‘Match made in heaven.’ Organization pairs veterans with therapy dogs
Since its start in 2020, Operation K9 Beethoven has helped place 23 dogs with veterans.
Top Stories
An Iraq War veteran struggling with PTSD now has some much-needed help from a four-legged friend.
“Been to war twice, came back. Everything was kind of normal until it wasn’t,” said Anthony Dellaratto.
It’s been 20 years since Dellaratto saw combat in the Iraqi desert.
“You hear a fire whistle and you cringe. You hear an explosion and duck,” he said.
Along came Clementine, a 1-year-old pit mix, picked up by the Bergen County Animal Shelter as a stray.
“You saw how relaxed he was. The dog is relaxed. It’s a match made in heaven. Dogs and veterans how can you go wrong,” said Brian Reyngoudt, vice president and co-founder of Operation K9 Beethoven.
After six months of training, Clementine found her new home Monday on Dellaratto’s Toms River farm.
"I really have hope for the first time in a very long time,” said Dellaratto.
“The shelter takes the dog, they do a temperament test, and we do our own temperament test to make sure the temperament is rock solid,” said Frank Puglese, a dog trainer with Behavior Plus.
Since its start in 2020, Operation K9 Beethoven has helped place 23 dogs with veterans.
“I’m hoping that she’ll help me just get back to life. Some semblances of normalcy,” said Dellaratto.
For Dellaratto and Clementine, that journey begins now, with plenty of supplies and treats provided by the organization at no cost, thanks to sponsors like the Bayonne Rotary Club.
“The first second I met her I loved her. You guys will always be part of my family just like Clem will,” said Dellaratto.
More information about Operation K9 Beethoven, and how they may be able to help a veteran in need can be found on the organization’s website.
