June Marks Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month

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June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. As a service dog organization that supports Service Members and Veterans with both visible and invisible wounds, we’ve seen some of the best therapy come with four legs and a wet nose. For those who suffer from PTSD, canine-assisted therapy can be a huge help with recognizing triggers, reducing anxiety, and increasing social integration, among many other benefits.

This month and every month, WCC is committing to help fight the stigma around PTSD, providing support to and advocating for Service Members and Veterans who are battling PTSD. In fact, WCC is proud to have been chosen to staff two of the five sites for the Puppies Assisting Wounded Service Members and Veterans Therapy Act (PAWS Act) pilot program being provided under the auspices of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This program will provide canine training to eligible Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD as a complementary and integrative health program.

One Veteran who participated in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program anonymously shared, “My mindset was pretty combative, and I brought the war home with me when I returned from my first and second deployment in 2010 and 2012. When I tried to get a job, go to college, I struggled. When I started with Warrior Canine Connection, I didn’t know how to pretend to be happy. No amount of social discomfort was going to stop me from learning how to up my pitch a little bit to help these dogs out because these really are amazing animals and anything I give in to helping them, I feel I get back tenfold. I like to say I’m volunteering but what I don’t tell people is that the dogs are really helping me. The benefits of working with the dogs have helped me feel that I’m becoming a functional member of our society and the satisfaction that I get from that is hard to quantify.”

It’s important to note that training service dogs or having one isn’t a magic pill to combat PTSD—it takes a lot of hard work, time, and commitment. And it’s one of many effective, integrative treatments endorsed by the medical community to support Veterans battling PTSD. The key is to know that help is available, find the options that work best for you, and know that you are not alone.

If you or someone you know need is interested in WCC’s MBTR training, you can learn more here. And if you’re unsure where to turn first, please know the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7.

Thank You, WCC Volunteers!

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Volunteers are the lifeblood of Warrior Canine Connection. This month and every month, we are grateful to all the amazing volunteers who support our organization. Your time and talents truly help change Veterans’ lives. Not only that, but your contributions also significantly impact WCC’s bandwidth, budget, and ability to provide programming.

Here’s a snapshot of the impact volunteers made on WCC in 2021 (note infographic to the right).

A total of 526 volunteers assisted WCC for a record-breaking 87,376 hours donated across 13 program sites. That manpower accounts for a major cost savings to WCC, valued at $2,493,711 ($28.54 per hour) — all while helping to serve 526 Veterans through 3,997 hours of animal-assisted therapy.

So why do they do it? A few WCC volunteers share “their why” with us below.

“Volunteering with WCC means I get to be a link in the chain reaction each puppy starts from birth, with saving a veteran’s life who will then in turn change everyone else’s lives around them for the better.”
Deborah Logan, WCC Volunteer since 2020


“When I first signed up to be a WCC volunteer (as a puppy sitter) to be quite honest it was all about the love of puppies. As I learned more about the WCC programs and the incredible Veteran and military community they serve it soon turned into Fur the love of Veterans. The puppies are a wonderful and joyful bonus. Though neither myself nor my husband (who is also a volunteer) are veterans we come from a long history of them. Both of our grandfathers, fathers, uncles and my brother have all served in the US military in both the Army and Air Force. I love my volunteer jobs with WCC. It gives me a sense of community, I’ve developed many friendships with WCC employees, I’ve watched numerous litters grow up and change lives.”
Jerri Hatch, WCC Volunteer since 2016

“I’m currently Nathan’s puppy parent. I volunteer to learn how to train dogs, relieve stress, and make a helpful impact for WCC.”
John Alsterda, WCC Volunteer since 2018

“I have always been passionate about animals and know the impact that a service dog has in a person’s life. I saw it as a child. I have always had a profound respect for individuals that serve our country. Being able to volunteer in this way is a gift. Being a volunteer has taught me a lot about myself. There are no words to describe the relationship between a dog team. I see the benefits and love a dog brings to my own life and then see the greater impact one has on a veteran or veteran family.”
Krista Vega, WCC Volunteer since 2019

