Fate, Freedom and the Future: Veteran Service Dog Team Ryan & Tommy II

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When Ryan Boyles was first paired with Warrior Canine Connection service dog Tommy II and saw that they shared the same birthdate—April 30—he says he felt like their new partnership was fate. 

“I felt like it was meant to be, and then they brought him in, and I fell in love with him immediately,” said Ryan. 

The duo graduated as part of WCC’s class of 2019, and since that time, the two have been inseparable.  

“Tommy has given me my freedom back to go and do stuff outside of my home and with my family,” said Ryan. “I really struggle with crowds and feeling trapped, and Tommy really helps me out with that. Thanks to him, I’ve been able to travel with my wife and boys and I feel more comfortable in many different situations. I used to not be a pleasant person to be around. He helps to calm me and bring balance to my life. My wife has told me she noticed an immediate difference in my temperament once I got Tommy.” 

Ryan enlisted in the Air Force in 2006 out of a passion to serve and tradition: both of his grandfathers served in World War II, his uncle was also in the service, and Ryan says he felt a strong pull to serve as a result of 9/11.  

Ryan served in the Air Force for nine years working in multiple roles, including support of combat search and rescue and contingency response missions, before being honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant (E5) in 2015.  

During his service, he completed multiple deployments, including stations in Djibouti and Uganda, Africa. It was during those missions when Ryan was serving as a paying agent that he was put into situations that forever changed him. As a result of his service, Ryan sustained various knee, hip and back injuries, and he also suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. 

“I used to have really bad nightmares to the point where I would wake up yelling, screaming and punching,” said Ryan. “As soon as I got Tommy—literally the day I got him—my nightmares subsided. I rarely ever get them now. He doesn’t have to be in our bed. His presence in our room next to our bed just helps me sleep.”   

Tommy hasn’t just helped with Ryan’s peace of mind, he’s brought so much joy to his family, especially his sons, Lincoln, 11, and Greyson, 8. 

“When the vest comes off, Tommy’s their best bud; the boys enjoy playing with his toys and taking him for walks. It took a little while for them to understand he was my service animal. They understand it and respect it, but they definitely enjoy their playtime with him.” 

Perhaps most importantly, Tommy has also instilled Ryan’s hope for the future; he is able to continue traveling with his family and feeling the sense of freedom that Tommy affords him.  He’s also looking forward to many more joint birthday celebrations with Tommy.  

You can follow Ryan and Tommy’s adventures on Instagram here.  

We Honor Our Volunteers

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April is National Volunteer Month. We at Warrior Canine Connection are grateful to all the volunteers who support our organization. Your generosity allows our Veterans to heal, our programs to thrive, and has created a strong community.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our organization,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “We simply couldn’t do all that we do without the support of our extraordinary volunteers. They are helping to change lives for the better.”

Somehow, despite restrictions due to COVID-19 and operating at 60% of volunteer capacity from one year earlier, our amazing volunteers posted a record number of 78,707 service hours in 2020, valued at $2,140,830 ($27.20/hour) in cost savings to WCC.

Also, remarkably, 50% of WCC’s 2020 volunteers were comprised of Military Family Members and Veterans—reinforcing the adage of ‘Veterans helping Veterans.’

Why are WCC volunteers so engaged? Each volunteer has their own reason.  

“From the first time I saw Holly’s Half Dozen on the explore web cam and tuned-in to the live chats about the organization, I connected to the WCC mission of using the healing power of dogs to help veterans who were struggling.  Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see the difference one dog can have in the life of a veteran and his/her family. My life path did not include military service but volunteering with WCC has now given me the opportunity to support our nation’s veterans.  The unexpected part of volunteering with WCC are the many connections and dear friendships I’ve made with other volunteers and supporters all across the country.” 
Terrie Bates, WCC Volunteer since 2013 

“I learn so much from the animals and the trainers and love the mission!” 
Amy Griffith, WCC Volunteer since 2020 

“I love the feeling of community at WCC. We are there for each other, you are never alone when raising a future service puppy. We all support each other when we are feeling stuck or disheartened when maybe our puppy isn’t as far along in training as others. We remind each other our puppies have their own path and it’s not about keeping up with each other it’s about taking it at your puppy’s pace. We also support each other during the transition from when our puppies go to their path whether that be a family support dog, advanced training and working service dog. Our hearts ante poured into these fur love bugs and we know the day will come to transition from our heart to another but it’s never easy even though it’s beautiful.”  
Ashley Poindexter-Tarmy, WCC Volunteer since 2019  

