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Warrior Canine Connection enlists recovering Warriors in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow Veterans.
Warrior Canine Connection
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  • Home
  • How We Help Warriors
    • Mission Based Trauma Recovery
    • Program Details
    • Program History
    • Research
  • Service Dogs
    • Purpose Bred
    • Puppies
    • Puppy Cam
    • Dog Applicants
    • Adopting a Release Dog
  • Get Involved
    • Donate
    • Individual Volunteer Opportunities
    • Corporate and Group Volunteer Opportunities
    • Hold a Community Event
    • Become a Puppy Parent
    • Become a Puppy Sitter
  • About Us
    • Mission
    • Board of Directors
    • Board of Advisors
    • Our Staff
    • Current Job Openings
    • Partners and Sponsors
    • Financials
    • Locations
    • Contact
  • WCC Healing Quarters
    • Construction Cam
  • Newsroom
    • Warrior Stories
    • Stories of Impact
    • WCC in the News
    • Press Releases
  • Shop

New Faces at WCC: Val Skinner

June 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

The WCC pack is excited to welcome new service dog training instructor Valerie “Val” Skinner to its team! 

Val came on board in April and is working at WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, where she is responsible for the evaluation and skill refinement of on-site service dogs in training and advanced training dogs. She will also support puppy parents and puppy development. 

“I joined WCC because I really love working with Veterans,” said Val. “They’re relatable, down-to-earth and aren’t here for any other reason than to help make their lives and others’ better. I really appreciate all the time and efforts they put into the training the dogs for these important placements.” 

An experienced dog trainer, Val has spent several decades training dogs, beginning with a rescue and placement organization for Rottweilers, followed by several years working with another ADI-accredited service dog organization. Val received her education and training at Bergin University.  

When not working, Val enjoys going to the beach, spending time outdoors and cooking up some BBQ with her family. 

Please join us in welcoming Val to the WCC team! 

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New Faces at WCC: Alexandra Kozell and Ketcher Taylor

March 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection is growing! We are pleased to share we’ve welcomed a couple of new members to our team—Alexandra Kozell and Ketcher Taylor—learn more about them below.

New Faces at WCCAlexandra “Allie” Kozell, Service Dog Training Instructor

Alexandra “Allie” Kozell joined WCC in Boyds, Maryland, where she is our newest service dog training instructor. Allie joined WCC in January 2023, and in her new role, will be working closely with our service dogs in training and our amazing Puppy Parents through classes and hands-on support.

Allie says she always knew she wanted to work with animals. She attended Ramapo College of New Jersey, where she studied psychology. While in school, she also worked with dogs at a day care and training facility. After college, she went on to become a dog trainer and learned hands on from multiple certified and experienced trainers gaining knowledge of many different training styles. After getting her CCPDT-KA certification she spent her time working with pet dogs through day training, private lessons, and classes. Her prior experience is a welcome addition to the WCC team.

“I really love the work, and I am so honored and proud to be part of a program that helps veterans on their rehabilitation journey through their connection with a dog,” says Allie. “Dogs are happy all the time, they’re happy to see you and eager to please. They’re just really supportive and help break through barriers.”

When not working, Allie can be found hiking with Mac, her one-year-old yellow Labrador.

Ketcher Taylor, Service Dog Training InstructorNew Faces at WCC

Ketcher Taylor, a service dog training instructor at WCC’s California program located at the Palo Alto VA, also joined WCC in January 2023.

As a trainer, Ketcher’s area of focus will be working with WCC’s service dogs in training and Puppy Parents through classes and hands-on support, and he will also assist with delivering WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training to Veterans in the Menlo Park Program.

“I’m enjoying it a lot,” said Ketcher. “I enjoy the team I work with here in California and getting to know everyone back at headquarters, and the work has been extremely enjoyable with the dogs we have here.”

Ketcher is a graduate from the Bergin University of Canine Studies, where he received a bachelor’s degree in cynology. After graduating, he started training service dogs for Veterans through an affiliate organization of the University. He gained experience and skills in training, group class teaching, outreach and fundraising, as well as dog placement. Having worked in both San Diego and San Antonio, Ketcher has gained an appreciation for the large Military communities throughout the country.

Ketcher also spent several years working in animal shelters, doing behavioral training and abuse rehabilitation. There, he gained experience working with all types of different dog breeds. While gaining knowledge and skill with; behavior training, abuse rehab and welfare, as well as rehoming and adoptions.

