Warrior Canine Connection Holding 2021 Virtual Graduation Ceremony September 25

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Class of 2021 expected to be WCC’s largest to-date

Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 25 to join Warrior Canine Connection in congratulating its 2021 class of Veteran Service Dog Teams! The virtual ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Eastern Time and can be viewed on WCC’s Facebook page. 

The ninth annual graduation will feature WCC’s largest graduating class to date, with more than a dozen Veterans and dogs included in the announcement ceremony. The celebration will include powerful Veterans stories, adorable dog footage, awards, special acknowledgments, and more! 

“Honoring graduates through our commencement ceremony is one of WCC’s most important traditions,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Even though they won’t physically be walking across the stage that day, we are privileged to share their stories and achievements with their families, friends, and colleagues, as well as WCC’s dedicated volunteers, supporters and extended pack thanks to modern-day technology.”  

Following the virtual graduation, WCC will host an in-person, post-graduation celebration at its Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland—set to begin at 12:30 p.m. E.T. 

Stay tuned to WCC’s social channels for additional information! 

Thank You, AmazonSmile!

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Did you know you can support Warrior Canine Connection every time you shop on Amazon.com using AmazonSmile? 

AmazonSmile is a simple way for you to assist Warrior Canine Connection every time you shop, at no cost to you. You’ll find the exact same prices, selection and experience as on Amazon.com but AmazonSmile will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to WCC. In fact, to date, AmazonSmile has generated $22,839 in support to WCC. 

To turn your shopping into a force for good, simply go to smile.amazon.com/ch/45-2981579 to elect WCC as your charity of choice. It’s just that easy! 

Thank you in advance for your support! And thank you to AmazonSmile for its commitment to supporting nonprofits! 

New Face at WCC: Brady Wilks

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We would like to introduce you to a semi-new face here at Warrior Canine Connection: Brady Wilks. Brady joined the team as its new external relations manager back in November 2020, while most of us were working from home due to the pandemic.  

In his role, Brady is doing great things to lead the WCC communications team to help raise awareness of the organization’s mission and the impact of its programs on Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Brady has worked in the communications field for years and has vast experience in photography, design, communications, music, art, and education. Brady graduated from the Academy of Art in San Francisco with a master’s in photography and he earned his bachelor’s in graphics and photography from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. 

With family roots in the military, he is enthusiastic and passionate about WCC’s mission to serve our Service Members and Veterans. Brady has spent years honing his craft and artistic eye and says he is honored to put his experience to use at WCC. 

“When we tell WCC’s story and share the experience of our Veterans, staff, volunteers, and supporters, we are making a positive impact to improve the lives of so many,” said Brady. “I also feel like I am doing my part to engage and celebrate the dedication of our staff and volunteers to one of the most profound missions I’ve ever known.” 

For those who visit WCC’s Healing Quarters, you may see Brady walking Rossi to or from work. Rossi is a WCC Ambassador dog and quite often the “cover girl” for many of our social media videos.  

When not working at WCC, Brady can most often be found spending time with his wife, Laurie, and son, Soren. Together, they enjoy playing games, creating things, going on adventures, and finding ways to laugh together. 

“I hope that what I do goes beyond helping WCC and our organization’s goals but to also be a good model for my son,” said Brady. “It is my hope for him, the Veterans in my life, my ancestors, my family, friends, and peers to be proud of what I do.” 

We are honored to have Brady as a valued member of our WCC team. 

T-Shirt Artwork Design Contest

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HOW TO SUBMIT A DESIGN
Be a part of Warrior Canine Connection graduation history by designing a limited edition t-shirt celebrating the Virtual Graduation Class of 2021! The contest is open to everyone of all ages and the winning designer will receive a FREE t-shirt featuring their artwork and bragging rights.

GUIDELINES
· Design should not exceed three ink colors

· Design for back of t-shirt only

· If submitting a hand drawing, please submit no larger than 8.5 x 11-inch size

· Multiple designs may be submitted

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JULY 14, 2021
Design submissions can be emailed as an attachment to info@warriorcanineconnection.org. Hand-drawn submissions are accepted and can be scanned in and submitted as an email attachment.
Acceptable submission formats include *.jpg, *.png, *.ai, *.eps. If designed in Illustrator, Photoshop, or other software, we will request original artwork file if selected.

Once the submission date has closed, WCC will select the winning design and announce it on our Facebook page. We also look forward to sharing a gallery of everyone’s submissions this summer.