“I have always volunteered for some organization in every phase of my life but WCC is by far the most rewarding volunteer job I’ve ever had. My father and brother are both disabled Veterans and I couldn’t be more honored to be able to give back to our veterans in such a healing and holistic way.” 
Michele Burkhammer, WCC Volunteer since 2019 

“Volunteering at WCC allows me to connect to the military community.  While I work with dogs, I feel great satisfaction knowing that I am helping veterans and their families caring for the dogs that will one day serve them. I believe in WCC’s mission and feel good in knowing that the dogs we raise will help those in need.”   
Nancy Deprey, WCC Volunteer since 2020

“WCC gives me a purpose and working with all Veterans allows me to give back to my brothers and sisters in arms who have given so much. Being able to watch the changes take place and the Veterans opening up. To see them laugh and smile and make eye contact. It is everything and worth the 2.5 hours I spend in a car to watch this miracle happen.”
Robin Martin, WCC Volunteer since 2012 

“We want to give back to Veterans and their families. It is a huge honor to be a WCC volunteer and share the mission with everyone
we can.”    
Bill and Tammy Crozier, WCC Volunteer since 2019 

“Volunteering for WCC combined love of dogs with a mission I support; I am a part of something bigger than me, and my support continues WCC’s mission.”
Kimberly Harrington, WCC Volunteer since 2016 

Thank you to all of you, our amazing volunteers, who give your time and talents to WCC; we are very appreciative of all you do.

We will be featuring several of our amazing volunteers with their thoughts on why they choose to help WCC on our Facebook page, so keep an eye out for them!

Interested in volunteering for WCC? You can check out our current opportunities here. 

Veterans Get Surprise Funding

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Thanks to modern technology, two WCC Veteran Service Dog Teams received a great surprise during what they thought was simply a virtual discussion with colleagues from a partner program.  

It all took place, thanks to the American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A nonprofit dedicated https://operationwarriorshield.com to supporting military families and Veterans, AWI was established by Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. based in Ellicott City, Maryland. This year, AWI generously donated $30,000 in grant funding to WCC in support of its service dog placement program. That’s in addition to a generous $20,000 grant they gave WCC last year.  

So where does the surprise come into play? During the video call, AWI surprised two of WCC’s Veteran Service Dog Team recipients with a $5,000 family grant each. The family grants were created to help with any needs either Veteran might have—from dog care expenses to home repairs. And as you might imagine, the reactions were priceless. 

“Thank you so much, this means the world to me,” said Brent McKeag, who has WCC service dog Tallman. “I would like to say thank you so much to AWI and Fairway not only for what you’re doing but also to Warrior Canine Connection for pairing me with my beautiful wonderful dog, Tallman.” 

Brent, an Army Specialist E-4 who lives in Stafford, Virginia, went on to share just how much Tallman has changed his life, as well as his son’s. 

“He’s not just helping me, it’s been amazing to see how he reacts when my son has an epileptic seizure,” said Brent. “Tallman wasn’t taught to do it, but he won’t leave his side and gets my attention to let me know. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”  

WCC Veteran Service Dog Team Cornelius Twohig and service dog Dana also received one of the $5,000 grants. 

“I’m actually speechless, which doesn’t happen to me very often,” said Cornelius. “Thank you so much for your generosity, it’s mind-boggling. This takes my breath away; I can’t voice my appreciation enough. And thank you to WCC; getting this dog and working with a dog sort of allows me to look at a future I didn’t see before.” 

Exactly the intention of AWI’s generous grant funds. 

“We are so honored to have such amazing partners in the American Warrior Initiative,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “AWI talks the talk and walks the walk; they are 100% dedicated to helping our country’s Veterans and their families. This grant funding is really appreciated, and even more so, is the personalized touch and impact they have on each of the Veterans and their family members they support.” 

Louise Thaxton, director and co-founder of AWI, hosted the call and shared the surprise. “Weezie,” as her friends call her, shared her personal mantra, “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do one thing.”  

And that’s exactly what AWI is doing—one Veteran at a time. 

To the Ruff and Back: WCC’s Captain Visits with Jack Nicklaus

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We often say “it takes a village” to raise a Warrior Canine Connection service dog. There’s the help of loving puppy parents, Warrior trainers, volunteers, EPWs, staff, community leaders, and even a sports legend! Golf icon Jack Nicklaus, who has served on WCC’s Board of Advisors since 2014, recently had the opportunity to spend some time with WCC’s Captain, a service dog in training.

