WCC Celebrates 2024 Graduates; Dedicates Renovated Barn

Photo credit: Akash Raghu

On Saturday, September 21, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) marked its 13th annual graduation with an inspiring virtual celebration. The ceremony honored Veterans and their newly partnered assistance dogs, highlighting the incredible transformations these partnerships create. Admiral James Hancock, a retired Navy medical leader, delivered a powerful keynote address. Attendees were also treated to moving videos showcasing each Veteran’s journey and the unbreakable bond they now share with their life-changing, four-legged companions.

After the virtual graduation, over 600 guests — including past and current graduates, family members, puppy parents, and WCC supporters — gathered at the Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. for an afternoon of fun. It was a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine, delicious Mission BBQ, live music by Lulu’s World Rock Band, and great conversations with fellow Veterans and supporters.

As if that wasn’t enough excitement, WCC also officially dedicated its newly renovated historic dairy barn — The WCC Angel Training Center — named for the beloved family dog of Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, whose leadership and generosity, among many others, helped make the project possible. Angel brought years of joy and love to their family, and we’re excited to see this state-of-the-art facility help us support even more Veterans. (Check out highlights from the celebration and dedication here.)

The newly dedicated Angel Training Center has deep historical significance. Originally constructed in 1938, the barn was designed by the University of Maryland as a dairy facility with the mission of providing milk to troops stationed in the National Capitol Region during World War II. Rather than demolishing the structure, WCC felt strongly about preserving this important piece of history. Now, almost 100 years later, the barn has been thoughtfully renovated and repurposed to continue serving Veterans — this time as a state-of-the-art training facility for service dogs, helping to support Veterans in a new but equally impactful way.

The newly transformed Angel Training Center has received some major upgrades for both the staff and the service dogs. For the staff, there are now dedicated workstations, meeting spaces, restrooms, and even a food prep area to make daily operations more efficient. For the dogs, the facility includes a large, modern training space, kennels, grooming areas, and a laundry nook — everything needed to ensure the pups are well taken care of and properly trained to support Veterans.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many generous individuals and organizations whose contributions made the Angel Training Center a reality. Special thanks go to Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, the State of Maryland, Julie Walters, a private family foundation, Davis Construction, Montgomery County, Associated General Contractors of America and John and Marcia Shooshan for their leadership and support, as well as the hundreds of individuals who contributed to this incredible project. Your generosity has helped create a lasting impact for our Veterans and service dogs!

All in all, WCC’s 2024 graduation was a truly awesome reminder of the vital role service dogs play in transforming the lives of Veterans. It was a day filled with wagging tails, heartfelt thanks and the comforting knowledge that these new teams will face the future together — side by side, and leash in hand.

If you missed the virtual graduation ceremony or you’d like to watch it again, you can view it online here.

 

###

Honoring Allen Whitwell: A Legacy of Devotion to WCC

Allen Whitwell’s connection to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) began serendipitously through the organization’s popular puppy cam back in the early days in Brookeville. Drawn initially by the adorable sight of playful puppies, Allen quickly became a steadfast supporter of WCC, dedicating his time and resources to advance its mission of supporting Veterans through the healing power of service dogs. His support of WCC continues even after his recent passing (June 24, 1939 – January 17, 2024), thanks to a charitable estate gift he left the organization.

A Navy Veteran who served from 1957 to 1961, Allen worked in aviation while on active duty. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier Franklin Roosevelt in the Mediterranean, during the early years of the Vietnam War. His military experience fostered a deep empathy for fellow Veterans, particularly those struggling to reintegrate into civilian life after enduring the hardships of service. This empathy translated into a passionate commitment to WCC. 

Allen’s generosity was evident in his active participation in WCC’s social media fundraising campaigns and his readiness to contribute to the organization’s wish list needs. Whether it was a fundraising competition on CrowdRise or an urgent need for supplies, Allen’s contributions always helped WCC surpass its goals.  

When asked about his support, Allen simply said, “I feel so bad for some of the Veterans coming back and I want to do what we can to help them.” And like so many others, Allen said “Well at first, I came for the puppies, but I stayed for the mission. I had no idea what these puppies could do!” 

In 2020, he received WCC’s Wag of the Tail Award, which recognized his significant contributions to the organization. However, Allen’s commitment to WCC extended beyond his lifetime. Upon his passing, Allen left an estate gift to support WCC, ensuring that his legacy of generosity would continue to benefit Veterans and their service dogs. 