A dog lover, Ketcher enjoys spending time with Pinot, his 5-year-old Husky, including outdoor adventures, hikes and taking in the scenery.

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WCC Bench Madness – 2023

March 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms
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New Faces at WCC: Leilani Shore and Riley Spickler

January 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Please join us in welcoming two new members to the WCC pack! Both Leilani Shore, puppy program outreach coordinator, and Riley Spickler, puppy development assistant, joined WCC in December helping to fulfill important roles — learn more about out new team members!

Leilani Shore, Puppy Program Outreach Coordinator

An animal lover at heart, Leilani has always gravitated to dogs and horses. While attending Ohio University, she also worked for an equine program that supported Veterans through therapeutic horsemanship.

After graduating with a dual bachelor’s in psychology and animal science, she went on to work for an equine program that provided support for kids in foster care. She then worked for an animal biotech company that provided at-home cat DNA tests; the results are used to give owners a comprehensive report on their cats.

When she saw the opening at WCC for a Puppy Program Outreach Coordinator, it was one she knew she couldn’t pass up.

“I love my job,” said Leilani. “It’s not very often people can say that.”

Although still new to the role, Leilani works directly with WCC’s Puppy Parent program to help recruit new volunteers and support those already providing crucial aid and care for its service dogs in training.

“The Puppy Parents are awesome … it’s amazing that people are willing to volunteer their time and do what it takes to raise these dogs for us; we couldn’t do what we do without our Puppy Parents,” said Leilani. “I’m always in awe of them with how they sacrifice their time for us and help us out.”

When not working, Leilani enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Luna and Rosco, and her two horses, Ramsey and Maverick.

 

Riley Spickler, Puppy Development Assistant

Also joining WCC in December is Riley Spickler, our new Puppy Development Assistant. In her role, Riley works in WCC’s puppy department and helps with the socialization and care of WCC’s older pups and eventually be taking on the position of boots rank instructor.

A Maryland native, Riley graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with a bachelor’s in animal and avian sciences. During her sophomore year, she helped co-raise and sit service dogs for the Guide Dog Foundation and has spent countless hours walking and pet sitting dogs since then. She was also very involved in her campus ministry during college and loves connecting with new people.

“I have had a long-time dream of working with Veterans and service dogs, so this job is a perfect combination of both,” said Riley.

Riley’s supervisor says she has made an immediate impact in her new role.

Outside of work, Riley can often be found attending University of Maryland basketball games, spending time with friends and she also hosts trivia at a local brewery.

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WCC’s Manion: From Service Dog in Training to Search & Rescue

December 6, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

While breeding, training and placing service dogs with Veterans is one of Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) primary objectives, not all dogs are an ideal fit for the job. In fact, only 35-40% (on average) of a WCC litter will end up placed as a service dog. So, what happens to the rest of the litter? WCC also places military family support dogs and facility dogs, and other dogs are considered career change or release dogs with priorities set for military families. Whether they choose a career of service or not, WCC’s dogs all end up in a happy home.  

To graduate from WCC’s service dog training, a dog must pass all of the necessary health tests as well as their training courses. As our excellent trainers get to know the dogs better through training and socializing, they are able to understand what a dog is good at and what they need to improve on. Our trainers have special bonds with each and every dog that comes through the program, and helping the dogs determine their future is an essential objective. 

WCC’s Manion, named in honor of U.S. Marine Corps First Lieutenant Travis Manion, is a great example of a successful career change. One of the first traits that began to emerge with Manion was his work drive.  

“Manion’s motivation to serve others is his most unique trait,” said Manion’s first puppy parent, Patrick Siemon, who spent seven months helping raise Manion. “He has always been so focused on whoever has the other end of his leash and is always ready to work. He looks at whoever he is training with like they are the only person on earth and rarely takes his eyes off of them.”  

When Manion was around 9 months old, his service dog training began. WCC trainer Jen Blessing had the honor of being Manion’s main handler and trainer while he was at WCC.  

“When Manion first got here, he was a crazy puppy with no boundaries,” said Jen. It didn’t take long for Jen’s training to start making a difference, though. “It was a little rough for the first couple of weeks, but then Manion really snapped into it. He just needed a little help.”  

Before long, Manion was paws deep in training, even accompanying Jen to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center “almost every day.” 

As the training progressed, Jen noticed that while Manion was enthusiastic in trying to learn, his house manners stilled needed some work. He was having a tough time breaking his habit of counter surfing for food.  

