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About Battle Buddy: Where Purpose Meets Healing
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We’re more than a service dog organization—we’re a movement built on the belief that rescue goes both ways. Every partnership we create transforms two lives: a veteran who needs support, and a dog who needs purpose.
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Rescuing Each Other: Veterans and Dogs United
Our Story
How Battle Buddy Began
Battle Buddy was founded by Rebecca Price, a professional dog trainer, veteran advocate, and someone who understands firsthand the healing power of the human-animal bond.
With a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and a background in military human resources, Rebecca witnessed the struggles veterans face when transitioning back to civilian life. PTSD, anxiety, depression, and isolation—these invisible wounds often go untreated, leaving veterans feeling alone and without purpose.
At the same time, Rebecca saw countless dogs in shelters and rescues—intelligent, loyal, capable dogs—waiting for someone to see their potential. These dogs had so much to give, but they needed direction, training, and a mission.
That’s when the vision became clear: What if we could unite these two populations who need each other?
In May 2025, Battle Buddy was officially established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN: 39-2127588) with a bold mission: to provide professionally trained service dogs to veterans at no cost, creating partnerships built on mutual rescue, mutual healing, and mutual purpose.
Our Founding Principle
“Rescuing Each Other: Veterans and Dogs United”
This isn’t just a motto—it’s the foundation of everything we do. We don’t view service dogs as tools or equipment. We see them as partners, heroes, and beings who deserve dignity, purpose, and love. When a veteran and dog are matched through Battle Buddy, both lives are forever changed.
Our Philosophy: Mutual Rescue
Why Mutual Rescue Matters
Traditional service dog organizations focus solely on what the dog can do for the veteran. At Battle Buddy, we take a different approach—we honor both sides of the partnership.
What This Means for Veterans
Veterans who receive a Battle Buddy service dog aren’t just getting a trained animal—they’re gaining a partner who: - Provides 24/7 emotional support and grounding - Senses anxiety, PTSD triggers, and emotional distress - Offers unconditional love without judgment - Gives them a reason to engage with the world again - Helps them reclaim independence and confidence
What This Means for Dogs
Dogs placed through Battle Buddy aren’t just performing tasks—they’re living with purpose: - Many come from shelters, rescues, or uncertain futures - They receive professional training that builds confidence - They find a forever home with someone who truly needs them - They become heroes—protectors, healers, companions - They experience the deep bond that gives their life meaning
The Result
When veteran and dog come together, something profound happens: both are rescued, both are healed, and both discover purpose.
This is the Battle Buddy difference.
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Our Mission & Vision
Mission Statement
To provide professionally trained service dogs to veterans at no cost, creating healing partnerships that honor the service of our veterans and the potential of every dog.
Vision Statement
A world where every veteran struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or the invisible wounds of service has access to a loyal companion—and where every dog with the heart to serve finds their calling.
Core Values
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Mutual Respect - We honor both veteran and dog as equal partners
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Professional Excellence - We maintain the highest training and ethical standards
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Transparency - We operate with full accountability to our community
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Compassion - We lead with empathy for both human and animal
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Service - We exist to serve those who have served
Our Approach to Service Dog Training
How We Create Lasting Partnerships
Comprehensive Training Program
Every Battle Buddy service dog completes an intensive 6-week training program with over 150 hours of professional instruction. This isn’t cookie-cutter training—every program is customized to the veteran’s specific needs.
Training Includes:
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Task-Specific Training - Deep pressure therapy, anxiety alerts, grounding, nightmare interruption, mobility support, medical alerts
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Public Access Training - Confidence in restaurants, stores, crowds, and public spaces
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Obedience Foundation - AKC Canine Good Citizen standards and beyond
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Temperament Development - Building calm, confident, reliable behavior
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Handler Partnership - Teaching the dog to attune to their specific veteran
Our Training Philosophy
We use positive reinforcement methodology that builds trust, confidence, and a genuine bond between dog and handler. We believe in balanced training that respects the dog’s intelligence and emotional needs while achieving reliable, life-changing results.
What Sets Us Apart
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Home-based training - Dogs live in a home environment, not a kennel
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Small capacity - We train 2-3 dogs annually, ensuring individualized attention
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24/7 care - Dogs receive round-the-clock monitoring and enrichment
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Ongoing support - Training doesn’t end at placement; we’re here for life
Meet Our Founder & Lead Trainer
Rebecca Price: Founder, President & Lead Trainer
Professional Background
Rebecca Price brings a unique combination of expertise to Battle Buddy:
Education: - Master’s degree in Organizational Development & Project Management (Avila University) - Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Women’s Studies (University of Central Missouri) - Currently pursuing Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (The Chicago School)
Military & Leadership Experience: - Military background in Human Resources - Former Organizational Development Consultant - Deep understanding of veteran transition challenges
Professional Dog Training Credentials: - Tom Rose School Graduate (June 2023) - AKC Certified Evaluator (June 2023) - AKC B.R.E.D With HEART Certified (Dec 2023) - Alliance of Therapy Dogs Certified (May 2025) - GoodPup Trainer Certification (Aug 2025) - Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR Certified - USDA Licensed Pet Sitter & Commercial Boarder - $1M Liability Insurance (Liberty Mutual)
Training Experience: - 50+ dogs trained (paying customers) - 3 service dogs trained for private clients - 100% success rate in behavior modification programs - 4+ shelter dogs adopted through free training programs - 30+ institutional therapy visits since July 2025
Rebecca’s Personal Mission
“Working with dogs saved my life. I understand what it’s like to struggle with PTSD and feel like you’ve lost yourself. The bond I’ve built with my dogs gave me purpose again—and I want to create that same healing for other veterans. Battle Buddy isn’t just a nonprofit; it’s my life’s calling.”