Allen’s gift has left a legacy at WCC and will be a huge support for many years to come. His bequest will not only fund current program needs, but also will be invested in the WCC Endowment Fund established earlier this year. The Endowment Fund was created to ensure that, far into the foreseeable future, Veterans will be able to heal from their visible and invisible wounds through WCC’s No-Fail Mission.

As we grieve Allen’s passing and reflect on his past steadfast support of WCC, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy of caring for fellow Veterans will continue in perpetuity. For all who have witnessed Allen’s kindness and generosity over the years, you know that his generous spirit will live on as he is among the first to join WCC’s Legacy Giving Society. For those inspired by Allen’s legacy, considering an estate gift or other planned giving options can be a powerful way to support WCC and leave a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans.

To learn more about how you can support Warrior Canine Connection and leave a legacy like Allen’s, please email giving@warriorcanineconnection.org. Your contribution can make a world of difference for Veterans in need and help continue the invaluable work that Allen so passionately supported. 

“D-Harmony” Connects Veterans with Service Dogs

In the quaint town of Boyds, Maryland, there exists a matchmaking service like no other. Welcome to “D-Harmony,” where dogs and humans find their perfect match. But this isn’t your typical matchmaking service—it’s Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Much like the algorithms of online dating platforms, WCC’s “D-Harmony” uses a carefully crafted process to match Veterans with service dogs tailored to their specific needs—sort of like the equivalent of swiping right, only using a lot more data, along with a human touch.

“Every match is unique and highly individualized, as we consider each Veteran for every dog in our program,” shares Sarah DelCore, Veteran and Military Family Services Manager, WCC. “We meticulously analyze the skills needed, capabilities, personalities, energy level, lifestyles and more, of both the Veterans and the dogs to ensure a perfect fit.”

Navy Veteran Geoff Beatty was matched with WCC service dog McKee three years ago and says the process was “amazing—almost magical.”

“We’re on the same wavelength … our energies have matched each other,” said Beatty. When I have energy, he is very much the same; on days when I’m grouchy, he’s more low-key as well. I think he can feel me and how I’m doing and has an innate ability to adapt. I can’t imagine my life without McKee, he’s my constant companion who helps me navigate daily challenges.”

Beyond the chemistry and personality that just “clicked” for them, Beatty says that although unrelated to WCC, there were other signs during his initial visit to Boyds for the matching process that put him at ease.

“At the hotel, I was randomly assigned to room #815, which coincidentally is the area code where I live,” said Beatty. “McKee’s namesake, Donald McKee, was a medic in the Army and a fellow member of the American Legion. McKee trained at Camp Grant during WWII, which is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live. There were too many coincidences to be a coincidence, some things are just meant to be. I’m just WCC’s biggest fan … What a great organization they are, such good people, I just can’t say enough.”

Retired Army Captain Melissa Smith waited 2+ years before being matched with service dog Healy.

“We were committed to WCC and however long it took because of who WCC is and getting a pup who is paw-fect,” said Smith.

The duo graduated as part of WCC’s Class of 2023. Smith says the process of being matched was seamless from beginning to end.

“I felt very seen as an individual in the process,” said Smith. “I knew I was going to love any dog I received, but I trusted Sarah and the team to find the best match for me, that was the main thing. At the end of the day, I knew WCC was going to put me with someone who was the right fit me for me. I cannot imagine my life without Healy. Healy is a gift from G-d … I am truly thankful for him each and every day. I can’t thank WCC enough for how they have treated me, and also for Healy.”

Smith credits Healy for helping her get back to doing all the things she loved before her military service.

“He keeps me engaged, communicating and I’ve even become very friendly with my neighbors because of him. My PTSD has made me very hesitant to engage with people and not entrusting of folks. Healy is the complete opposite in that way of me, he’s super friendly, always super excited to see everybody, and he kind of takes the pressure off me to have something to say, and I can just enjoy him enjoying people and it takes the focus off me. Knowing he’s by my side when I need him helps me with everything I do. People don’t remember me, but they always remember Healy.”

Beyond the initial connection, WCC provides ongoing support to ensure the relationship between Veteran and service dog flourishes. Through training sessions, personalized coaching, and follow-up care, WCC’s team ensures that both human and canine are equipped to thrive together. It’s a commitment to fostering lasting bonds built on trust, empathy, and unconditional love.

