Holiday Gift Ideas for Dogs & Dog Lovers

The holidays are in full swing, and if you’re still hunting for the paw-fect gift for the dog lover or furry friend in your life, we’ve got you covered! Our WCC pack members have fetched their favorite gift ideas, and they didn’t disappoint — with great picks for both two- and four-legged family members. Take a look, and as you’re checking your list twice, get ready to soak in all the magic this season has to offer!

Gift Ideas for Dogs …

Bow Wow Buddy Safety Device & Bully Sticks
This dog gift idea comes from WCC’s Director of Development Jennifer Wilder and Smith, her trusty WCC Ambassador dog. If you’ve got a dog who’s a bit of a chomper, the Bow Wow Labs Buddy Safety Device, paired with some high-quality Bully Sticks, is a treat they’ll love — and makes chew time safer, too! The Buddy Device helps prevent choking by holding the bully stick securely in place, allowing your pup to safely gnaw to their heart’s content.

HuggleHounds HuggleFleece Bed Topper & Camo Ball
Looking for the ultimate comfort combo? Brady Wilks, WCC’s assistant director of communications, and WCC’s Rossi shared that the HuggleFleece Bed Topper is perfect for snuggly naps, and the Camo Ball (pictured with WCC’s Rossi to the right) doubles as a cozy pillow or a fetch toy. And a portion of proceeds from the camo ball goes to benefit WCC.

Licking Mats with Suction Cups
WCC Service Dog Training Instructor Katie Hearne says that these mats are a must for dogs who need a little extra distraction during bath time, nail trims or for general enrichment. The suction cups on the back make them easy to place on any smooth surface, and spreading a little peanut butter on top will keep your pup happily occupied.

Outward Hound Treat Puzzles
WCC’s Events Coordinator Jennifer Ashley says that her two pups are currently loving the Outward Hound Treat Puzzles. She shared, “They are pretty doggone proud to be on a Level 3 puzzle after becoming pros at the Level 2 puzzles. They know exactly where I keep them and paw at the closet door frequently to let me know it’s puzzle time.”

A Day of Adventure
Sometimes, the best gifts aren’t things but experiences! Cheryl Bingham, who supports WCC’s Volunteer Program, recommends you take your pup on a hike, followed by a cozy snuggle session with their favorite treat. It’s the gift of time, and your dog will paws-itively love every minute.

Gift ideas for humans …

DIY Pawprint Keepsake & Ornament Kit
WCC Veteran and Military Family Services Manager Sarah DelCore shared, “I LOVE the make your own clay ornament kits. You can easily personalize them by adding your dog’s name, painting them and picking out color ribbon to hang it with. Plus, it always brings a few good laughs trying to get your dog to cooperate with putting their paw in the clay. There are plenty of options out there, just make sure it is toxic-free, and you wash your dog’s paw off well afterwards.”

Dog Nail Grinder
Katie Hearne also recommends a nail grinder that is sure to please both dog and human! She says this grinder is the quietest she’s ever used. She did add that it doesn’t have as much power as some other brands, but that it’s great for grinding the nails in more frequent, shorter sessions.

Custom artwork on Etsy
Looking for a personalized holiday gift that truly captures the personality of a beloved furry friend? WCC Media Relations Officer Beth Bourgeois recommends custom pet artwork on Etsy. Talented artists on the popular site specialize in re-creating pets from photos, using various mediums such as watercolor, digital art and even playful cartoon-style portraits. These custom pieces offer a range of styles, from whimsical to realistic. Prices vary widely, making it easy to find something within your budget, and many artists offer digital download options so you can print and frame the artwork yourself—perfect for a budget-friendly yet heartfelt gift.

WCC 2025 Calendar and Apparel
Nothing says “dog lover” like a calendar filled with adorable photos of WCC’s service dogs in training. Pick one up from the WCC website and bring some smiles all year round! From cozy hoodies to mugs, WCC also has plenty of merch for you and your fellow dog lovers. Shop now to find something stylish and support a mission you love.

