Charles & WCC’s Garcia: Better Together

Each year during the first week of August, International Assistance Dogs Week recognizes the life-changing impact assistance dogs have on the people they serve. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the organizations that work together to ensure those partnerships can thrive—no matter where life leads.

For Army Veteran Charles Lewis and his Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) service dog, Garcia, that global network proved invaluable after the pair relocated to Israel.

Following a life-changing medical diagnosis and several personal challenges, Charles was ready for a fresh start. Looking for a new beginning, he found a home in Israel, where Garcia has remained a constant source of support by his side.

Not long after their move, however, Israel updated its service dog regulations. Although Garcia was a fully trained service dog, Charles encountered businesses that denied them access under the country’s new requirements.

Rather than navigating the unfamiliar process alone, Charles turned to WCC for help.

WCC Veteran and Military Family Services Manager Dan Jones reached out to the Israel Guide Dog Center, an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), to explain the situation and seek guidance. The response was immediate.

“This is exactly the spirit of ADI—organizations coming together to help one another and ensure teams like Charles and Garcia have the support they need,” said Jones. “The Israel Guide Dog Center was incredible. They responded quickly, welcomed Charles and Garcia into their program and helped make what could have been a complicated process feel seamless.”

The Israel Guide Dog Center sponsored the certification process at no cost to Charles, provided Garcia with the appropriate service dog vest and helped the WCC Veteran Service Dog Team complete the required public access testing.

For the Israel Guide Dog Center, supporting Charles and Garcia was a natural extension of the ADI community’s shared mission.

“As members of the ADI global community, we’re committed to supporting service dog teams wherever the need arises,” said Ami Toren, director of special needs, Israel Guide Dog Center. “When Daniel Jones and Warrior Canine Connection reached out about Charles and Garcia, helping was simply the right thing to do. Navigating a new country and unfamiliar regulations can be challenging, and we’re honored to provide support. We hope any team trained through an ADI member organization would receive the same compassionate assistance, and we’re grateful to WCC for making this connection possible.”

Jones said that working together really showcased the strength of this global community and the shared commitment the organizations have to the people and dogs they serve. For Charles, the experience was a powerful reminder that he and Garcia were not navigating this journey alone.

“Garcia and I have always been a team, and this process allowed us to continue that partnership in our new home,” Charles said. “The support we received from Warrior Canine Connection and the Israel Guide Dog Center showed me the power of the ADI community and how organizations around the world truly care about the Veterans and teams they serve.”

Today, Garcia continues supporting Charles while also helping introduce many Israelis to the broader role service dogs can play. While guide dogs are the most widely recognized assistance dogs in Israel, public awareness of service dogs remains relatively limited, and Garcia often sparks curiosity and meaningful conversations.

“I love when people ask why I have her,” Charles said. “It gives me the opportunity to share Garcia’s story and explain how service dogs can support people in different ways.

Charles’ experience is a reminder that the impact of assistance dogs extends far beyond the partnerships they form with their handlers. Through ADI’s worldwide network of accredited organizations, expertise, resources and support can cross borders, helping service dog teams overcome unexpected challenges wherever they are.

As WCC joins organizations around the world in celebrating International Assistance Dogs Week, stories like Charles and Garcia’s demonstrate the strength of a community committed to one shared mission: ensuring assistance dog teams have the support they need to live, work and thrive, both at home and around the globe.
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Four Paws: One Big Mission

Hi, I’m TJ.

You may have seen me on television, at media day or posing for my first official Washington Commanders photo shoot. Humans keep telling me Aug. 7, Military Appreciation Day at the Commanders Training Camp, is a big one. My raiser even added a little paw print to her calendar, so it must be true! Not bad for a puppy.

But while I may be the Washington Commanders’ newest Team Dog, football isn’t my only mission.

I get to learn new things every day because I’m on my way to becoming a Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) service dog for a Veteran. That means learning good manners, building confidence and practicing the skills I’ll one day use to help someone who has served our country.

Barney was WCC’s first Team Dog with the Commanders, so I know I have some pretty big pawprints to fill—and I’ll do my best to follow in them.

