OAKWOOD, Ill. (WCIA) — Navigating life with P.T.S.D. can be challenging, but a well-trained service dog often provides invaluable support. However, experts in central Illinois highlight a growing difficulty: acquiring these dogs is becoming increasingly challenging each year.

Recently, I spoke with representatives from Mission K-9 Warrior, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to veterans and first responders who suffer from P.T.S.D. They emphasized one significant trend they’ve observed over time: rising costs.

“Our trainer is as committed to this initiative as we are, but the cost of living has increased,” Chairman Neal Stephens explained.

Stephens, who is accompanied by a service dog himself, shared his perspective.

“In my opinion, and I express this frequently, the greatest advantage of having a service dog is that I never feel alone,” Stephens remarked.

Providing a level of security stephens says he needs after serving 21 years in the military.

“The ability to be able to go out in public that somebody else is watching your back, somebody else is there to pull security, and you don’t have to do it alone.” said Stephens

The organization is providing eight dogs this year. But recently — the money hasn’t gone as far as it once did.

“Three years ago, we were right around the 10 to 15,000 range, but at the start of the year, we’re going to have to push it up to that 20 mark.” said Stephens.

That’s still about half of what you would normally have to pay. Stephens says the cost of dog food, vet bills — and other parts of training has all gone up. But the need hasn’t changed.

“I couldn’t put a number on it. the amount of regularity it brings back to a handler’s life that they were missing is invaluable.” said former paramedic Cody Cochran.

He was fostering a service dog named Jax until an owner could be found — but an anonymous donor came along and paid for Jax to be his.

“It’s amazing what these dogs will do for you, and it’s amazing what they can sense that you don’t even notice yourself, that you’re doing.” said Cochran.

Making it worth it for all involved.

“Listen to any of those vets talk to any of them that you see out in public. Please be respectful, but they’ll tell you, the having their service dog has been the best thing that’s ever happened to them.” said Cochran.

You can donate to Mission K-9 Warrior online or at the queen of hearts they host every Tuesday night at the Exit 210 saloon in Oakwood. You can find a link to their website here.