Whether you’re shopping for a gift that squeaks, snuggles or simply makes you smile, we hope these ideas make your holiday shopping a little easier. May your gifts be doggone perfect, and your holidays filled with joy!

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2024 Veterans Day Restaurant Deals

 

2024 Veterans Day Deals 

WCC Partners: 

Chick-Fil-A: Free chicken biscuit during breakfast hours, free sandwich during lunch or dinner hours 

Farinas Pasta Bar-Veteran Owned: From November 10th through November 17th, 10% of sales from their Southern Fried Chicken Parm, Pistachio Pesto, and Meatball Marinara goes to WCC! 

Mission BBQ: Free Sandwich 

 

WCC’s Veteran-Staff Favorites: 

Buffalo Wild Wings: On November 11, Veterans and active-duty service members get 10 free boneless wings and fries with valid ID. Available for dine-in or, if ordering from a Buffalo Wild Wings GO location, available for walk-in/orders placed at the counter only. 

Glory Days Grill: 50% off any entree 

Longhorn Steak House: 10% discount on a meal 

Outback Steakhouse: 10% discount and free Bloomin Onion 

 

More Deals: 

Applebees: Free Meal – For their FREE lunch or dinner, Veterans can choose between some of our most popular entrées: Classic Bacon Cheeseburger, 6 oz. Top Sirloin, Chicken Tenders Platters, Double Crunch Shrimp, Fiesta Lime Chicken, Oriental Chicken Salad, and Three-Cheese Chicken Penne. 

BJ’s –  Receive a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie® with no minimum food purchase. Offer not valid for Pizookie® Trio or Pizookie® Party Platter. CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS OR DISCOUNTS. Must present Military ID or other proof of service. No cash value. Tax and gratuity not included. *Offer valid on Monday, 11/11/2024 for dine-in only. 

Bonefish Grill – Active-duty service members and Veterans get a complimentary order of Bang Bang Shrimp with a soft beverage on November 11, 2024 with valid ID.  

Chili’s – Free Meal *Valid only on 11/11/2024. Military ID required to redeem offer. No substitutions. Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer only available for dine-in from limited menu. Beverages and gratuity not included. 

CiCi’s Pizza: Veterans and Active duty Military eat free on Veterans Day 11/11 

Cracker Barrel: Free double chocolate cake dessert. Cracker Barrel will serve a complimentary dessert to our nation’s military heroes on Veterans Day 

Golden Corral: free meal for Veterans All current U.S. service members, retired military, and Veterans may join Golden Corral for a free “Thank You” Buffet and Beverage on Monday, November 11, 2024 | 4PM-Close 

IHOP: Veterans and Active Military enjoy a FREE Red, White and Blueberry Pancake Combo between 7AM-7PM 

Olive Garden: Free entree 

Red Robin: Free Red’s Big Tavern Burger 

Ruby Tuesdays: Free meal 

Sheetz: Free meal, beverage, and car wash 

Silver Diner: 25% Off 

TGI Fridays: Free meal off a special menu between 11AM and 5PM 

Texas Road House: Complimentary Meal 

Ravens and Tito’s Are Back for a Paw-some 2024 Season!

Warrior Canine Connection is thrilled to announce that Tito’s Handmade Vodka and the Baltimore Ravens are teaming up again to make every catch count—literally! For the second year in a row, Tito’s and the Ravens are pledging $100 to WCC for every reception during the 2024 NFL regular season, with a goal of raising $35,000!  

That’s right, football fans and dog lovers, get ready to cheer extra hard because every time the Ravens complete a pass, you’re helping provide life-changing service dogs to Veterans. This partnership showcases the *ultimate* teamwork—both on the field and in the lives of those who have served our country.  

So, grab your purple gear, rally the pack and root for every reception. Every catch brings us one step closer to our fundraising goal, ensuring that Warrior Canine Connection can continue its mission of providing service dogs to those who’ve served our great country. 