My name has a special story, too. I’m named after Army Veteran and Redwire employee Jeremy White, whose military call sign was “TJ1.” Jeremy spent more than two decades serving our country, including as a Green Beret, before continuing his commitment to service as a civilian. I hope to honor that legacy in my own way.

At home, my puppy raisers, Heidi and Stu, describe me in one word: exuberant. They might also tell you I’m curious, brave, energetic, snuggly, smart and very food motivated. (Treats make learning fun.) They’d also tell you I love football.

Training has been going really well. I don’t mean to wag my own tail, but while some pups get rattled by loud noises, I snoozed through an entire night of Fourth of July fireworks like a champ. Storms? No big deal. Every new experience helps me grow into the service dog I’m meant to become.

Heidi and Stu tell me they know their hearts will ache when it’s time for me to leave. But they’ve been on this journey before, and they’ve seen the incredible difference a service dog can make in a Veteran’s life. That’s what keeps them saying “yes,” because they know a little heartbreak now can help bring healing to someone else. Until then, we’re making the most of every day together. Between you and me, I couldn’t have asked for better paw-rents.

I’m already three times bigger than when I arrived, and I’m growing every day, not just in size, but in confidence and purpose. (My paws seem to be growing even faster!)

This season, you’ll see me cheering on the Burgundy & Gold, making appearances and soaking up new experiences. Every game, every crowd and every new adventure is helping prepare me for the most important role of all: becoming a future service dog for a Veteran.

Now that’s a season worth cheering for.
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Save the Date: WCC Graduation 2026

Mark your calendars! Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to celebrate its 15th Annual Graduation Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 26, when we’ll honor our newest class of service dogs and the lives they’ll soon change.

This year’s graduation will be WCC’s largest class of service dogs, alongside Facility Dogs and Military Family Support Dogs who are preparing to begin their next chapters of service. Together, these extraordinary canines will provide independence, comfort, healing and companionship to Veterans, military families and communities across the country.

The ceremony, as in recent years, will be held virtually on WCC’s YouTube channel, making it easy for friends, supporters and partners everywhere to join in celebrating these incredible teams.

Following the online ceremony, WCC will welcome guests to its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland, for an in-person reception to celebrate this special milestone together.

Whether you’ve raised a puppy, volunteered your time, supported WCC’s mission or simply cheered on these incredible dogs from afar, we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate 15 years of healing, connection and service—and send off our newest graduates as they begin changing lives, one partnership at a time.

Graduation Day Details
Virtual Graduation Ceremony
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 11 a.m. ET

Post-Graduation Reception
Saturday, Sept. 26 | 1 p.m. ET
Warrior Canine Connection Healing Quarters
14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

Please note, an RSVP is required to attend the reception; registration will open on Aug. 26 on WCC’s website.
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WCC’s Indy: A Living Legacy

For nearly 15 years, Indy has been doing what he does best: showing up.

He showed up for Army CPT Jason Pak as he learned to navigate life after sustaining life-changing wounds during deployment. He showed up with a wagging tail, a calm presence and, according to Jason, some truly legendary snoring.

Today, at 14½ years old—roughly 101½ in human years—Indy is enjoying his days at Warrior Canine Connection’s Healing Quarters Farm. As the last surviving puppy from WCC’s very first litter, he is more than a beloved service dog. He is a living legacy.

“Every day is a gift,” Jason said.

Born in 2011, Indy was one of only three puppies from WCC’s inaugural litter. In 2014, he was paired with Jason while he was transitioning through outpatient care at Walter Reed.

“I didn’t know much about the impact service dogs could have on a wounded warrior’s road to recovery,” Jason said. “The companionship, being there, was the world to me. It helped me get through, be active and acclimate back to society. I was never lonely with him around.”

As a mobility assistance dog, Indy helped with retrievals and stability support. But it was his personality that left the biggest impression.

“He matched me immediately,” Jason said. “When he had his vest on, he was locked in. Serious work mode. Then we’d get home, the vest would come off, and he was playful. He was a social butterfly.”