“I never served in the Military, although I was a Military wife.  I started at WCC to honor my Dad, a Navy Veteran who passed in 2015.  He wanted to volunteer with Veterans after he retired but unfortunately passed before he got the chance.  It is also a way for me to serve our Military and Veterans.”
Lisa Pendleton, WCC Volunteer since 2015

“My dad is a service-disabled veteran. I grew up raising search and rescue bloodhounds with my grandfather. Becoming a WCC volunteer was the opportunity that allowed me to reconnect with what I always wanted to do as a kid: work with dogs every day, but also do that work for an amazing cause that is so important to me: supporting our veteran population. Seeing my service dog in training work with a veteran in the Mission Based Trauma Recovery program changed me forever. Seeing both the veteran and the dog benefit from the working relationship was incredible. I want to make that experience available to more veterans and raise a service dog that will change a veteran’s life.”
Bridget Forney, WCC Volunteer since 2020

“After losing our family dog in early 2021, we wanted to have a dog in our life while also giving back to our community. WCC rather serendipitously entered our lives, it’s seemed meant to be! We love knowing we are helping veterans, especially as the satellite dogs work with veterans as part of their treatment. We also love being representatives of WCC and sharing the story of the great work they do!”
Tegan Kopilenko (and sons Bennett and William), WCC Volunteer since 2021


Again, thank you to all of you, our amazing volunteers, we couldn’t do it without you!

Are you interested in volunteering for WCC? Check out our current opportunities here.

Veteran Service Organizations Team Up to Serve Warriors in the Bay Area

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Both nonprofits that support Veterans in the Bay Area, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and Swords to Plowshares (Swords) teamed up in 2020 to provide WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) service dog training as part of Swords’ programming for the Veterans it serves but the pandemic had other plans — it was put on pause before it had gotten a chance to get off the ground. 

In 2021, as COVID-19 restrictions eased, the partnership and its programming started back up, first working in small groups outdoors at two of Swords’ locations — the Veterans Academy in Presidio and the Edwin M. Lee Apartments in Mission Bay, where the organization supports previously homeless, low-income and at-risk Veterans.

Shelley Smith is a WCC service dog training instructor who leads the MBTR training for the program. So, how does it work? Veterans involved learn to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans, facilitating a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veterans involved can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit. 

“It’s a win-win for both the dogs and the Veterans — the dogs are getting great practical experience with a diverse population of Veterans, many of whom may experience mobility challenges similar to those the Service Dog will later support, and the Veterans are learning new skills and also benefiting from the patience, understanding and other positives that come from working with the dogs,” said Smith. 

And judging by this comment shared by a participant who asked to remain anonymous, the program is having a positive impact.

“I am always very stressed before a session, and after spending time working with the dogs, I feel 100% better and ready to accomplish my day.”

Allison Champagne, a peer support specialist for Swords to Plowshares, says out of all its program offerings, the service dog training program has become its most popular.

“I have merely been a spectator or facilitator. In my time watching these training sessions, I have seen a fairly dramatic shift in the attitude and behavior of veterans who otherwise have been known to be shy, reserved, anxious, and reclusive,” said Champagne. “After fostering a strong connection in the training process and the care of the dog, this group of Veterans has become committed, consistent, great at establishing relationships, patient, open to asking questions, vulnerable in a group setting, and confident being a leader and teacher.” 

 Champagne added, aside from the benefits participants gain from the program, what may be even more profound is that it also allows for the Veterans to give back to other Veterans.

Terry Reece: The Puppy Porter of the Sky

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Terry Reece has always had a passion for travel. And dogs. He managed to successfully combine his love of both, and to date, has helped transport 116 dogs and puppies for Assistance Dog International-accredited organizations, including Warrior Canine Connection, to and from locations all over the U.S. and Canada. 