 

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New Faces at WCC: Sarah Peltzer

Warrior Canine Connection would like to welcome Sarah Peltzer to our pack! Sarah joined us on as a Breeding Assistant in July. Born and raised in Frederick, Md., Sarah has always been surrounded by animals and developed a deep connection with them early on. Her passion for animals led her to actively participate in 4-H and FFA, where she bred and showed dairy goats. Sarah continued to pursue her love for animals by earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Maryland, College Park earlier this year.

During her time at UMD, Sarah worked at the Maryland State Fair Birthing Center, where she educated the public on animal reproduction and birthing processes. Her hands-on experience there, which included assisting in the delivery of piglets, calves and chicks, solidified her interest in reproductive science. When the opportunity arose to join WCC, Sarah knew it was the perfect fit.

“I’ve been loving it—the team is great,” said Sarah. “Being part of getting these dogs into life and seeing how they progress is incredibly rewarding. I can’t wait to see how far they come and how they go on to serve others.”

Sarah has already been hands-on in welcoming new litters, having been involved in the birth of two litters since she started.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys reading, listening to music, and spending time with her long-time feline companion, Tonks. We’re excited to have Sarah on board and look forward to all the wonderful contributions she’ll make to our team!

 

Meet Barney: A Special Addition to WCC and the Washington Commanders

Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Barney isn’t just another adorable pup—he’s a vital part of a transformative program helping Veterans in Frederick. At the Platoon Veteran Services Center (VSC), Barney is actively involved in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training, which supports Veterans dealing with a range of challenges, including PTSD. Since joining the program two months ago, Barney has logged more than 26 hours of training and quickly won over the hearts of participants.

One U.S. Navy Veteran who participates in the VSC program shared, “Barney is special! He’s not only a beautiful specimen of Labradors but also incredibly intuitive. He learns quickly and has a big personality that’s both entertaining and heartwarming. It’s been an honor to be part of his early training, and he’ll always have a place in my heart.”

In addition to basic obedience and loose leash walking, Barney’s training involves important socialization and behavioral skills. He’s learning alongside other service dogs in training, including WCC’s Pete, who is further along in his training journey. Over the next two years, Barney will continue his preparation, aiming to become a life-changing companion for a Veteran, thanks to the MBTR program’s comprehensive approach.

In June, Barney was named as the official team dog for the Washington Commanders. This unique role allows him to participate in community events and meet fans, further extending the impact of his training. The Washington Commanders Foundation is generously covering Barney’s training expenses, helping him along his path to becoming a service dog.

Barney was named in honor of Colonel Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum Jr., a retired Marine Corps officer and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam War. A meeting between the two namesakes may be on the horizon, further highlighting the special connection and honor associated with this remarkable dog.

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WCC Paw-tify Playlist: Tail-Wagging Tunes for Dog Lovers

At Warrior Canine Connection, dogs hold a special place in our hearts—and in the world. They’re the stars of countless movies, the subjects of beloved books, and the inspiration behind many iconic songs. We asked our team to share their favorite dog-themed tunes or those tied to a cherished memory with a furry friend. Check out their picks and add some canine-inspired joy to your summer “paw-tify” playlist!

Song Title: Like My Dog by Billy Currington
“This song is about a dog’s unconditional love. It doesn’t matter what you do for work, how ‘lazy’ you are, or what you look like, your dog will always love you.”
– Samantha, development officer, WCC

Song Title: Home by Phillip Phillips
“This song holds a special place for me … It started playing on the car radio the day I brought my adopted dog, Witten, home from the shelter. He ended up in the shelter at around 4 yrs. of age when his owner passed away, and the gentleman’s family turned him over. Witten passed March of last year at 14, and I will always continue to think of him whenever this song plays.”
– Kevin, director of service dog training