Mr. Nicklaus recently welcomed Captain to his office and talked with puppy parent Terrie Bates about some of Captain’s experiences on his journey towards becoming a service dog—from grocery shopping, riding the metro-rail, taking escalators and elevators, going to medical appointments, dining outdoors, and standing in socially distanced lines at the post office. Having the chance to (safely) visit an office building and work the environment for the first time was a great new experience for Captain. He was happy to show off some of his skills, such as opening and closing desk drawers and cabinets, and retrieving dropped items like a TV remote. 

Like everyone, WCC has had to adapt its programs and do things in a new way. For example, much of Captain’s training has taken place via weekly virtual video sessions with the professional Warrior Canine Connection trainers.

“Despite these very challenging times,” Mr. Nicklaus said, “I was happy to learn that Warrior Canine Connection has remained focused on the delivery of program services to our veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and is assisting them in reintegrating back into their families and communities.”  

Mr. Nicklaus has long been a supporter of Veterans’ charities, including PGA HOPE, Folds of Honor, and donating his design services to various golf courses that benefit our military men and women. One of these is the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington, a course designed solely for the rehabilitation of wounded Veterans. And most recently, the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, where, once opened officially in May, will steer proceeds to the Folds of Honor, a foundation in place to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled Service Members. His support of Veterans and love of dogs made him a natural fit for his long-time role on the Warrior Canine Connection Board of Advisors.

Recognizing the rehabilitative and recreational benefits that golf might bring to Captain’s future Veteran, one of the Nicklaus Design team members, Tommy Hearden, introduced Captain to the sights and sounds of the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. In this environment, everything was new—golf balls (which are for looking, not touching!); a big, clanky bag of clubs; the loud thwack and whoosh of a driver hitting a ball off the tee; the tractor-driven ball collector on the driving range; riding in a golf cart; the sound of a chip shot with a 9-iron; and learning to sit quietly nearby, as a golfer steps up to the ball. It was a great day for Captain and he’s looking forward to his next tee time!

Thank you, Jack, and thank you, Nicklaus Design!

WCC’s Captain is a 14-month-old Golden Retriever named in honor and remembrance of United States Army Captain Michael D. Scotton from Laytonsville, Maryland.  

Better Together

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Molly Morelli, who spearheads Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Dog Programs, will tell you a lot has changed since she first got involved with service dogs. She not only helped found WCC back in 2011, but she also oversees all programs directly related to the breeding and overall health of each WCC dog.

“There has been a huge shift in the industry,” said Molly. “It used to be competitive, now we work together with so many partners; by doing so, we’ve been able to do some amazing things for the service dog industry. We are much stronger working together than being out there on our own island.”

That’s a sentiment shared by WCC partners, Susquehanna Service Dogs and Hero Dogs, both which have collaborated with WCC on numerous aspects of service dog programming over the years.

Most recently, both organizations joined forces with WCC for its annual eye and heart exam day. Granted this year’s event looked a lot different than in years past due to the pandemic, but despite all the changes, more than 100 dogs from all three service dog nonprofits received eye and heart examinations from ophthalmologist Dr. Nancy Bromberg, VCA Southpaws Veterinary Specialists, and cardiologist Dr. Neal Peckens, Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates (CVCA).

Deb Tack, executive director, Susquehanna Service Dogs, says she considers her partners to be part of an extended team, complete with shared goals and missions.

“As organizations, we are so in-line and in-tune with how we do business, including how we care for and train our dogs — it’s a natural fit,” said Deb. “Especially since the pandemic began, we’ve helped each other out with challenges like puppy transports and breeding. We call each other and say ‘hey, have you had this challenge and what did you do?’ We share, collaborate, brainstorm and help each other trouble shoot.”

Jennifer Lund, founder & program director, Hero Dogs, echoes the sentiments, and says that at the end of the day, it’s all about working together to help those who need it.

“Our goal is to place assistance dogs to help people with disabilities increase their independence — it’s a shared mission between us and partner organizations,” said Jennifer. “There is no shortage of need. By working together, we can only improve our collective ability to help as many people as we can while ensuring we have the best match for the individual and the dog.”

Volunteerism: A Family Affair

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In August 2015, Pam Govender and Pawan Galhotra, along with their two young children, Sajel and Emil, were searching for a volunteer opportunity to give back to their community. The family had two requirements. First, because Pawan works at the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center in California in its polytrauma unit, they wanted to stay connected to the VA’s programs. Second, they also wanted it to be an experience in which their entire family could participate, one which would allow all of the family members to give back in their own way. When they learned about Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) on-site program and mission, they scheduled a visit. 

