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Healing Dakota, The Movie

Are you as excited about the Golden Globes and Oscars as we are? Well, while you wait to see whether Barbie beats out Killers of the Flower Moon, we invite you to check out our multi-award winning film, Healing Dakota. Yes, this heart-wrenching, heartwarming, inspiring documentary - the first ever film to focus on a dog's mental health-earned acclaim here and abroad as the winner of the 39th Boston Film Festival and the International Police Award in Italy. Said Producer James Lamonte, “So much work went into the making of this film, which is nothing compared to the amount of time, money, and energy that my team and I put into actually healing Dakota. I'm so pleased that these awards will bring more recognition to Canine PTSD I/II and the first of its kind research that we did to finally learn how it could be treated.”

Dakota was the first German Shepherd that James “Jim” Lamonte snatched from the jaws of death on the day he was to be put down because of behavioral issues. This beautiful animal had spent his life serving as a police dog, and one too many violent incidents caused him to be fearful and, in turn, aggressive - to protect himself, in his mind. Jim's growing love for Dakota led him to become obsessive with finding treatment for him, and when he saw that there was none, it led him down a path he never expected. Jim singlehandedly began extensively researching and studying everything he could about PTSD in humans and then created a treatment protocol specifically for what he by then knew was Dakota's PTSD. Today, Jim owns the K9 PTSD Center, which he created so that he could help all dogs suffering from Canine PTSD I/II.

We would also like to announce here that the K9 PTSD Center is now accepting dogs with all types of behavior disorders, whether that be separation anxiety or aggression, or anything in between. (Dogs who keep their neighbors up by barking all night, we're looking at you!). Jim accepts both inpatient and outpatient furry clients, and would be glad to give your dog the invaluable assessment he designed based on many years of hands-on research.

We are sure you're going to be moved by Healing Dakota and will want to do more for hero dogs, as well as stay abreast of new developments in their treatment. Follow us on all our social media for upcoming news. You won't want to miss our post on Dakota's Law, a bill that aims to provide a retirement fund for the loyal, brave dogs who serve alongside our Military and Police personnel.

Leave us a comment regarding what you thought of the film. How did it inspire you? Was there a moment that brought you to tears? Will it affect your relationship with your dog in some way? We'd love to hear from you. Also, we hope you'll share the movie with other dog lovers in your life.

Thank you for your support, and for taking the time to watch Healing Dakota.

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Dakota's Law


Wound K-9 dogs to be treated as police officers when injured in the line of duty, qualify for retirement benefits at end of service life under two measures heard by Massachusetts lawmakers Monday

Uxbridge police dog Bear joins his partner, Police Officer Tom Stockwell, during a hearing Monday before the General Assembly's Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security.

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Healing Dakota Movie Released

We are happy to announce the award-winning movie (39th Boston Film Festival (Boston) International Police Awards (Italy) Healing Dakota was just released through a licensing/distribution deal with Amazon Prime. See how it all began, and follow this heartwarming story of healing and hope through the eyes of a K9 Hero who was set for euthanasia. Learn how C-PTSD affects our K9 heroes and the journey of healing.

Thank you for being so supportive,
Team K9 Dakota
#fordakota

October 7 is Dog Mental Health Awareness Day. Below we have 3 suggestions on how to honor your dog's emotional needs on this special day.

Like humans, dogs benefit from:

  • A stimulating, yet comfortable environment. Here at the K9 PTSD Center, we have to pay acute attention to the dogs' surroundings to came them and our staff safe. However, we go way above and beyond this and provide extensive opportunities for these beloved animals to enjoy themselves. At your home, make sure your dog has his or her own personal space. This can be spruced up with items that look great in your home while also adding value to your pup's play or rest time. We assume if you're reading this that you already have a Bark Box subscription, because they are simply irresistible to us dog lovers, and, of course, our dogs. If not, they are always running promotions so you can snag one and give it a try. Bark Boxes are a stash of fun toys and treats and other items that Fido can root through with you.
  • Time with you. An often overlooked aspect of dogs' mental health is the most important one. And because we love them so much, we spend as much time as we can with them while doing all the human things we need to do. Yet, often we're trying to zone out after work and chores and family responsibilities and holiday plans… the list goes on. It's critical that your dog has some undivided attention from you on a regular basis, so if you've been feeling guilty (and your dog has been guilting you with some baleful side-eye), we suggest setting the timer on your phone for an hour, or even 15 minutes - whatever fits into your schedule, because let's get real—and devoting that time 100% on what your dog wants to do, be that a snuggle on the couch or some ball in the yard.
  • Vet visit, training, doggie spa, and play dates. We can't do everything for our dogs - we all need some help from others at times. Your furry family member is no different. Make Dog Mental Health Awareness Day the time of year when you assess your dog's emotional needs and make appointments for him or her. Physical health is crucial for mental health, so make sure dog is up to date on shots and other treatments your veterinarian suggests. Behavioral issues got you down? Call the K9 PTSD Center for an assessment to address your dogs' constant barking, budding aggression, or other issues. We can give you a plan that will fix the problem, and this time next year, you'll think, I'm so glad we did that! Your dog would probably enjoy some pampering as well, so consider taking him or her to a professional groomer and avail yourself of all they can do to make your dog feel proud. (Don't you just love that look on their face when they know they look good?). Lastly, don't let your dog be lonely. If it's safe to do so, bring him to a dog park or other place where he can interact with others of his own species.
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