Since its inception in 2011, WCC has placed 149 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans. Each relationship is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs forged through “D-Harmony’s” unique matchmaking process. And just like finding love online, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of heart—to find your paw-fect match.

 

###

PTSD Awareness Month: Recognizing and Supporting Our Veterans

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Here at Warrior Canine Connection, we’ve witnessed firsthand how the best therapy sometimes comes with four legs and a wet nose. For Veterans grappling with PTSD, canine-assisted therapy can be incredibly effective in recognizing triggers, reducing anxiety and enhancing social integration, among many other benefits.

This month and every month, we at WCC are committed to fighting the stigma around PTSD and providing unwavering support to Service Members and Veterans who are battling this condition.

As one Veteran who participated in our Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program shared, “Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms.”

Other MBTR participants also shared their experiences with the program.

“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from major depression,” shared a Veteran participant.” After numerous treatments, including a variety of medications and ten sessions of ECT, I was only minimally better. I was feeling numb for years and was unable to feel any joy.  I never left my home and did not want to do anything, even bathing was difficult.  My occupational therapist recommended WCC.  I honestly did not want to go, but I forced myself. After the first two sessions, I finally began to have some sort of feeling for the first time in years. I now leave my home several times a week and I want to do some things.  It is a work in progress, and I have plenty of bad days, but this is a breakthrough.”

“Training the service dogs gave me a sense of purpose; connectedness with fellow veterans, instructors, and dogs; increased my mood; helped me be patient with my own dogs; and gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society,” shared an MBTR participant. “It made me feel like the VA cares about veterans with PTSD; I felt loved by the animals and instructors. Overall, this program made helped me feel good about myself again, purposeful and confident in myself.”

It’s important to recognize that training or having a service dog isn’t a quick solution for PTSD—it requires dedication, time and hard work. It’s just one of many effective treatments supported by the medical community to support Veterans battling PTSD.

The key is to know that help is available, find the options that works best for you, and to know that you are not alone. If you or someone you know are interested in WCC’s MBTR training, email Mar Leifeld at mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org for more information. And if you’re unsure where to turn first, please know the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7.

 

###

Veterans Help Group Continues Support of WCC

Over the past two years, Florida-based Veterans Help Group (VHG) has demonstrated its commitment to Veterans by partnering with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to support its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program. This ongoing partnership reflects VHG’s unwavering dedication to serving those who have served our country, making a significant impact on the lives of Veterans in need.

In addition to its generous financial support of WCC, VHG also extends its expertise and comprehensive support to Veterans and their families navigating the ins and outs of disability benefits, which can sometimes be challenging. Founded over 15 years ago, VHG is proud to be a leader in both the Courts and on Capitol Hill fighting to improve the lives of disabled Veterans and their families.

Among the areas of expertise that VHG provides is Social Security disability.  With the clock ticking on Social Security disability benefits, Veterans can visit https://veteranshelpgroup.com/warriorcanineconnection/ to consult with VHG about financial and medical compensation that they may be entitled to receive through the Social Security Administration because of their military service.

Through their unwavering commitment, VHG continues to be a beacon of support for Veterans in need.

 

###

Wanted: Puppy Raisers for WCC’s Life-Changing Mission

Warrior Canine Connection started small in Brookeville, Maryland, operating out of founder Rick Yount’s home. Today, it has grown significantly, with its Healing Quarters situated on an expansive 88-acre farm in Boyds, Md. With programs now spanning five states with 15 sites, WCC provides its vital Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) services to Veterans and military families nationwide. Despite this expansion, all WCC locations share a common need for Puppy Raisers to support their programs.

Are you passionate about dogs and looking to make a difference? Consider becoming a WCC Puppy Raiser and play a crucial role in raising a service dog for a deserving Veteran. With programs in California, Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, there are opportunities for volunteers across the country.

Here’s how it works: Puppy Raisers take in service dogs in training for about two years until they graduate and are placed with their fur-ever Veteran. Each puppy joins their Puppy Raiser between 8 weeks to approximately 5 months of age. Can’t commit long-term but still want to help? Many locations also need Puppy Sitters, who provide care and affection to WCC’s service dogs while their Puppy Parents take breaks. Explore Puppy Raiser and Puppy Sitter volunteer opportunities today!