“We’re not a military family, but we recognize and appreciate what Veterans as well as their families have sacrificed for the country,” said Pam. “When we learned about WCC’s program at the VA, it resonated with us because of its mission. We dove right in. We filled out our applications right away and were enrolled in puppy parent training classes within two weeks.”  

Five years and three dogs later, the family is still as involved and as passionate about the work they’re doing for WCC. Over the years, Sajel and Emil’s responsibilities have changed, but they continued to play a large role in the training and development of WCC dogs Charlie, Howard and, most recently, Arthur.   

“It has been an amazing five years — there are no words to express the gratitude for our involvement in the program,” said Pam. “WCC has created a community of support offering our family an opportunity to help Veterans”. 

Besides being three-time puppy parents, the family has also generously gifted their time and talents at countless community awareness outings, fundraising events and at just about any other opportunity or need that comes up throughout the year.  

“Over the years and with the placement of each dog with their Veteran, we have come to appreciate the impact and healing that these dogs have had on the Veteran and their family. It’s so rewarding to see the bigger picture, knowing that the dog is doing something that is so important for someone else that’s in need.” 

Pam says their home feels empty without a dog right now. 

“I’m quite amazed by how much free time we suddenly have — it’s like that third child you miss,” said Pam. “We are eagerly awaiting our fourth service-dog-in-training. Our family recently hosted Andrew for a week. We are hoping to get our fourth dog in January or February, once one is available.” 

“Pam and Pawan, and their children Sajel and Emil, are a family dedicated to raising WCC dogs for our wounded Veterans,” said Alexis Baker, WCC service dog training instructor, Menlo Park. “Pam is good at reflecting on how to help her dog make the progress he needs to make. Taking the training bit-by-bit when necessary for a dog that might be struggling, has helped out on numerous occasions. The whole family is a delight to work with and I’m looking forward to them getting another dog to raise soon too!” 
 
And although current programming is limited due to the pandemic, Pam says the family is excited to get more involved when life returns to “normal,” and she encourages other families to get involved with WCC.      

“I’d like to add — for potential puppy parents, even though there is a certain amount of work to be done, it is a gratifying experience for the entire family.” said Pam. “There’s a selfish component to the experience, but obviously the bigger picture is how much these dogs contribute to our Veterans’ lives.” 

If you’d like to learn more about becoming a WCC puppy parent, click here. 

Attitude of Gratitude

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We are nearing the end of a year that none of us will ever forget. Despite all the recent challenges, there are still many reasons to be thankful.  
 
We asked our team members at Warrior Canine Connection what they’re grateful for this year, and we’re sharing their responses with you, along with best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season. 
 

“I am thankful that WCC has figured out a way to stay open. That I have a place to work. And that by staying open, we’re able to continue to provide this great service to Veterans now and future.”  
– Tim O’Boyle, Facilities Manager 

“I’m grateful to be surrounded by dogs that constantly make me smile. They’re a good reminder to appreciate the “little” things, just like they do.” 
– Jen Blessing, Service Dog Training Instructor 

“That WCC and everyone who works here keeps moving forward, innovating and evolving even during these stressful times. The health of my friends and family and being able to be present in not just the big moments but the little ones as well. (And being able to workout at home is a bonus.)”  
– Lydia Dehn, Human Resource Officer/Office Manager

“My work and personal families, friends, and neighbors – they have kept me sane and even smiling through this year. My sweet boys (dogs), Cezanne & Padriag, who show me how to live in the moment and what is most important. I am soooo thankful to still have a job and the ability to work from home when needed.”  
– Cheryl Bingham, Puppy Program Manager and Trainer

“This year, I’m most thankful for the extra time I’ve had to spend with my little family. Covid forced us to slow the schedules down, play more games, listen to each other more, and just be grateful for the gift of time together.”  
– Jennifer Wilder, Director of Development

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve those who have served in the armed forces not knowing where that would lead and that I get to do it with dogs and all of those who support us in our mission — from our EPWs to puppy sitters and parents, partner programs, and donors big and small — and of course, the founder and leadership of WCC! I’m grateful for the love and kindness of others, the network of friends checking in on each other. I’m grateful that when my husband is my only social contact, we still enjoy each other’s company!” 
– Alexis Baker, Service Dog Training Instructor, Menlo Park