Terry spent 33 years working for American Airlines before retiring last year. He was, as he says, “a behind-the-scenes guy,” working in the Passenger Tariffs Department. Roughly seven years ago, he saw an internal post requesting volunteers to help with the company’s Puppies in Flight program, which uses employee volunteers to transport puppies and older assistance dogs to ADI-accredited trainers and programs, and he jumped at the opportunity. 

“It’s like dogs are almost built into my DNA, so when I saw the call for volunteers and training, I immediately responded,” said Terry. “I liked it so much … flying with the puppies on the plane is a rather enjoyable experience, so I continued to do it. It’s for such a good purpose … it helps these programs out, it helps them to fulfill their missions, and I made a promise to a very close relative a long, long time ago that was unable to take advantage of a service animal before he passed, so this kind of helps me fulfill a promise, too.” 

And fulfill that promise he has … for the past six-plus years, roughly twice a month, Terry has boarded a flight to pick up a puppy or a dog and traveled to pick him or her up and then delivered him or her to their new training site, home and the next step in their future. The locations and dogs change but there’s a recurring theme on all those trips. 

“I have had on more than one occasion — almost verbatim — have someone say ‘oh, this flight just got a whole lot better’ more times than I can recount,” says Terry. “And let’s face it, having a puppy onboard tends to have a calming influence for the entire trip, which we can all use, especially these days.” 

Terry has transported quite a few dogs for Assistance Dogs of the West (ADI), a partner program of WCC’s, and through ADI, learned about WCC’s programming.

“Thanks to volunteers like Terry, and American Airline’s Puppies in Flight program, we have been able to get service dogs in training to locations where they can get plugged into training and best serve our Veterans in need,” said Molly Morelli, director of dog programs, Warrior Canine Connection. “We are so appreciative of all the support, and the whole process has formed this amazing little community of people who just want to help others, it’s pretty remarkable. Terry’s volunteer efforts are just one more example of how these dogs are helping to form new bonds, new relationships, and positively impacting lives.” 

But the job isn’t always glamorous. With travel layovers and cancellations, there are sometimes challenges along the way. 

“I have to be quite diplomatic because everyone always wants to pet the dogs,” said Terry. “I see it as a great opportunity to educate people about service dogs. Overall, the people come up and ask about the dog, the vest they’re wearing, and that’s my opportunity to do the advocacy piece and talk about these organizations that are doing great things with these dogs. It really does engage a lot of passengers because they’re so curious about the dog not being in the kennel and wearing a vest.” 

As you might imagine, Terry has had his share of both touching as well as laughable moments while transporting puppies and dogs. 

“I learned that I don’t care a lot for these airports that are totally carpeted [laughs],” but it’s not a big deal, I always have plenty of pee pads with me,” said Terry. “I learned to always carry puppies off the plane after a few hours and get them to a relief area or to put them down on a pee pad.” 

Terry admits that more than a dog or two have tugged at his heartstrings over the years.

“In the first few trips I did, I did tear up a time or two, but thank goodness, I am a Saint Bernard guy [laughs],” said Terry. “I did have a talk with myself afterward that I can’t react like that it — it’s not about me, it’s about helping someone else you may likely never meet and do something good that will help someone else.” 

WCC would like to extend a very special thank you to Terry and volunteers like him who give so much of themselves to help Veterans. 

Shooshan’s Gift Boosts WCC’s Efforts

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John Shooshan, president and CEO of the Shooshan Company, a privately owned investor and full-service development group, built his career in real estate. Now, thanks to his philanthropic giving, he’s helping Warrior Canine Connection build its program and reach in support of Veterans. 

“I have always had an admiration for our military and am a big fan, and virtually all my life, I’ve had dogs, so Warrior Canine Connection is a great intersection of both of those things,” said Shooshan. 

