• Courage Service Dogs is a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for veterans and other public service workers through the use of specially trained service dogs. • Courage Service Dogs is unique from other Minnesota service dog organizations in the following ways: ◦ High quality dogs will be specially trained to exclusively support victims of PTSD ◦ The organization seeks to eliminate all financial burdens on the end recipient ◦ Public service workers such as law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs are included among its potential beneficiaries, recognizing that this is another population with a high incidence of PTSD and for whom resources for combatting PTSD may be limited • Given its narrow focus, Courage Service Dogs is well positioned to partner with and mutually serve veteran's organizations, medical institutions, mental health organizations, law enforcement communities and others who have a passion to help those diagnosed with PTSD. • Statistics show that 30% or roughly 80,000 Minnesota veterans are currently afflicted with PTSD. Approximately 15% of law enforcement officers and firefighters are also believed to suffer from PTSD resulting from their professional experience. • Founder and Executive Director Lisa Burkett established Courage Service Dogs in response to her own personal battle with PTSD and the life-changing experience of being paired with her own specially trained service dog, Bella. • Courage Service Dogs has a highly skilled and carefully selected Board of Directors, comprised of members with military, mental health, dog training, accounting, fundraising and general business management backgrounds. A shared passion for the organization's mission and a dedication to serving the Twin Cities' heroes with PTSD will enable Courage Service Dogs to accomplish its goals.