Board of Directors
Leadership Built on Integrity & Transparency
Board Members
Rebecca Price - President Founder, lead trainer, and visionary behind Battle Buddy’s mutual rescue philosophy. Rebecca oversees all training programs, partnerships, and strategic direction.
Richard Sawyer - Vice President
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Samantha Sawyer - Treasurer
Jennifer Straw - Secretary
Board Governance
Our board operates with the highest ethical standards, including: - Comprehensive conflict of interest policy - Transparent financial reporting - Regular board meetings and oversight - Community accountability
Our Training Partnership
Transparency in Our Operations
Partnership with Dalmatia BnB
Battle Buddy’s service dog training is conducted through a partnership with Dalmatia BnB, a professional dog training facility owned and operated by Rebecca Price.
Why This Partnership Works
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Professional facility - Temperature-controlled, home-based environment with 24/7 care
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Proven track record - 50+ dogs trained, 100% behavior modification success
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Cost efficiency - Training provided at $7,000 per dog (industry standard: $15,000-$30,000)
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Quality assurance - USDA licensed, AKC certified, fully insured
Conflict of Interest Policy
Battle Buddy maintains strict ethical standards: - Rebecca abstains from all board votes regarding her compensation - Service agreements are reviewed and approved by independent board members - Pricing is benchmarked against industry standards - All financial relationships are publicly disclosed - Full transparency in operations and governance
Our Commitment
We believe transparency builds trust. Every dollar donated to Battle Buddy is tracked, reported, and used to create life-changing partnerships between veterans and dogs.
Our Credentials & Certifications
Professional Standards You Can Trust
Organizational Credentials
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501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status (pending IRS approval)
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EIN: 39-2127588
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BBB Standards Compliant
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Founded: May 13, 2025
Training Credentials
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AKC Certified Evaluator
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Tom Rose School of Professional Dog Training
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Alliance of Therapy Dogs Certified
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GoodPup Trainer Certification
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Red Cross Pet First Aid/CPR
Facility & Insurance
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USDA Licensed Commercial Boarder
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$1M Liability Insurance (Liberty Mutual)
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City Licensed Pet Care Provider
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Temperature-controlled training facility
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24/7 monitoring and care
Community Partnerships
Stronger Together: Our Community Impact
Battle Buddy is proud to serve Clinton, Missouri and the surrounding region through meaningful partnerships that extend our impact beyond individual placements.
Current Dalmatia BnB Partnerships
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Golden Valley Memorial Hospital - Monthly therapy dog visits, $200 stipend
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Clinton Healthcare and Rehab - Regular therapy dog programming
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Clinton Animal Shelter - Training support, adoption facilitation, behavior rehabilitation
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Max Motors - Community training classes and educational outreach
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TAILS Therapy Dog Group - Collaborative therapy dog initiatives
Impact by the Numbers
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30+ institutional therapy visits since July 2025
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4+ shelter dogs adopted through our training programs
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3 service dogs trained and placed with veterans
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50+ total dogs trained since opening
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100% success rate in behavior modification
Our Commitment to Veterans
You’ve Served Your Country. Now Let Us Serve You.
What We Promise
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No cost to veterans - Service dogs are provided free of charge
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Personalized matching - We take time to find the right partnership
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Comprehensive training - 150+ hours of professional instruction
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Lifelong support - We’re here for the life of your partnership
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Respect and dignity - Your service and your story matter
What We Ask
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Commitment to the training process
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Willingness to provide proper care and veterinary support
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Openness to ongoing communication and follow-up
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Dedication to building a lasting partnership​
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For Veterans
Ready to Meet Your New Partner?
If you’re a veteran struggling with PTSD, anxiety, or the challenges of post-military life, Battle Buddy is here for you. Apply today to begin your journey toward healing and independence.
[Apply for a Service Dog] [Learn About Eligibility]
For Supporters
Join Our Mission of Mutual Rescue
Whether you donate, volunteer, or spread the word, you’re making it possible for veterans and dogs to rescue each other. Be part of something extraordinary.
[Donate Now] [Get Involved] [Contact Us]
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Rescuing Each Other: Veterans and Dogs United
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