Dog Tag Buddies through our monthly spotlight articles and by providing monetary and product donations. We believe in giving back to those who serve, and we invite you to join us in making a difference by supporting Dog Tag Buddies’ mission to empower veterans through service dogs.