At Boeing and later in government offices, Indy became something of a celebrity.

“People I didn’t even know knew Indy,” Jason laughed. “We’d get into the elevator and they’d greet him first. Then I’d introduce myself.”

When Indy retired from service in 2023, Jason wanted to give his longtime partner the retirement he deserved. But as Indy aged, Jason worried about the long hours the senior Labrador spent alone while he traveled for work. A move to a townhouse with multiple flights of stairs added another challenge.

Earlier this year, Jason made a choice rooted entirely in love. He brought Indy to Warrior Canine Connection’s Healing Quarters Farm, where he could enjoy open spaces, canine companionship and attentive care.

“I miss him in my daily life,” Jason said. “But I don’t want to be selfish. Knowing he has space, company and is happy, that’s what I want for him. I want only the best for him.”

The resilient Labrador has already beaten the odds. Nearly two years ago, Indy survived a ruptured spleen due to a tumor.

“We didn’t know if we had a couple months or a couple years,” Jason said. “But month after month, he kept going.”

Recently, caregivers discovered another mass in a location that would be extremely difficult to treat surgically. Given Indy’s age, the decision was made to focus on palliative care, keeping him comfortable, surrounded by friends and enjoying the things he loves most as he enters the final chapter of an extraordinary life.

Even now, Indy remains unmistakably himself.

“He’s still old Indy,” Jason said. “Still driven by food no matter what.”

For Jason, those moments are a reminder that despite everything Indy has endured, he remains the same dog who stood by his side through recovery, work and life’s biggest transitions.

“The impact these dogs have is tremendous,” he said. “They bring people together. Indy was a vital member of our family. He still is.”

As the last living puppy from Warrior Canine Connection’s first litter, Indy represents the beginning of something remarkable. He carries the history of an organization that has transformed lives and the story of a Veteran who found strength, companionship and purpose through an extraordinary dog.

Indy’s return to Warrior Canine Connection’s Healing Quarters Farm has been especially meaningful for the team who knew him from the very beginning.

“Having Indy back in our home feels like everything has come full circle,” said WCC Director of Dog Programs Molly Morelli. “Long before Warrior Canine Connection was even an idea, his mom, Rain, was already part of our pack, and Indy has carried so much of her with him that I’ve never been able to miss the resemblance. Getting to welcome one of our earliest pups home again, after a whole lifetime spent making a difference for other people, is a gift.”

A living legacy. A faithful companion. And proof that the bond between a Veteran and a service dog can last a lifetime.
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WCC’s Jill: Following Her Nose, Safeguarding Communities

Since 2024, something remarkable has been happening at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS)—dogs are helping investigators find what the human eye might miss.

At the center of that effort is Jill, a Labrador retriever from Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), and the first dog placed in NCIS’s Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K-9 program. She lives and works full time with NCIS Program Manager, Special Agent David Lawhorn, accompanying him into the office each day and serving in a role that bridges Veteran service, canine training and federal law enforcement.

The program is part of a growing effort within NCIS to enhance investigations involving hidden digital evidence. The dogs are trained to detect odor signatures associated with electronic storage devices—tools that can be concealed in everyday objects and used in criminal activity involving military families and national security concerns.

But Jill’s story begins far from the kennel and the lab.

David’s path to creating the program started with a long career of service. A former mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, he spent eight years on active duty before joining NCIS in 2005, where he worked civilian law enforcement cases tied to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. A conversation about his younger self ultimately resurfaced a long-dormant ambition.

“If you could talk to your 15-year-old self, what would you tell yourself to do?” he recalled being asked. His answer was immediate: “I always wanted to fly Apache helicopters and work with dogs.”

While one dream had passed, the other became a possibility. That moment set in motion years of research, proposal writing and program development that ultimately led to the launch of the NCIS Electronic Storage Detection K-9 program in 2024. Jill was its first graduate.

Today, she is more than a working dog—she is a daily presence in the office and a steady companion in the field. According to David, her impact extends well beyond operational value.