This year, John’s generous support allowed WCC to hire a new service dog trainer position and provided for the purchase of a new skid steer to support its facilities and construction efforts. He has committed to additional funding over the next four years that will support the continued salary of the trainer.  

“Multi-year support from friends, like John, is so important to WCC,” said Jennifer Wilder, director of development at WCC. “His thoughtful gift is not only helping us build capacity so that we can support more Veterans today, but also far into the future. History tells us that the invisible wounds of war will not quickly diminish. John’s gift is helping us be prepared to provide WCC services to Veterans however long they are needed.” 

John says his affinity for the military started when he was young; his father served in World War II, and he had hoped to follow in his father’s footsteps. At the time of his high school graduation, a parent’s written consent was required to enlist in the military. His father encouraged John to go to school for a year first and then decide. He got involved in school and sports and time marched on. 

“I think I would have been a better person had I served, one regret I have is that I didn’t have the courage to go back and do that, so I’ve always held our military in the highest esteem because they had the courage to do that and take those steps,” said John.  

John and his company have built several buildings for the Department of Defense and the intelligence industry. He says he spent more than half of his career trying to find ways to serve where he couldn’t when he was younger. And providing for WCC is one more way. 

“If you’ve had dogs, you know they’re unique and very different from people,” said Shooshan. “Someone once told me that dog spelled backward is God, they’re just such affectionate, caring, and kind creatures, and they provide a safe, physical and spiritual connection, especially for people who have been scarred physically or emotionally. And what I really like about Warrior Canine Connection’s unique training process is that it isn’t a one-for-one program — it has the capacity to impact so many Veterans’ lives along the way.”

John and his granddaughter, Lucy, recently visited WCC’s Healing Quarters (see photo above) and had the opportunity to cuddle some future service dogs. Although small, snuggly, and adorable, he remarked that each one holds so much promise to impact so many Veterans’ lives in the future.  

“We don’t have this country without the sacrifices for what our military has made for us,” said John. “We live in the greatest country in the world, but we often lose sight of the fact that there are individuals and families that make huge sacrifices when we go to war. God forbid they don’t come home, these wars come at a price and these families chose to protect our country and it’s our duty to support them every way we can.” 

Thank you, John, for your generous support and continued partnership. 

New Faces at WCC

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Warrior Canine Connection’s pack has grown! We are excited to introduce you to two new members of our team.

Michele Tate
Michele joined WCC in mid-November 2021 as a service dog training instructor at WCC’s program in Asheville, North Carolina. She has vast experience working with a wide variety of breeds and temperaments, as well as service and rescue organizations. In her role, she will oversee the puppy program and work closely with WCC’s highly valued puppy parents.

Michele graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She then received her training at Starmark Dog Training Academy, where she specialized in task training and behavior modification.

Prior to coming to WCC, Michele spent four years working with service dogs and Veterans, so this is not new territory to her. She says the military population is one she’s always been interested in supporting, as she has a partner who is a Veteran and family members who are Veterans and active-duty Service Members.

“It’s been amazing to see how quickly WCC’s purpose-bred dogs pick up on skills, how calm and easy going they are,” said Michele. “Of course, they have well-rounded lives with puppy parents, exposure to people, sounds, and other stimuli from the time they’re only a few weeks old and then formalized training … but it’s been magical to watch that come together.”

Michele has two dogs, Brin and Red, and when not at WCC, she enjoys swimming, riding her bike, cooking, and reading.

 

Suzanne Brown
In late November, we also welcomed Suzanne Brown as a service dog training instructor who will work in a part-time capacity at our Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland. Suzanne graduated from the Coast Guard Academy with a bachelor’s in Naval Architecture & Marine Engineering, and she earned advanced engineering degrees at the University of Michigan. She served over 25 years active duty in the U.S. Coast Guard before retiring as a Captain in 2020.