“He’s so smart that he learned how to get away with things, and his drive for food beat everything else. He had an over-arousal with food,” said Jen. “Bad house manners are one of the pretty clear indicators that a dog may not be a good fit as a service dog,” she explained.  

Two things had become clear to Jen: Manion had a high work drive, and Manion was food driven. After a stall in Manion’s progress in the training, WCC decided an environmental reset could help fully unlock Manion’s potential, so he was brought to WCC’s Asheville, North Carolina, location. There, he continued to show a strong desire to work, but his endless stamina and devotion to food were still holding him back from his service dog training. 

After about six months in Asheville, Manion returned to WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds for an evaluation. The trainers at WCC collectively decided that Manion’s high energy and house manners may not be ideal for a service dog.  

The next step was to figure out what career would be a good fit for Manion, and Jen shared her input with the other WCC trainers: “He needs to have a job. He loves to work and is way too smart. Manion needed to be placed with an active person who will keep him stimulated. He clearly loves to work.”  

Among the possibilities WCC trainers discussed was the career of being a search and rescue dog. “Work drive and toy drive has to be so high for a search and rescue dog,” continued Jen, and Manion had both of those traits. “We reached out to the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF), and they asked for videos of Manion doing certain things, like trying to find a ball in a field, so we laid a foundation with his toy drive. They ended up liking him.”  

Manion made his career change and joined SDF, where he has fit right in. His work drive, toy drive and motivation for food made him the perfect fit for SDF. He has already assisted in multiple search and rescue missions, including one in Florida after Hurricane Ian devasted the state. 

Jen and the rest of WCC continues to follow Manion’s journey with pride, joy and love. Even Manion’s first puppy parent, Patrick, still closely follows Manion’s growth with SDF. “When WCC told me they thought being a search dog would be a better fit for him due to his high energy, it made sense. I can’t wait to see what Manion and the Search Dog Foundation will get to do next to help others!” 

You can follow Manion’s journey by following The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation on social media and Manion’s own Instagram page.  

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Paw-some Holiday Gift Ideas to Spoil Your Furry Friend

December 6, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Let’s face it, our dogs don’t take a day off — they’re our best friends 365 days out of the year, so it’s only natural that many of us want to spoil them during the holiday season. To help you decide on a gift for your special four-legged friend, we rounded up some ideas from members of Warrior Canine Connection’s pack that are creative, thoughtful, and yes, budget-conscious.


Toys, Toys and more Toys

WCC Service Dog Training Instructor Michele Tate, who works with WCC’s Asheville programs, loves the Starmark chew toys for several reasons.

“I really like this toy for pet parents because it has inserts you can buy that are super tasty, and it also works great with applesauce, peanut butter, yogurt, kibble or other treats as a fun frozen toy that can help enrich your dog both mentally and physically.” 

WCC Program Director and Service Dog Training Instructor at the Palo Alto VA Alexis Baker, shared a few toys that are personal favorites of WCC’s Piccone, a service dog in training she previously worked with in Calif.

“Piccone loved to walk around and squeak this rubber chicken! It provided him with tons of entertainment, and he liked giving it to me to squeak and give back to him, and even squeaking it together!

Another favorite for many is Hugglehounds® pet toys. The organization is also a supporter of WCC, and featured two of WCC’s service dogs — Luke and Tommy II — in adorable, plush miniatures, which are for sale here. 

WCC trainers recommend never leaving toys with unsupervised pets.

Special note: If purchasing gifts on Amazon, be sure to elect Warrior Canine Connection as your charity of choice on Amazon Smiles! The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price your eligible purchases to WCC. To-date, AmazonSmiles has helped raise more than $29,000 for WCC.

Tasty Treats
Trainer Michele Tate also recommends these Churro Cheese Dog Treats based on her experience with her own dogs.  

“I love these because I have a dog who loves to chew and a dog who hates to chew, and they both enjoy these. They help clean up the farther back molars as well and they aren’t stinky and don’t leave any yucky residue or stains as they consume them.”  

Safety device
Another great idea includes a practical gift that is useful and will help keep your dog safe.

Alexis Baker shared one of her favorite safety items — a rechargeable light- up collar, which she says, “is great to help your dog be more visible at night!”

Gifts for Humans, too
Don’t forget to treat the humans in your life or perhaps yourself, too, with WCC’s annual holiday ornament. The 2022 edition features two options — a black or yellow Lab — with the WCC logo and they are available for purchase on the WCC website.

