Goldendoodle helps St. Louis veteran return to work

James Poggi, 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, spent his career in Marine Corps aviation. That service left him with five back surgeries, a below-the-knee amputation, and a reliance on wheelchairs and walkers. He described the shift from traveling the world to becoming vulnerable as a profound change in his daily life.

Poggi’s physical struggles stem from multiple accidents, hard landings, physical therapy injuries, a car crash, and a diagnosis of spinal meningitis during active duty. To address the emotional toll, his wife and caregiver suggested he acquire a service dog. He now works with Teddy, a Goldendoodle who helps Poggi regain independence by retrieving dropped items and carrying objects.

The dog provides more than physical assistance. Poggi said Teddy brings back joy and serves as a battle buddy who always has his back. He compared the bond to the relationship he shares with his children, noting that the dog holds a place right up there with another child in his life. This companionship helps manage the psychological weight of his injuries.

Teddy underwent training at Dog Training Elite St. Louis. Owner Matt Willis said the facility creates real-world scenarios for advanced therapy and service work. Willis explained that the chemical changes in a veteran's body during interaction with a dog provide necessary uplift. He noted that while the government attempts to support veterans, gaps remain in physical and mental care.

A private donor grant will cover 30% of training costs for 10 veterans or active military members in need. Willis said the organization divided the funds to ensure these individuals could access the service. A 2024 study found that service dogs are associated with lower rates of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD. A separate 2024 survey of roughly 600 veterans showed that about 40% had never had a PTSD service dog but would like one.

The Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently provide service dogs for mental health conditions and is still studying their potential benefits. Poggi is preparing to return to his full-time role as a school crossing guard in Mascoutah next school year. He plans to work every day, rain or shine, with Teddy stationed in a crossing guard hut by his side.