“I am very grateful for our two pups — Cheeky, our pet, and WCC Service Dog in Training Heather — who have gotten us through this difficult year with lots of love and fun. Dogs are the best stress relief out there!” 
– Emily Fritz, Service Dog Training Instructor 

“I would have to say that even with the challenges my family and the rest of the world have faced this year I am grateful for everyone’s resilience.  With all the chaos that surrounds us, friends and family have found so many ways to stay engaged with each other.  In some cases, through the wonders of the internet, I have actually had more contact with old friends than I have in the past. Luckily, I have had the benefit of the young adults in my house to open my eyes to the world of House Party and other group chat sites!” 
– Kim Vaughn, Facilities Director 

“Among many other things, I’m grateful that no humans or dogs were hurt in the tornado that hit HQ.  Also grateful for the way our community helped us clean up and get back in operation!” 
– Rick Yount, Founder and Executive Director 

“I’m grateful for all the helpers in the world. I’m grateful for kindness, laughter, family, friends, my sweet dog Ziti, and pizza, of course.” 
– Alyssa Malaspina, Social Media Specialist

“I am grateful to have a healthy and active family!” 
– Amy Guidash, Serving Dog Training Instructor, Asheville 

“I am grateful to work alongside such an incredible group of people who are dedicated to serving our Veterans.” 
– Molly Morelli, Director of Dog Programs

“I am grateful for my family, my home, and to be a part of such a passionate, dedicated, and kind team of humans and dogs at WCC. I am also grateful for the veterans that I have met as the Client Liaison and for joining them on their journey to be placed with their dogs.” 
– Katie Dockins, Veteran Client Liaison

“I am thankful for modern technologies that have allowed me to enjoy the company of friends and family while staying healthy and safe during this eventful year!” 
– Allison Pitcher, Digital Communication Specialist 

Addy, 9, Bakes Cupcakes Fur a Good Paws — to Benefit WCC

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Strawberry shortcake. Red velvet. Pumpkin spice. Those are just three of the six flavors of cupcakes that Addy Albright, 9, recently baked, decorated and SOLD OUT of at a recent fundraiser she hosted for Warrior Canine Connection.

Addy, like her fellow fourth-graders at Sinking Springs Elementary School in York, Pennsylvania, has been doing virtual schooling from home. She says she misses her friends and teachers but due to the pandemic, is making the best of the situation. That includes taking up a new hobby: baking.

“I started with peanut butter cookies; I went on YouTube and found the recipe,” said Addy. “Then I moved on to another cookie, then cupcakes, then brownies. I have tried all different kinds of recipes. I don’t worry about perfection; I just enjoy making them.”

After dozens of different recipes, Addy got the idea to turn her love of baking into a fundraiser for Warrior Canine Connection. She created a Facebook event and invited family and friends to come by her house to purchase cupcakes during a three-hour window one day over Labor Day weekend.

Not only did she sell out in an hour, she raised $425 for WCC in the process.

“I wanted to raise money for a group and I had a couple of options, and I liked the Warrior Canine Connection best because I like dogs and because Emily (one of WCC’s trainers) works there and she’s part of our family,” said Addy.

As you might imagine, baking six varieties for a total of 130 cupcakes is no small feat for anyone, let alone a 9-year-old, novice baker. You might assume she had some help, right?

“Mom is not the baker,” said Amanda Albright, Addy’s mom. “I just make sure the kitchen stays in one piece; I am not the baker, that’s all Addy.”

Addy baked all 130 cupcakes the day before the fundraiser. Then the day of, she got up at 5 a.m. to make the icing and decorate each one; it was a five-hour labor of love.

And as Addy’s mom, Amanda, will tell you, the experience was also a larger life lesson for her 9-year-old daughter. 

“She told me, ‘You know Mommy, I really feel proud of myself,’ and it felt good as a mom to see her accomplish something she put her mind to and that she was doing something to help others,” said Amanda.

Addy says she plans to host a second fundraiser for WCC, likely around April 21st to coincide with her 10th birthday. Whether she’ll bake cupcakes or cookies is still to be determined.

Want to try one of Addy’s favorite recipes? This pumpkin cupcake with pumpkin spice cream cheese is from the Love Bakes Good Cakes blog and is one of the six Addy made for her fundraiser.

“I like the pumpkin flavor and while they are baking it smells so good in the kitchen. Pumpkin cupcakes remind me of fall and that is my favorite season,” said Addy.

Meet WCC’s Class of 2020!