“If we’re not there, people ask where Jill is,” he said. “Nobody cares if I show up. I’m just the other end of the leash.”

Still, he is quick to emphasize what the dogs enable investigators to do.

“These devices are getting smaller and easier to hide,” David said. “They can be placed inside ordinary objects meant to avoid detection. The dogs help us find what people would otherwise miss.”

Electronic detection dogs, like Jill, are trained to locate hidden storage devices such as memory cards, thumb drives, cell phones and hard drives—items that can be concealed inside ordinary objects like key fobs, wine corks or toy containers. These devices may contain critical digital evidence related to serious crimes, including child exploitation and other criminal activity. By alerting investigators to the presence of electronics, dogs help uncover items that might otherwise go unnoticed during searches.

Jill’s journey began at WCC, where dogs are raised and trained alongside Veterans participating in Mission-Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR). Through the program, Veterans help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors, while supporting their own healing. Some dogs go on to become service dogs for Veterans, while others—guided by their strengths and instincts—choose different paths, including detection work, search and rescue, facility support roles or even life as a beloved pet in a military family.

When WCC dogs reach approximately 18 months of age, they enter the final stage of training, where professional trainers assess command comprehension, confidence in public settings and overall drive to work. While most dogs move into service, facility or military family support roles, some are better suited for alternative paths based on factors such as energy level or motivation. Dogs that may not be suited for traditional service roles, including those with lack of house manners or prey drive, often thrive in detection environments. Training relies entirely on positive reinforcement, with handlers using rewards to shape detection behavior.

“Especially for our high-energy dogs, having the opportunity to use their nose and stay physically busy helps channel their energy productively,” said Jennifer Blessing, a WCC service dog training instructor. “Many of the behaviors that aren’t ideal for assistance work are perfectly suited for detection roles, making it a win-win for dogs that need extra mental stimulation and a clear task to complete.”

For David, Jill is more than a partner on the job—she is the living result of a career shift that turned a personal dream into a capability now serving NCIS every day.

Today, Jill’s work, along with several others who came through WCC, is a powerful reminder that a dog trained to support Veterans can also help protect their families and the communities they call home.
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Finding Peace and a “New Leash on Life”

For Air Force Veteran Allison “Allie” Butts, PTSD Awareness Month isn’t an abstract observance—it’s something she lives every day, and something she now navigates with the steady presence of a 72-pound yellow Labrador Retriever and service dog named Rock.

“I exhale now and feel happy,” she says, almost surprised by how natural that feeling has become. When she reflects on her journey with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), she puts it even more simply: “I like to say WCC gave me a new leash on life.”

Allie first learned about WCC a couple of years ago through a Veterans Service Center in Silver Spring, Maryland, during what she describes as one of the most difficult periods of her life.

Still, something about that visit stayed with her.

“Mar (assistant director of WCC’s MBTR programs) brought Toyomi out to me, and we took a walk down the long driveway to the WCC sign. Something shifted in me in that moment—I didn’t want it to end,” she recalls. “I still have the photo from that day, and when things get hard, I go back to it to ground myself. I knew then my life would never be the same.”

That moment became a turning point. She returned to WCC again—and again—slowly finding herself more engaged each time.

At first, Allie thought she was simply there to heal herself. But through Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR)—WCC’s hands-on, purpose-driven approach that pairs Warriors with service dog training activities designed to help both the Veteran and the dog recover, learn and grow—her perspective began to expand.

She participated in MBTR training sessions, puppy yoga at Platoon 22 and volunteered at the Healing Quarters, all while gradually taking on more hands-on work with WCC service dogs in training.

“I started all of this thinking it was just to help myself,” she says. “But then I realized I’m helping someone else who has been in my position—what we’re doing here can potentially save a life and help reconnect a family.”

As Allie’s involvement grew, so did her confidence. She moved from early socialization work into independent handling, eventually even stepping into moments that pushed her far outside her comfort zone.

One of those moments was speaking publicly for the first time since being in the military—at a WCC Puppy Raiser education event, where Allie shared her MBTR experience.

“I was terrified,” she says. “But everyone has been so kind to me along the way. I haven’t experienced that since I got out of the military.”