 

#        #        #

Paw-sitively Powerful: Volunteers at the Heart of WCC

At Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. Their dedication and selflessness are the driving force behind every success we achieve. As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month this April, let’s take a moment to honor these incredible individuals who pour their hearts into supporting our mission of healing Service Members and Veterans through our Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) programs. Join us in expressing our deepest gratitude for their unwavering commitment and boundless compassion.

Here’s a snapshot of the impact volunteers made for WCC in 2023.

  • A total of 623 volunteers assisted WCC across 15 program sites.
  • 1,310 Veterans served through 10,077 hours of animal-assisted therapy, which more than doubled the hours of animal-assisted therapy provided to Veterans and their military family members from 2022.
  • Volunteers spent a total of 128,684 hours helping; volunteer roles include puppy parents, sitters, whelping, admin, facilities, and transportation.
  • Donated volunteer time totals to an estimated value of $3,964,951 (based on $31.80 per hour) to WCC.

We are also proud to share that WCC volunteers received 175 Presidential Service Awards for their commitment in 2023.

What motivates them? Here’s what our volunteers have shared with us about their reasons for supporting WCC.

“Volunteering is important to me because I know that there is a dog who depends on me to give her the best training and love, and in turn, I know there is a long list of people who I have never met, who depend on volunteers to help them pair with their future dog,” shared Ayden Naguib, WCC puppy raiser.

“Volunteering at WCC is important because it is a way for me to honor my daughter’s life of service and her sacrifice by helping to train amazing dogs for Veterans who need them,” said Doreen Cappelaere, Gold Star Mother and WCC puppy raiser & puppy sitter.

“We owe a debt to those who’ve faithfully served our country. Volunteering with WCC allows me to give back to our Veterans and their families and it also makes me happy!” said Lynn Manuel, WCC puppy raiser.

“Supporting my fellow Veterans has become even more important to me than my time in service. I see so many of my friends and family who are Veterans struggle, and I know there are millions of more Veterans who need help, and being able to train service dogs to help Veterans just makes such an impact,” shared Rob Morris, WCC puppy raiser.

“So many lives can be touched and affected positively by just one dog. I also have family that has served and is serving—this organization is hope,” said Renee Norman, WCC puppy sitter and whelping volunteer.

“I love the mission and dogs are the bestest,” shared Katherine Grady, WCC puppy raiser.

If you have loved your volunteer experience, please continue to share with friends and family and maybe invite one more to join our pack.

###

Healing Through Dogs: WCC’s MBTR Program

Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) MBTR training program, short for Mission Based Trauma Recovery, is the cornerstone of its mission. This unique volunteer-based, animal-assisted therapy involves Service Members and Veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow Veteran, many Warriors involved in MBTR cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience.

Mar Leifeld, WCC’s Veteran training program manager, who spearheads the MBTR program, says while MBTR volunteers have been instrumental in helping to train hundreds of WCC dogs, it has also been transformative in helping Veterans transitioning out of the military to restore a sense of purpose.

“This program is 100% voluntary, and the volunteer piece is really at the heart of what’s driving our Veterans to be involved in it,” said WCC Veteran Training Program Manager Mar Leifeld. “Everyone who is coming to engage in the program, whether they have a personal reason to be engaged, they’re all coming to an increased sense of purpose and community and to give back.”

In 2023, a total of 1,310 Veterans participated in MBTR across all locations, collectively contributing 10,077 hours of voluntary training. On average, each Veteran dedicated approximately 7.7 hours to the program.

The numbers don’t lie—MBTR is impactful. In fact, testimonials from previous participants inspired lawmakers to tap Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC, and Veterans Affairs to help draft the original language for what would become the current PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2021.

Now in year three of a five-year pilot program, the impact of MBTR is being seen at five program sites that provide service dog training to benefit Veterans diagnosed with PTSD; WCC hosts two of the five sites.

While continuous research quantifies the impact of MBTR, participating Veterans have shared profound testimonials; from alleviating PTSD symptoms to enhancing concentration and fostering a sense of purpose, the MBTR program stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have served. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Veteran participant testimonials below, all which have been shared anonymously.

“Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms,” shared one MBTR participant.