Another favorite is the WCC calendar, and 2023 is now available! Complete with adorable photos of WCC dogs; a new image will bring a smile to your face each month. Check out the 2023 WCC calendars here.

Happy holidays and happy shopping ahead!

 

 

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New Faces at WCC: Jennifer Desher

November 22, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection is pleased to announce that Jennifer Desher has joined its pack and will serve as the program manager and service dog training instructor at its new training site located at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jennifer is no stranger to working with dogs. In fact, her training roots go back to 2011 when she was living in Minot, North Dakota, because her husband, Kevin, was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. While there, she started taking in stray dogs and doing basic obedience training with them, which she learned by watching YouTube videos, and then would find them deserving homes. During that 3 year-period, she trained and rehomed 60+ dogs. Hooked on working with dogs, she took an online formal dog training class.

Jennifer traces her love of dogs back to childhood. “I have always been a dog lover,” said Jennifer. “After begging my parents for what seemed like forever, I got my first dog at 13—a Samoyed, who I named Tinker, after my grandfather who was nicknamed ‘Tink.’”

In 2013, Jennifer and Kevin moved back to their hometown in Pa. Shortly afterward, Kevin deployed with the Air National Guard. While he was gone, Jennifer spent the year in Texas, attending the Starmark Animal Behavioral Center for additional training. After completing her education, she helped run dog training programs in North Carolina and then back in their hometown of Philadelphia.

So when Jennifer saw the job posting for a brand-new WCC program at the University of Pennsylvania, she immediately filled out the application.

“Finding something like this was a dream come true for me,” said Jennifer. “It hits home since it combines my passion for the military and Veterans with dog training—it was a no-brainer. And it’s in my hometown.”

Jennifer, Kevin, and their two children Penelope, 7, and Benjamin, 1, reside in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, along with their 11-year-old Husky, Meyla. When not working, an avid runner, Jennifer can often be found logging miles around town or at the local parks with her kids and spending time with her large, extended family. She’s also an advocate for the education of beta-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a disorder her daughter, Penelope, has that damages the nervous system.

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New Faces at WCC

September 29, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

We are pleased to introduce you to two new members of WCC’s pack! Join us in welcoming both Cyrus Fenwick, social media coordinator, and Samantha Johnson, development officer, to our team. Learn more about our new team members below.


Cyrus Fenwick

Cyrus “Cy” Fenwick joins Warrior Canine Connection after having spent several years working as a member of the media—both at ESPN and NBC Sports Washington. When the pandemic hit, Cy took time to re-evaluate his professional path and decided to switch to the nonprofit world.

“I love dogs and feel strongly about the need for mental health support, and Veterans, so when I saw the job posting at WCC, it immediately spoke to me,” said Cy. “Seeing how much these dogs help people moves me to my core; it makes me excited to come to work every day knowing that I’m contributing to a beautiful cause that I believe in.”

Cy grew up in The Plains, Virginia, with two older sisters and four dogs. And he comes from a proud military family; his grandfather served as a decorated Air Force Lieutenant Colonel in Vietnam.

Cy studied broadcast and digital journalism at Syracuse University. He is married to Sarah, his wife of almost one year, and they have two dogs (a Jack Russell Terrier named Rus and a rescue Chihuahua named Starfox). Outside of work, Cy has enjoyed fostering 12 dogs—all of whom have been adopted, and he loves making bread, going hiking and kayaking and spending time with family and friends.


Samantha Johnson joins WCC after spending 10 years as a veterinary technician. She brings her amazing experience, along with her love of all animals, to WCC in an entirely new role—development officer!

Samantha says having a dad who served in Army Airborne definitely shaped the way grew up and fostered her appreciation for Veterans.

“I fell in love with WCC when I saw the job posting,” said Samantha. “This role combines my love of dogs and support for Veterans. Coming from a military background, our mentality was always ‘we help our own,’ and I knew I wanted in. Everything’s amazing … everyone is so awesome, they welcomed me with open arms.”

After working as a vet tech, Samantha used her bachelor’s degree in biology as a genetic counselor assistant for a genetic testing company. 

When she’s not still volunteering with her former veterinary clinic, Samantha enjoys rock climbing, checking out local events, including the “Live at 5” concerts in Frederick, and hanging out with friends. A devout animal-lover, Samantha has a cherished yellow Lab named Rudy. 