A former Air Force Security Forces member, Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Instructor and Military Training Instructor with nearly 15 years of service, Allie was medically retired after an epilepsy diagnosis. Her transition to civilian life was marked by instability, recovery and many ups and downs.

“I would like to credit my mother, my family and friends and WCC as major anchors in that progress,” shared Allie. “I’m not embarrassed anymore to say how this has saved my life. It stopped me from committing suicide, it’s stopped me from making poor decisions, helped my get healthy and want to help other Veterans to do the same for themselves and their families and friends.”

Today, Rock is her partner in every sense of the word. The two are preparing to graduate together as part of WCC’s Class of 2026, and their bond continues to deepen through daily work and routine.

“Rock has shown me it is okay to ask for help and to accept myself for who I am on the good days and on the bad,” said Allie. “I am looking forward to so many more wonderful days with him right by my side. I love him so much and I tell him every day.”

Rock—an affectionate, playful pup born on April Fool’s Day—has become a grounding presence for Allie, especially during moments of stress or PTSD triggers like loud or sudden noises, lights and memories.

“He just knows,” she says. “He taps my foot, comes close, he looks me in the eye, snuggles and it calms me down.”

Rock was named in honor of Sergeant William “Bill” Green, Sr., a Marine Corps and Vietnam Veteran, retired police officer and Maryland native whose legacy of service aligns closely with Allie’s own background in security forces and military service. Allie says she hopes to meet him in person one day soon.

Looking back on her experience, she is quick to highlight not just the dogs, but the people who helped her get here.

“It’s not even just about the dogs,” Allie says. “The people there are so kind. You’re part of the family—even before you’re matched with a dog. It’s comparable to the camaraderie I felt in the military.”

Her advice to other Veterans is simple: stay open, have faith, there is always hope.

“Just remember that WCC is a no-fail mission and if you believe in yourself and those around you, good things will follow,” she shared.

For Allie, that openness didn’t just lead to a program—it led to stability, connection and a steady partner walking beside her on a very different path forward.
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By the Numbers: Volunteer Impact in 2025

Volunteer impact isn’t just part of the story at Warrior Canine Connection — it is the story. 

In 2025 alone, 838 dedicated volunteers gave 137,507 hours of their time, generating an extraordinary $4.7 million in impact. Every one of those hours helped train service dogs and support the healing journeys of Veterans and Military Families. 

That impact includes 101 Veteran volunteers and 213 Military Family volunteers whose lived experiences strengthen the very community we serve, along with corporate partners who contributed 787 hours of hands-on support. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we celebrate more than numbers — we celebrate the hands, hearts and commitment that move this mission forward every single day.

“We celebrate every role and every hand that gives to WCC — those who care for the dogs in the kennels, those who nurture our moms and babies, the volunteers who prepare meals for our veterans when they are matched, our devoted sitters and our dedicated puppy raisers,” said Molly Elmore, WCC volunteer program manager. “Each act of service, whether quiet or visible, carries a heartfelt impact. I am profoundly grateful that our diverse group of volunteers are united by a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves.”  

If you’ve ever considered getting involved, there’s a place for you here. Whether you can give a few hours or make a deeper commitment, your time can help change lives. We invite you to learn more about joining our volunteer community and becoming part of this mission in action. Learn more about how you can get involved here. 
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Peer-to-Peer: Rally Your Pack for WCC

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is putting the power of purpose into your hands—inviting supporters to turn their passion into impact with the launch of its new Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising program.

The program makes it easy and fun to rally your own “pack” in support of WCC’s mission. Whether you choose to fundraise on your own, start a team with friends and family, or join an existing group, every effort helps fuel the training of life-changing service dogs for Veterans. Supporters can turn almost any meaningful moment into a P2P fundraiser. Common occasions and life events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or graduations are powerful opportunities to give back and invite others to do the same.