“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from Major Depression. After numerous treatments including a variety of medications and 10 sessions of ECT, I was only minimally better. I was feeling numb for years and was unable to feel any joy.  I never left my home and did not want to do anything, even bathing was difficult. My occupational therapist recommended WCC. I honestly did not want to go, but I forced myself. After the first two sessions, I finally began to have some sort of feeling for the first time in years. I now leave my home several times a week and I want to do some things. It is a work in progress, and I have plenty of bad days, but this is a breakthrough,” shared a Veteran participant.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the program and used some of the skills to train my dog at home. It is very enlightening, and one feels like they are contributing their efforts for an excellent cause,” shared an MBTR participant.

“I appreciate the time I was able to spend with the pups & trainers. They are lovely & caring. It was a wonderful reminder to slow down pay attention and breathe into the positive or negative situation/what my inner voice was telling/yelling at me.”

“Training the dogs and learning how to train them in some of their tasks really helped me with concentration and slowing my mind down. I suffer from PTSD, TBI and anxiety amongst other things. My wife literally said the one day I was always in a good mood was the day I had an hour with the dogs. Before or after going.”

“Training the service dogs gave me a sense of purpose; connectedness with fellow veterans, instructors, and dogs; increased my mood; helped me be patient with my own dogs; gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society (I told my friends all about the program); made me more interested in other areas of my life again like sports and hiking with my dogs; it inspired me to take more dog training classes (animal CPR and obedience classes for my dogs); it made me feel like the VA cares about veterans with PTSD; I felt loved by the animals and instructors. Overall, this program made helped me feel good about myself again, purposeful and confident in myself.”

Learn more or get involved in WCC’s MBTR program here.

###

Dog Walk for Warriors

This April, Warrior Canine Connection is asking you to put your best PAW forward to support our nation’s Veterans! During the month, we’re inviting everyone to join our virtual 30-mile Dog Walk for Warriors Challenge. It’s all about spreading the word about WCC’s mission, raising some funds and welcoming new friends into our pack. Visit the WCC Facebook page to find out more or sign up right here!

For those of you who are in the Washington, D.C. area, we would love to celebrate your last mile with you. Join us on our way to a “Million Dog March” on the National Mall, Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m. Bring your four-legged friends—on leash—and support this WCC fundraising Challenge. Registration is required and the first 100 to sign up will receive a free t-shirt.

To participate in the live DC one mile walk, sign-up here!

Fur-midable Friends: The Science Behind Dogs and Our Well-Being

We all love our dogs. They make us smile, laugh and they are the best of companions. Research has recently proven what Warrior Canine Connection has upheld all along: dogs are good for our health.

According to a recent study published in The Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA), the calming effect of dogs extends beyond the physical realm and includes the virtual companionship found on screens.

For Rachel Lacy, who works in the gynecological oncology department at University of Virginia Hospital, the findings resonate strongly.

“Having the puppy cams, like the ones at Warrior Canine Connection, gives our staff moments of happiness and relief in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful working environment,” said Rachel Lacy, senior quality assurance specialist GYN ONC, University of Virginia Hospital. “The moment of reprieve is a welcome one especially in our oncology service line.”

The research findings revealed a notable decrease in self-reported anxiety among nurse leaders both individually and collected after participating in animal-related engagement (ARE) and support what Explore.org and WCC set out to prove through the puppy cam.

“The premise of starting Explore.org was to educate people about animals, bringing them into their living rooms,” said Courtney Huq, social media director, Explore.org. “Our viewers tell us often that puppy cams provide an uplifting dose of happiness, a break from day-to-day stress—that they’re the perfect antidote. It’s great to see the research catching up that.”

The live, 24/7 Warrior Canine Connection puppy cam hosted by Explore.org, has been in existence since July 2013. And in that time, millions of people have tuned in from all over the world. Over the years, WCC and Explore.org have heard not just from nurses, but also from teachers who have shown the feed in their classroom, doctors in ICUs during the height of the pandemic, and many, many other people, like Jane Jensen, who found relief in the camera while battling cancer a few years ago.

“I had that live stream up almost 24 hours a day for months; it literally got me through the chemotherapy treatments,” said Jane. “It was truly a spirit-saver—there’s no question. I didn’t have the energy or interest to watch TV, read or even eat at that point. I would just sit there and watch the puppies and they would make me smile. As an animal-lover, watching them helped lower my blood pressure and they just made my heart sing.”

Although WCC’s mission directly supports Service Members, Veterans and their families, we are thrilled at the reach our programs have extended far beyond specific community.

For more details on the research findings, you can access the complete JONA study here.

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