FINE PRINT
By submitting a design, the designer consents that his/her design is their own original artwork and that he/she has all the necessary rights and permissions to use included elements. Please do not use elements or designs created by someone else. Images that are not submitted in vector format will need to be recreated. Warrior Canine Connection reserves the right to make adjustments and alterations to the winning entry to ensure that the reproduction of the image is the best quality. The winning designer releases all exclusive rights to the artwork to be used for Virtual Graduation 2021 material. The winner will be rewarded with a WCC graduation t-shirt featuring his/her design.

Partner Spotlight: The Patriot Fund—Providing Veterans with the Best Support Possible

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The Patriot Fund has been helping to make a difference in the lives of our heroic Veterans since 2016. The nonprofit is on a mission to create a world where Veterans can return from duty proactively supported mentally, emotionally, socially and financially as they and their families re-engage into civilian life.

The Patriot Fund is all about connecting Veterans and Military Families to Patriots who can help. This year, WCC is delighted to have the Fund as a new partner in helping us train and place service dogs with Veterans in need. The Fund presented Warrior Canine Connection with a $30,000 gift in February of this year.

“We are honored and thankful to have the support of The Patriot Fund, an organization that is wholeheartedly committed to helping our nation’s Veterans and their families,” said Rick Yount, executive director and founder, Warrior Canine Connection. “This gift is not only a magnificent gesture of support for our programs, it’s also a testament to all this amazing organization is doing in support of our Service Members, Veterans, and their families.”

The Patriot Fund cites research on new Veterans, which found that nearly two-thirds said they faced a difficult transition to civilian life in one way or another. That’s one reason the nonprofit turned its support WCC, to help expand its available Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program for Veterans who can benefit from it. The unique program enlists Service Members and Veterans to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran 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. Each dog can impact up to 60 Veterans during the training process.

“Thanks to Warrior Canine Connection, our American Heroes who made it possible for us to enjoy the comforts of home are connected with the dogs who are now Heroes keeping our Military Veterans safe at home,” said Major General (Ret) Steven Hashem, co-founder & vice president on The Patriot Fund’s Executive Committee. “The Patriot Fund shares the same commitment as WCC to do the right thing for the right reasons for our Veterans.”

The Patriot Fund will host the 2021 Patriot Invitational, its annual golf event and biggest fundraiser of the year to raise money for other deserving nonprofits serving Veterans, this October.

Please join us in thanking The Patriot Fund for its support of WCC!

New Faces at WCC

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Please join Warrior Canine Connection in welcoming the newest member of its pack—Freddy Galea!

Pictured here with his beautiful family, Freddy joined WCC as its new part-time Digital Communications Specialist in April. In his role, Freddy will use his photo and video journalism expertise to help WCC share its powerful stories of using the human-animal bond to assist Service Members and Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Freddy is a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves at Joint Base Andrews, where he focuses on air transportation and logistics. He also runs his own media company that specializes in video production work and is currently pursuing a degree in graphic communications at the University of Maryland.

He says he came to WCC for an opportunity to marry his professional media skills with a personal passion to help fellow Service Members and Veterans.

“I definitely feel like I am on the right team and on the right side of history here at WCC,” said Freddy. “It’s a great place to be and all the people are so educated, friendly, and doing great things. I get to not only see the impact these dogs have but also the people supporting and training them … it’s just great, I love it here.”

Freddy lives nearby in Frederick, Maryland, with his wife, Eliana, their two adorable children, Emma, 5, and Nolan, 2, and their dog, Toby.

Get the Recipe: Homemade Dog Treats 

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Prepared by Emily Fritz, one of WCC’s amazing service dog training instructors, this recipe for homemade dog treats is not only easy to make, but it’s also healthy and “Lab-approved!”  

The benefit of making homemade treats is that you know every single ingredient you’re feeding your dog. To make them for your furry friend, simply follow the instructions below. 

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling, just plain canned pumpkin) 
  • 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (Make sure it does not contain xylitol or other sugar substitutes, as they can be toxic to dogs!) 
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour 
  • 1/3 cup shredded carrots 
  • cinnamon to sprinkle on each cookie 

Directions 
1. Preheat oven to 300F.  
2. Combine all ingredients except the cinnamon in a bowl. 
3. Dust a clean surface with flour and knead the dough into a ball for a minute or two until all ingredients are evenly combined. Place the dough ball back in the bowl and let it rest with a damp towel covering the top of the bowl for about 30 minutes. 
4. Dust a rolling pin (or wine bottle) with flour and roll out the ball of dough to about1/4-inch thickness. Use your favorite cookie cutter to cut out shapes, rerolling the dough until gone.  
5. Sprinkle cinnamon on each cookie and place them on a cookie sheet, baking for about 20-30 minutes. 
6. Allow treats to cool completely on a cooling rack and store in the fridge to keep fresh.