“Because of our supporters, we’ve already changed lives—this new platform is how we change even more,” said WCC Annual Giving Manager Jen Ashley. “This program gives our community the power to turn their passion into real, measurable impact for the Veterans we serve by using their voices and their stories to inspire others to give in ways we never could alone. By empowering our supporters to fundraise, we are unlocking entirely new networks of generosity.”

The platform, hosted securely through Click & Pledge, is an extension of WCC’s existing online donation platform. Getting started is simple: personalize your fundraising page with your story, your “why” and even photos that bring your connection to life.

Officially kicking off April 22, WCC is leading by example with a special birthday fundraiser in honor of its fearless leader and founder Rick Yount, and we’re inviting our entire pack of supporters to join in and give back in his name. But you can get an early sneak peek by clicking here!

What makes the P2P program especially powerful is the personal touch—and that’s where you come in. The most impactful fundraisers are the ones that feel authentic and uniquely you. Celebrate a birthday like Rick, turn a workout into a challenge, host a small gathering or create a tribute page for a Veteran or service dog who inspires you. Share your “why,” add a few photos and invite your circle to be part of it.

Getting started is easy. The platform walks you through each step with a simple, user-friendly setup—and if you need help, WCC team members are always ready to jump in.

And don’t worry—every donor will automatically receive a thank-you message, so everyone who gives knows just how much they’re appreciated. For those leading a campaign, it’s also a chance to bring people together around a cause that changes lives.

So, take a page from Rick’s birthday fundraiser, have a little fun with it and make it your own. Interested in starting a fundraiser? Our Development team is happy to help — reach them at giving@warriorcanineconnection.org.
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How Connection Built a Volunteer Community at WCC

If the “six degrees of separation” theory suggests we’re all connected through a handful of relationships, the community at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) proves it might be even simpler: sometimes it only takes one puppy.

For many of WCC’s earliest volunteers, that connection started online—watching a litter of puppies on the Explore.org puppy cam. Viewers from across the country gathered in the chat, bonding over late-night puppy antics and a shared admiration for WCC’s mission to train service dogs alongside Veterans. Over time, those watchers became more than usernames. They became a community.

At the center of it all was WCC co-founder Molly Morelli, who regularly joined the chat to answer questions and connect with viewers.

“She was so open with talking to everyone through the chat for so long,” recalled WCC volunteer Ericka Johanek. “People knew each other by their usernames.”

One of those usernames belonged to Alice Belthoff, who discovered the puppy cam in 2012 while watching a litter affectionately known as Holly’s Half Dozen. Like many others, she became a regular—helping gather questions and building connections that extended far beyond the screen.

That spirit of engagement quickly took on a name. One day, Molly jokingly referred to the devoted watchers as “Extreme Puppy Watchers,” or EPWs—and the nickname stuck.

What began online soon became something more. Viewers started visiting WCC’s original Brookeville campus for “puppy petting,” eager to meet the dogs—and each other—in person.

Others followed a similar path. Ericka, who discovered the puppy cam through family, made the trip with her children after chatting with Molly online.

“We drove up on a Saturday morning,” she said. “That first day, we came as strangers. But it didn’t take long before we felt like part of something bigger.”

Soon, that sense of belonging spread. Volunteers like Lee Snyder, BettyAnn Marrone, Julie Hansen, Jean Wolfe, Sandy Rosenberg, Karen Ball and countless others stepped in to help in meaningful ways—from launching the EPWs’ Facebook community to securing materials that helped transform a garage into what would become WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center.

For many, those early experiences became life changing. What started as a simple visit or shared moment online evolved into lasting friendships, new passions and a deep commitment to WCC’s mission.

In 2013, that growing community came together for the first-ever volunteer “Paw-ty.” Despite pouring rain, more than 100 people traveled to Brookeville to celebrate the connections they had formed through WCC.

That same spirit carried into WCC’s first service dog graduation, where volunteers helped cook, organize and honor the life-changing partnerships between Veterans and their service dogs.

Over the years, the EPWs have remained a vital part of WCC’s volunteer network. While involvement has evolved, the relationships have endured—often becoming a source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.

For EPW Sandy Goga, that connection became deeply personal.

