In 2005, Jackie Allenbrand founded P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA to help farmers with disabilities as well as illnesses. The program’s name stands for “Pets Helping Agriculture in Rural Missouri,” and in 2012, Allenbrand added “USA” to reflect its national reach.
“I started the program after hearing a farmer’s story about his dog helping him manage cattle,” Allenbrand said. “That inspired me to research ways trained dogs could assist farmers.”
P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA focuses on training rescue, shelter, and also donated dogs for two purposes: Border Collies for herding tasks and Labradors or Lab mixes for service skills.
Each dog’s training varies based on their role and the farmer’s specific needs. “Border Collies usually start learning young, but we often see the ‘light bulb’ come on around a year old,” she said. “Service dogs may take up to two years, depending on the tasks they need to perform.”
Allenbrand takes pride in the impact her dogs have made. “We’ve placed 29 dogs so far, and number 30 will head to New York this summer,” she said. “We may be small, but we focus on quality, not quantity.”
The dogs have supported farmers facing various challenges. One farmer in Oklahoma, who battled cancer and also Guillain-Barré syndrome, found his Border Collie invaluable. Another farmer in Georgia, who survived a severe accident, now works with Skippy, a dog recognized by the Farm Bureau as Farm Dog of the Year.
“Farmers are tough,” Allenbrand said. “Our dogs help them stay independent and continue working on their farms.”
P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA relies on shelters, rescues, and donations to identify suitable dogs. “We look for food-driven or toy-driven dogs with the right temperament,” Allenbrand shared. “Each dog is different, and we take time to ensure the best fit for each farm.”
Through dedication and determination, Allenbrand continues to improve the lives of farmers nationwide. “We’re just trying to do what we can to help,” she said. “Our goal is to give farmers a partner they can rely on every day.”
For more information about P.H.A.R.M. Dog USA, visit www.pharmdog.org.