We do recommend that you give treats to your dog in moderation, so he maintains a healthy weight. And it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian if you have concerns about introducing new food or treats to your dog, particular ingredients, or even allergic reactions.  

Have a homemade dog treat recipe you’d like to share? Send it our way for a chance to have it featured in one of our upcoming stories! Feel free to share by dropping us a line at  communications@warriorcanineconnection.org  

Puppy Yoga: Time to Paws, Reflect and Smile

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Yoga class has gone to the dogs. Literally. Warrior Canine Connection is hosting virtual puppy yoga classes, pairing the practice of yoga with adorable puppies, all who are service dogs in training.  

Thanks to a grant from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF), WCC has been holding Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions for Veterans in Montgomery County, Maryland, at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring. Last March, programming moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic, and virtual puppy yoga is an extension to that programming, offering participants a more informal way to connect the mind and body. 

The instructor, Mary Zambri, along with one of Cohen’s team members and a long-time WCC volunteer, has led both classes to-date. Mary, who owns Posezen Yoga in Bethesda, Md., hosts a half-hour class designed for all skill levels. The only difference between a traditional class and this one? Puppies roaming around the classroom.   

The class is designed to help those tuned in to “paws” and reflect, reduce anxiety and pain and improve overall mindset and mood. And let’s face it, is not only relaxing, but it’s also downright entertaining. Here’s what some of the virtual attendees shared about their experience. 

User Sria Kelly said, “This is seriously the best idea, and therapy ever. I know this is involved, but please, please, please do this more often. ” 

From Saffron Rose Burrows, “I’m from England and currently in a lockdown. So glad I found this page! The puppies are so cute.” 

Adrienne L. Stark added, “OMG! Doing yoga with SDiT (service dogs in training) is a dream!” 

There is, of course, lots of laughter along the way, as well as the occasional toe nibble from a puppy. 

Kristin Hughes said, “The instructor is doing such a great job of not getting distracted by these cute little clowns!” 

Kate Berggren Lasher said, “This just makes your heart and soul feel so good! The girls are stretching and moving around and in comes the puppies!! Too sweet.” 

Ginger Smith added, “I could totally do the lay down with puppies pose.” 

And Patti Walker Rush said, “THE best video of the week! We needed this. ” 

Interesting in joining a future class? You’re in luck, the next WCC virtual puppy yoga class will take place on Friday, February 12 at 12-12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit WCC’s Facebook page for complete details. 

New Faces at WCC

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Warrior Canine Connection is pleased to welcome its newest member, Cheyenna Wilde, to the team!
 
Cheyenna came on board in October as WCC’s newest service dog training instructor and is based out of WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland. 

She fell in love with dog training after taking her family’s own pet dog to a training class years ago.  

“I think dogs connect with humans because they don’t care anything about you physically or mentally as long as you give them love — they will give it to you in return,” said Cheyenna. 

Cheyenna attended Peaceable Paws, Pat Miller’s Dog and Puppy Training Program, where she learned the fundamentals of dog training and behavior modification. She spent three years teaching dogs of all breeds and ages basic manners and socialization.  

Interested in the bond between a handler and service dog, she turned her career focus toward assistance dogs. She spent a year working for both Canine Partners for Life and Paws and Affection, while also attending the Bergin University of Canine Studies summer program. 
 
“I’m thrilled to be part of the WCC team,” said Cheyenna. “It’s such an amazing program, and I am honored to get to work with Veterans and play a part in the training of these dogs that have such a huge impact on them.” 
 
When not working, Cheyenna enjoys hiking with her dog, Captain, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, reading and hanging out with friends and family. 

Welcome to the WCC pack, Cheyenna! 

 

WCC Calendars and Ornaments Now Available!

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Are you ready to turn the page on 2020? Order your WCC 2021 calendar now! As always, next year’s calendar will feature photos of adorable WCC service dogs in training. 

While you’re at it, click “add to cart” on your 2020 WCC holiday ornament. An annual tradition since 2014, these ornaments work double-duty by serving as a thoughtful gift, while also supporting WCC’s programs at the same time. 

This year’s design features a gingerbread man donning a WCC sweater. It has a bright nickel finish with soft enamel and glitter accents and includes a silver hanging string and decorative holiday envelope for easy gifting. 

To place an order, click here.

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