9 Days of Dates: Foster ranch serves as alternative retreat for military members and veterans

FOSTER, R.I. (WLNE) — The fight for better mental health care for veterans continues, as every day sees, on average, around 22 veterans committing suicide.

One Rhode Island woman is doing her part to change that, using her herd of animals of all sizes to bring real change to veterans and their families.

On this Valentine’s Day, she wants to get the word out about her ranch and is inviting you to help.

From goats, to horses and donkeys, and dogs, the Dare to Dream Ranch in Foster is a holistic and alternative military retreat for service members, veterans and their families.

“People don’t see the sacrifice, you don’t just make the sacrifice when you’re serving, you’re making the sacrifice for the rest of your life,” said founder Karen Dalton.

And Dalton knows first hand the impacts of war.

“My dad was a marine and struggled with anger management issues,” said Dalton.

And she says she wanted to break the cycle.

“I don’t really talk about this a lot,” said US Air Force veteran Michelle Freeman.

“I was almost kidnapped by Iraqi and Jordanian military.”

Freeman served for 16 years in the air force, and served four tours in the Middle East.

“Operation Iraqi Freedom we were one of the first units, outside of Baghdad,” said Freeman.

“That’s where I got sick with the burn pits and everything.”

Michelle knew she needed help.

“My hope for Michelle is to help her build her confidence,” said Dalton.

On a freezing cold winter day, Freeman is picking up her service dog, aptly named Sedona for her calming qualities.

This pup is one in a litter of six that have been trained and delivered to service members in southern New England.

“She’ll be a constant and it’ll be a constant reminder. I don’t have to go down that road,” said Freeman.

“You can see it as it’s happening and a lot of times I don’t bring it up when it’s happening because I can see it,” said Dalton.

“My goal is to hold space and allow them to figure things out on their own.”

Sedona and the other therapy dogs were gifted to their veterans, but each dog costs thousands of dollars.

Dalton runs the ranch by monetary donations and with the help of volunteers who show up and help her with chores.

If barn chores aren’t your thing, Dalton said that soon their vegetable and flower garden will need to be planted.

The veggies from the garden help feed some 50 disabled veterans.

If you would like to help volunteer in any capacity, you can visit the Dare to Dream Ranch website here.

You can make a donation to the ranch here.

Visiting this important place is a unique Valentine’s date idea with long lasting impacts, how a day on the ranch could help save a veteran’s life.