Suzanne has volunteered at WCC for the past few years and served in almost every volunteer role from whelping/puppy watcher to puppy parent and she helped coordinate WCC’s Inaugural Ruff Mutter event.

She has extensive experience with the MBTR program, where she discovered her passion for training service dogs, both as a participant and running WCC’s Extended Veteran Program for fellow Veterans who complete the MBTR program and want to continue training service dogs for fellow Veterans.

“I came to know WCC at a really rough time in my life and they really helped me through that,” says Suzanne. “I have seen firsthand the impact that working with the dogs has as well as the difference a service dog can make on a Veteran’s life. WCC’s programs, both the placement of service dogs and utilizing military members and Veterans to help train the service dogs in training, have not only helped me but so many military members and Veterans in their recovery process. Those invisible wounds are real and it’s hard to explain but the dogs have such a tremendously positive impact. I came in at the right time, and now I want to actively help others through WCC’s mission.”

Outside of work, Suzanne enjoys spending time with Baxter, her 14-year-old pet Golden Retriever. Suzanne also used to compete in triathlons and says she is focusing on becoming more active. Suzanne is also a volunteer coach for adaptive/para-swimming and triathlons.

End of Year Giving: A New Family Holiday Tradition

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Stephanie and Christopher Wilson consider themselves lucky; they have a roof over their heads, good jobs, and two healthy daughters, Madeline, 10, and Lydia, 8. As they talked about the upcoming holiday season as a family, they realized there’s nothing they really “need” but know that’s not the case for many others, which sparked an idea — and the start of a new family tradition.  

Each daughter was given two $10 gift certificates to Global Giving so they could choose a cause they wanted to support to help others. Low and behold, Warrior Canine Connection was one of the selections for Lydia. An animal-lover, she selected WCC and a second organization that supports horses.  

“It felt good because it was the gift that mommy was giving us to give to something else, so it felt the gift was to give, and I feel like giving is sometimes better than receiving,” said Lydia. “It just felt good to help out and I hope I get to do it again next year.” 

Her sister, Madeline, knew she wanted to do something to help children, so she selected a food bank and a second organization that supports rescue dogs. 

“It was my first time, but it was exciting and also hard because there are so many great causes I wanted to support,” said Madeline. “It was really nice … I’ve made presents and gotten presents before, but it felt really nice to give something to someone or an animal that really needed it. I mean, I just felt it was really nice to be part of something that was helping people.” 

Pretty sage words for 8 and 10-year-olds. And mom Stephanie, couldn’t be prouder. 

“They were really excited, it was really cool, they were very excited about looking through the different nonprofits and were really interested in watching the videos and learning about different organizations,” said Stephanie. “Lydia turned to me and said ‘mama, this really was a cool present.’ This was definitely a winner, and we will keep doing this.”

The fact that they both chose animal-related organizations came as no surprise to Stephanie, as they have a well-loved 4.5-year-old Lab, Skye, at home. 

“He is cute … and he wags his tail all the time, even when he’s throwing up,” shared Lydia. (Side note: Mom explained through laughter that Skye is perfectly healthy and rarely gets sick but that some things just stick out in children’s minds.)  

Madeline added, “I think he [Skye] has a very cute, very sweet personality … he’s loving and sweet but also a little bit bumbling. He’s a Lab, he loves his people and his food.” 

Of course, both Madeline and Lydia are also excited about another annual tradition — Santa’s upcoming visit. Judging by their interest in helping others, it’s safe to say both of them will be on his “nice list.” 

End-of-year giving of any amount makes a huge impact for many nonprofits, including WCC. All donations are tax-deductible and help WCC breed, train and provide highly skilled assistance dogs to wounded Veterans and Military Families at absolutely no cost to them. If you would like to follow the Wilsons’ lead, and start your own year-end giving tradition, visit https://warriorcanineconnection.org/get-involved/donate/  

WCC’s 2021 Holiday Gift Guide

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The holidays are just around the corner! Have you made your list and checked it twice? We are sharing some great gift ideas that your friends and family will not only love but that will also support WCC’s programs by purchasing at the same time.

