St. Louis veteran returns to crossing guard duty with new service dog

James Poggi is preparing to return to full-time duty as a school crossing guard in Mascoutah, Illinois. The 52-year-old Marine Corps veteran will resume his job on the corner next school year, accompanied by his service dog, Teddy. Poggi, who suffered five back surgeries and a below-the-knee amputation during his military service, relies on the Goldendoodle to handle daily tasks that support his independence.

Poggi’s path to this moment began with physical strain accumulated while serving in aviation. He described a transition from being a 250-pound athlete who could travel globally to a person dependent on wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility devices. He attributed his condition to multiple accidents, hard landings, physical therapy incidents, a car crash, and a diagnosis of spinal meningitis. All of these events occurred while he was still in active service.

To address the emotional and physical challenges, Poggi’s wife, who also serves as his caregiver, suggested he obtain a service dog. Poggi named the dog Teddy. The animal assists Poggi by retrieving dropped items, such as keys and his cell phone, and by carrying objects. Poggi noted that Teddy helps restore a sense of joy that he had lost. He compared the bond to having another child, stating that Teddy is just as important to him as his biological children.

Teddy underwent training at Dog Training Elite St. Louis. The facility prepares dogs for basic obedience as well as advanced therapy, protection, and service roles. Poggi said the training environment mimics real-world scenarios rather than relying on textbook exercises. This approach helps prepare both the handler and the dog for unpredictable situations they will encounter in public.

Matt Willis, the owner of Dog Training Elite St. Louis, said service dogs can help veterans manage physical limitations and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Willis noted that the interaction between a veteran and a dog causes chemical changes in the body that provide emotional uplift. He added that while the government and the Department of Veterans Affairs attempt to provide care, there are gaps in support for veterans dealing with physical and mental trauma.

A private donor recently provided a grant to cover part of the cost for service dog training. The funding will assist 10 veterans or active military members who need the animals. The grant pays for 30 percent of the training costs for each of the 10 individuals. Willis said the donor wanted the money to specifically go toward veterans and military personnel to help them access the benefits of service dogs.

Research supports the use of these animals for mental health. A 2024 study found an association between service dogs and lower rates of anxiety and depression in veterans with PTSD. A separate 2024 survey of approximately 600 veterans indicated that about 40 percent had never had a PTSD service dog but expressed interest in getting one. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not currently provide service dogs for mental health conditions and continues to study the potential benefits of such interventions.

Poggi looks forward to the upcoming school year. He plans to be on his corner every day, regardless of the weather, with Teddy by his side. The dog will have a small crossing guard hut, and Poggi will have the assistance he needs to perform his duties. This arrangement allows him to maintain a level of independence he had feared was lost after his military service.