MELCO Enterprises
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Southern Cross Service Dogs

Michael E. Labanowski of MELCO Enterprises is proud to support Southern Cross Service Dogs headquartered in Oakland, FL.

Southern Cross Service Dogs empowers Veterans by providing unwavering support and assistance. It was founded to enable an enriching and fulfilling life by pairing exceptionally trained service dogs with exceptional people to provide an increase in independence and self-reliance. Southern Cross Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching lives by providing exceptionally trained service dogs at no cost to qualified individuals with disabilities. Each Southern Cross service dog works to increase independence, foster self-reliance, and support the well-being of the individual it is paired with.

This organization was founded because there is a tremendous need for service dogs to assist veterans with disabilities. Southern Cross is focused on pairing qualified U.S. veterans with a service dog trained to perform specific jobs or tasks related to an individual’s disability and needs.

  • There are 18.5 million veterans in the United States.
  • 1 in 3 Veterans have substantial post-combat mental health challenges.
  • Approximately 20% of veterans suffer from symptoms of PTS.
  • On average 22 veterans commit suicide every single day.
  • It takes an average of 1.5 to 2.5 years to fully train a service dog.
  • Veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-veteran adults.

The Southern Cross Service Dogs Mission: Service dogs bestow unconditional love, offer steadfast support, provide unwavering companionship, and perform specific tasks to help mitigate an individual’s disability. Thus, service dogs become the bedrock for veterans to cope with post-combat challenges, re-engage in the community, manage emotional trauma, and reduce post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptomatology.

You can help, donate and/or volunteer…and please do if you can.  Pay it Forward.

Southern Cross Service Dogs
102 S Tubb Street
Oakland, FL 34760
https://southerncrossservicedogs.org/
407-900-1019
Info@SouthernCrossServiceDogs.org

Southern Cross Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3)
EIN: 87-2519842