“Losing loved ones left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill, but WCC and the EPWs brought me companionship and connection when I needed it most,” said Goga. “The friendships I’ve built through this community have been a lifeline, they’ve given me strength, purpose and a way forward.”

Stories like Sandy’s reflect what has always set this community apart: a shared purpose that extends well beyond the puppies themselves.

Today, WCC’s volunteer family stretches far beyond those early puppy cam watchers. But the heart of it remains unchanged—people brought together to support Veterans through the healing power of service dogs.

And during Volunteer Appreciation Month, WCC celebrates the thousands of volunteers whose connections, whether through a puppy cam, a campus visit or a shared mission,  continue to make that impact possible.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one small connection to change countless lives.
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Stronger Together: WCC and Wounded Warrior Project Partner to Power Connection and Healing

When organizations share a deep commitment to serving Veterans, collaboration becomes more than a partnership — it becomes a powerful way to expand impact and reach more lives together. 

That spirit has been on full display as Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) teamed up to host two Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions in the Pittsburgh area. Together, the events offered area Veterans an introduction to WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and reinforced what’s possible when like-minded organizations work side by side. 

While MBTR is traditionally delivered as an eight-week program, these sessions were designed as one-day, hands-on experiences for Veterans connected through WWP to engage with service dogs in training and with one another. During MBTR, Veterans learn how to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In the process, they also build skills such as communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation and patience — promoting an act of service while experiencing therapeutic benefits themselves. 

“Sessions like this open people’s eyes to just how powerful dogs can be,” said Sue Watson, WCC Pittsburgh program manager and service dog training instructor. “The impact is incredible — and even if it’s just for an afternoon, you can feel the camaraderie, the connection and the lift it gives everyone in the room.” 

Each gathering welcomed a small group, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. The sessions began with food and introductions before five service dogs in training — WCC’s Poyner, Jimmy, Lego, Ski and Ash — took center stage alongside their Puppy Raisers, who shared the significance behind the dogs’ namesakes and their roles in their journeys. 

Participants were guided through a mini MBTR experience, learning core principles such as the stages of canine learning, the “yes” marker, bonding, check-ins and introductory training commands. Veterans observed stress cueing and interacted directly with the dogs, applying what they learned in real time. 

“For me, the hypervigilance is always there … that feeling that you have to keep looking over your shoulder,” said Tim Nicotra, Air Force Veteran. “But when I’m out with a WCC dog, I know he has my back. Instead of scanning everything around me, I can focus on him and just be in the moment. Even after finishing the eight-week MBTR program, I keep coming back because working with the dogs is so positive. I also want people to understand how much these dogs can help — and how much unconditional love they give.” 

All participating Veterans were connected through WWP, underscoring the organization’s commitment to ensuring Veterans have access to a wide range of programs and partners that support their wellbeing. 

“We believe the strongest outcomes for Veterans happen when organizations stop operating in silos and start amplifying each other’s strengths,” said Ashley Bunce, WWP’s director of community partnerships and investments. “WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery model is exactly the kind of purposeful, proven programming we’ve been proud to stand behind since 2020. Bringing WWP-connected Veterans into these sessions means more warriors have access to healing pathways they may never have found otherwise. That’s the power of a true ecosystem of care.” 

WWP’s support of WCC reflects its broader investment in strengthening the ecosystem of nonprofits dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. By collaborating on MBTR sessions, and exploring recurring opportunities, WWP is helping expand access to mission-driven approaches to alternative therapy, connection and recovery. Warriors are benefiting from the physiological and psychological animal-human connection. 

For many Veterans, the experience goes far beyond learning dog training techniques. Working side by side toward a shared goal fosters trust and teamwork, creating a renewed sense of connection and purpose. Just as meaningful is the opportunity to spend time with fellow Veterans in an environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and grounded in something positive. 

Together, these sessions demonstrate how collaboration can amplify impact — creating new interventions for engagement, healing and connection. Learn more about how you can get involved with either of these organizations by visiting:  www.woundedwarriorproject.org and www.warriorcanineconnection.org. 
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Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org


Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579