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Warrior Canine Connection was honored to introduce its 2020 graduating class of Veteran Service Dog Teams, facility dogs and breeder dogs during its eighth annual graduation on Saturday, September 26th.

This year’s ceremony marked WCC’s first virtual ceremony, a format change made due to the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 people tuned in for the virtual ceremony. If you missed it or perhaps you’d just like to see it again, you can watch it here.

Congratulations to WCC’s Class of 2020!

WCC’s Virtual Graduation Gets Rave Reviews

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Eight years running and Warrior Canine Connection’s graduation wouldn’t be what it is without the support from its Extreme Puppy Watchers, or “EPWs,” to which they’re most commonly referred.

The EPWs are a group of WCC supporters that number in the thousands and is made up of volunteers from all over the country. The group’s moniker grew out of their collective love for WCC’s puppies and the Veterans they grow up to support.

In a “normal” graduation year, the EPWs help with the annual event, including its organization and execution, even hosting a pre-graduation happy hour. But they do much more for WCC than just assist with its graduation ceremony; they also help to raise awareness, fundraise and provide support to the organization in numerous other ways throughout the entire year. 

Although there was some disappointment about not being able to see each other in-person at this year’s graduation, the EPWs also had many praises for this year’s event.

“It was a beautiful graduation and weekend. There were moments of tears and joy that touched my soul… it really was well done… next best thing to being together.”
– Sandi Rosenberg

“I watched it from beginning to end. I thought it was fantastic!”
– Robin Baus Artura

“My first attendance at a WCC graduation! Being in Australia, I would not have been able to attend in person. I love this virtual format. It was very touching. Great to have the veterans speak. As many have said, it was probably less stressful for them, which is good. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to put this all together. Very well done. Truly grateful.”
– Ming Ng

“It was a beautiful graduation. So many joyful moments, and so many moments where I needed a lot of Kleenex! The graduation touched my heart. I wish that we all could have been together, but I really enjoyed the whole event!”
– Leslie Shear

Typically, Veterans graduating with their service dogs participate in the ceremony during the ritual “leash passing” with their dog’s puppy parent who helped raise their dog. This year, due to the virtual format, we were able to hear from the Veterans up close and personal about their relationships with their newfound best friends. And judging by some of the EPW’s input, that was a welcome change.

“I especially loved hearing the veterans speak. They’re usually so overwhelmed by all the people at the in-person ceremony.”
– Julie Hansen

“I missed seeing everyone in person, but I enjoyed the virtual graduation ceremony. The national anthem was wonderful and brought me to tears. I really enjoyed hearing from the veterans and seeing the service dogs interacting with them and their families.”
– Taffy Zoab

“It was much better than I had anticipated! Kudos to all who helped put it together. I too think the veterans seemed more relaxed. Loved seeing Spencer, he did an awesome job hosting and hearing his story. I didn’t want it to end. I’ve re-watched it three times already!”
– Cheryl Cannone

“It was very well done. I LOVED seeing video of the veterans with their dogs and hearing them speak about the impact these dogs have on them. Keynote speaker was awesome as well. It was all great!
– Anna Middeke

“I found myself feeling depressed most of the weekend, just because I was missing all of my friends and our in-person visit. That being said, graduation was awesome. Thank goodness for the technology and the opportunity to still visit with friends and see our beloved WCC dogs graduate. The videos were an added plus as we got to know more about the puppy parents and about the veterans receiving the dogs. To have each veteran say a little something on video was an added bonus. I believe the veteran was comfortable addressing us in this manner and it added a real human component to our “WCC Family.”
– Sandy Goga

“I really LOVED graduation is this format. I thought hearing from the Veterans was so meaningful and really brings all the work preparing the dogs for their future full circle. It really put the focus on the Veterans.”
– Ericka Johanek

“I loved the pre-graduation posts about the dogs, veteran partners and Puppy Parents….it was fun to learn about them in advance. I missed being there, but I think this was a huge success for our very first virtual event. Fun Virtual Happy Hour! It was great getting to see folks and celebrate. Loved the concert by Josh Gallagher! I loved the playing of the National Anthem…made me put my hand on my heart. I really loved hearing all the veterans videos…I felt like I learned so much about each of them and the Puppy Parents. It was so nice to get to know them. The video that Alice made was stellar and such a great capture of the entire event! A treasured memory.”
– Cindy Meyers

“This was my 1st WCC graduation. It was wonderful. The keynote speaker, stories and phtoos about vets and parents were so moving. Thank you for making this happen.”
– Leila Collins

Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s WCC graduation possible!

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