WCC 2021 Ornament 
An annual tradition since 2014, this year’s ornament design features a round metal enamel design showcasing “10” for WCC’s milestone anniversary. The ornament includes a blue ribbon for ease of hanging. 

WCC 2022 Cuteness Calendars
Ready to turn the page on 2021? You’re in luck, as the WCC 2022 calendars are also available, complete with adorable photos of some of the lovable WCC pups you’ve come to know and love. 

Paracord Bracelet
This unisex bracelet isn’t only good-looking, it’s functional! A paracord bracelet can be used to tie up gear, make shelter, fish for food, and various other uses, which makes them extremely useful in the outdoors. Its nylon construction can withstand nature’s elements, making it the go-to survival tool in emergency preparation kits.  

To check out these great items and others, visit WCC’s online store here.  

Thank You to Our Generous Donors

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Wow! Thanks to the generosity and support from hundreds of donors, Warrior Canine Connection raised $40,627 during Giving Tuesday. We would like to say a heartfelt *thank you* to all the amazing donors who helped make this year’s day of giving such a success! 

If you’re not familiar with its observance, Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past nine years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity. 

Thanks to all of you, these much-appreciated funds will support WCC’s No-Fail Mission to Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds. 

However, our work is far from done. More than 500,000 Veterans are suffering from the invisible wounds of war, and WCC’s unique form of animal-assisted therapy and placement of highly trained service dogs is proven to help Veterans in need. Help us assist our nation’s recovering Warriors by donating now. 

Leaving a Legacy

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A former international model, world traveler, government employee, and more, Kay, 84, has packed eight-plus decades of adventure, relationships, and lessons in her life’s journey.

With an infectious sense of humor, Kay jokingly muses over her new adventures — adapting to macular degeneration and hearing issues. But in the next breath, her tone turns grateful for Cindy, her sister, who has been helping her adapt to her new life changes.

Kay says a lot of people don’t like to talk about it, but age has given her comfort with her own mortality. It’s also given her cause to think about what she wants to leave behind when she’s no longer around. That’s why she elected to leave a portion of her estate to Warrior Canine Connection in her will.

“I was made aware of Warrior Canine Connection by my nephew who is a retired Marine,” said Kay. “He talked to me about it because I’m at a stage of my life where I need to make those plans. I’m grateful to leave something behind and to leave the money with those who I think are going to spend it well and do good with it, and I’m tickled to death to support this organization in particular.”

Military service has strong roots in Kay’s family. She was married to Clark, who has since passed, but spent his career as an engineer in the Marine Corps. Her nephew (Cindy’s son) was an explosive ordnance disposal tech in the Marines. And her oldest great nephew is currently attending The U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

“It’s a population that has not been served as well as they should have been,” said Kay. “We are a fairly small family, and we have ties to and history and support of military service, so we’ve always felt strongly about the military and helping others. I’m from a small town, and we have small-town values, which usually involves helping out other people … we like to look out, rather than look in.”

On her many visits, Cindy totes along her laptop so she and Kay can enjoy watching the WCC live puppy cam on Explore.org together — a simple pleasure that brings both comfort and joy.

“We’ve had the puppy cam on all day … we’re watching the little dickens that became king of the hill, started an uproar with the others, and then they all went to sleep,” says Kay chuckling.

Kay says she’s lived a happy, interesting life, and she’s pleased to not only chat and share stories but to also know a piece of her will be passed along after she’s gone.

“It’s my hope that my story might encourage other people to do the same,” said Kay. “It’s wonderful to see the money go to where it will do good.”

Discover how easy it is to support Warrior Canine Connection beyond a lifetime. To learn more, visit https://warriorcanineconnection.org/get-involved/donate/

Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org

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