Our Mission
Smoky Mountain Service Dogs is dedicated to serving persons with physical and psychological disabilities by training service dogs to meet client needs, while advancing the knowledge of human and canine interaction, thus leading to more fulfilling and productive lives.
Our Goal
To effectively, compassionately, and respectfully, serve Disabled American Military Veterans, Autistic Children, and others with physical and/or psychological disabilities.
Our Beliefs
We believe that through appropriate utilization of a certified, well trained, service dog, individuals with physical and/or psychological disabilities can often become increasingly self sufficient and independent.
We believe that a large percentage of disabled individuals can experience a higher level of societal and community involvement and acceptance through effective use of a service dog.
We believe that it takes community involvement to insure the success of Smoky Mountain Service Dogs and our clients. The contributions of individuals and groups within the community will be welcome, appreciated, and honored.
We believe that positive reinforcement is the best form of service dog training and we shall remain committed to training our service dogs in a way that encourages trust on all levels.
"Friends", a Message From Our Dogs
Written by Mitch Townley specifically as Theme Song for Smoky Mountain Service Dogs
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Our Dogs
Each Smoky Mountain Service Dog puppy is hand selected by our trainers and the majority will come from reputable breeders. Appropriate shelter/rescue dogs may also be considered.
Application Process
Smoky Mountain Service Dogs now accepting Preliminary Applications.
News
Please join Smoky Mountain Service Dogs at Harley-Davidson of Maryville Memorial Day Weekend as we Honor Our Vets and Troops. Smoky Mountain Harley- Davidson is located on US 321 just East of US 129.
"Lucy" welcoming Delta Company's Combat Engineer Marines home from Afghanistan
SMSD applauds Congressman John Larson (CT) and Congressman Walter Jones (NC) for introducing bi-partisan Legislation that would provide assistance to our military families so that they can receive necessary intervention for dependents who have autism. TRICARE, the Department of Defense's health-care program for members of the uniformed services and their families, currently does not recognize autism as a treatable condition. The Bill was introduced on June 22nd as the Caring for Military Kids With Autism Act.
One in every 88 U.S. children has been diagnosed with an autism-like disorder, government report says, up sharply since figures were last published in 2009, but the reasons for the increase largely remain a puzzle to public-health officials
The number of kids identified as "on the autism spectrum," marked by substantial social impairment and repetitive behaviors, has been on the rise for years.
Thursday's numbers, put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, show a 23% increase over data gathered in 2006 and a 78% increase from 2002. About five times as many boys as girls have been diagnosed, according to the latest data, similar to 2006.
Read the December 2011 Newsletter
For the latest in Autism News please see this link: www.TheAutismNews.com
Our wonderful Black Lab "Lucy" is searching for her future partner. Lucy is ready to be matched with a recipient. Please see Our Dogs Section to view her pics and if interested, see Application Process.
You Can Now Visit Us On Facebook
Did You Know?
Over 50 million Americans, ages 5-65 have physical or psychological disabilities.
18 military veterans commit suicide daily, 6,750 annually
1 in 91 American children suffer from austism
It takes approximately 2 years, between $20,000 to $25,000 and 1200 hours of training to place a service dog.
Copyright 2011 - Smoky Mountain Service Dogs | 110 Tooweka Circle, Loudon, Tennessee 37774