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International Assistance Dog Week is August 7-13

August 2, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to support International Assistance Dog Week, an upcoming observance created to celebrate assistance dog trainers, volunteers, puppy raisers and handlers all over the world during the week of August 7-13. 

“Everyone loves an assistance dog, and quite rightly the dogs tend to take center stage,” says Chris Diefenthaler, Executive Director of Assistance Dogs International (ADI). “International Assistance Dog Week is a chance for us to recognize and celebrate the people at the other end of the leash — those who devote their time and expertise to ensuring ADI certified assistance dogs are trained and work to the highest standards.” 

ADI is the world’s leading standards-setter and accreditation body for training assistance dogs. In 2021, ADI’s 144 member programs had more than 11,000 puppies in training and over 27,000 active teams, including guide dogs, hearing dogs, medical alert dogs, mobility service dogs, autism dogs, dementia dogs and PTSD dogs. Nearly 9,000 potential clients are on a waiting list for an ADI certified assistance dog. 

“Assistance Dogs International (ADI) members play a key role promoting disability rights and access to health and social care, employment, education, transport, hospitality and public spaces. Many are at the cutting edge of research and innovation in specialist fields such as behavioral science or genetics. None of that would be possible without the people at the other end of the leash,” says Diefenthaler.  

WCC is proud to be an accredited member of ADI. The nonprofit’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program enlists Service Members and Veterans who are in recovery to help train the dogs for their fellow Warriors. Anchored in performing a military support mission, the participants in WCC’s MBTR program concurrently benefit from the program while serving others. Program participants receive therapeutic benefits from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience to promote an act of service. 

To date, WCC has placed 114 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans, and Warriors have completed more than 6,000 MBTR hours. Besides pairing highly trained dogs with Veterans, it has helped create relationships that have positively impacted the lives of many Veterans, like Dian Smith, and many others.

An Air Force Veteran, Smith was paired with WCC service dog Chuck after post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) prevented her from living the life she wanted. She shared, “Because I have Chuck, using the tools I’ve learned from my doctors, coupled together is much more effective. When I’m stressed, he recognizes that and alerts me by nudging my hand with his nose. If I don’t react to that, he’ll jump up and let me know. We’re just so in-tune with each other.”

Air Force Veteran Ryan Garrison who has assistance dog Luke, says having an assistance dog significantly changed his life for the better. 

“I really can’t say enough about what Warrior Canine Connection and my service dog Luke have done for me,” said U.S. Staff Sergeant E5 Ryan Garrison. “Thanks to Luke, my anxiety is under control, I’ve significantly decreased the medication I take, and he’s really helped me with my mobility. It’s not just that though — since being matched with Luke, I have a whole different outlook on life — a positive one.” 

Garrison and Luke were bestowed the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) prestigious Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) for Luke’s support and their special relationship in 2020. 

Class of WCC 2019 graduates, Air Force Veteran Ryan Boyles and Tommy II, also benefit from a very special animal-canine bond. Boyles speaks openly about the many benefits his assistance dog, Tommy, has provided him.

“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.”  

We hope you will share your support for assistance dogs and those who help make these special relationships possible for those in need the world over. Be on the lookout for hashtag #IADW2022 from August 7-13 on social channels to support this important observance! 

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Teach kids about service dogs with WCC’s educational toolkit

July 29, 2022/0 Comments/in Uncategorized /by WCC Comms

Are you interested in learning more about Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and how service dogs support our nation’s Service Members and Veterans? Our educational toolkit can help!

Whether it’s for your own information, to share with a classroom, community group or otherwise, we invite you to check out our toolkit resources designed to educate our youth about the important work WCC does, learn more about service dogs, and inspire them to support WCC in its life-changing mission.

The toolkit resources are geared toward students in kindergarten through 12th grade, and the materials can be used in classroom settings, for scouting badges, or with school-aged church and service groups.

As an accredited Service Dog Organization, WCC has its own breeding program—whelping approximately 10-12 litters of Golden and Labrador Retrievers each year at its national headquarters in Maryland. Purpose bred for health, temperament and longevity, WCC researches many generations of each dog’s pedigree to ensure their genetic potential to become a successful Service Dog.

You’ll find a pdf with video, puppy cam links, printable handouts, trading cards featuring WCC dogs, bookmarks, fundraising ideas, and more! Learn more and download the full WCC toolkit here.

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