Song title: Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men
“This song used to make my sisters and me crack up that they were actually barking in the song.”
– Cheyenna, service dog training instructor

Song Title: What I Am by Edie Brickell & New Bohemians
“Because religion is a smile on a dog!”
– Rick, founder and executive director

Song Title: Good Ol’ Dogs and God by Pryor & Lee
“The reason I love it is that I’ve always felt the pureness of a dog’s heart and soul is so deep that it feels like there is a link they create between us and what comes next. Also, I always think of when my little boy (now 35), Casey, came running to me one day and was sooooo excited to tell me that Dog was God spelled backward. He thought he was the first on earth to figure that out 😉.  The joy in his face I will always remember.”
– Cheryl, puppy parent program manager

Song Title: This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race by Fall Out Boy
“As a teenager, I had a job walking a neighbor’s dog every afternoon after school. India was the sweetest chocolate labrador and we enjoyed our mile long daily walk, rain or shine, while jamming to this song on my iPod. (Does that age me? LOL)”
– Sarah, Veteran and Military Family Services Manager

Song Title: Black-Eye Dog by Colin James
“Colin James’ cover/rendition of the song is my favorite. It’s kind of like a song about depression … but I feel good about it, like that the dog sees me.”
– Brady, external relations manager

Song Title: Touch of Grey by the Grateful Dead
“I like it because you can’t keep from smiling when you’re singing along to this song in the car with the windows down and a dog in the back.”
– Mar, veteran training program manager

Song Title: The Black Dog by Taylor Swift
“Just an absolute banger! A little heart wrenching but worth the listen!”
– Riley, puppy development assistant

Song Title: Radio/Video by System of a Down
Lyrics:
“They take me away from
The strangest places
Sweet Danny and Lisa”

“This song refers to childhood memories helping take the singer out of the stress and pressure of life. Danny and Lisa are childhood friends that bring the good memories! It is similar to what our service dogs do for Veterans. They bring back those comforting memories during times of stress, though their bond and relationship. To me this is a good summer song, as it is upbeat, and summertime always brings back great memories for me!”
– Ketcher, service dog training instructor

Song Title: 40 Dogs by Bob Schneider
“The tempo and fun energy in this song actually reminds me of my dog’s personality; he’s always smiling with his tongue out and ready for fun. I can’t not be happy around him, kind of like when this song is playing.”
– Beth, media relations officer

Have a favorite song to add to the list? Let us know!

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WCC 2024 Graduation: Veterans and Service Dogs to Celebrate Paw-some Achievements

Warrior Canine Connection happily invites current and past graduates, their families, our amazing volunteers and supporters to join us for WCC’s Class of 2024 virtual ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21. 
 
For those who wish to continue the celebration from online to in-person, WCC will also host a post-graduation ceremony reception later that afternoon. Our graduating teams and extended pack will enjoy good food, live music, barn tours, WCC store items for sale, a photo booth, fun activities and plenty of dogs! 
 
The virtual graduation ceremony will take place online Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The post-graduation reception, including a special barn dedication ceremony, will follow at WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration for the reception is required and will open Aug. 21 on the WCC website—stay tuned for the link and more details! This promises to be a fantastic celebration, we hope to see you there! 

New Faces at WCC: Deborah Logan, Service Dog Training Apprentice

We are thrilled to welcome Deborah Logan to the WCC team! Deborah joined us as a Service Dog Training Apprentice in June and will be instrumental in running MBTR sessions and training WCC service dogs. 

Deborah’s journey with WCC began when she met one of the original service dogs, WCC’s Cadence. As a volunteer puppy parent during her college years, she demonstrated her dedication to our mission. Recently, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and even helped establish a new WCC training club at UMD. Deborah is passionate about continuing Cadence’s legacy and is eager to start her new role, using her love for dogs to positively impact Veterans’ lives.

“I’ve seen firsthand the impact service dogs can have on a Veteran, as well as their entire family,” said Deborah. “I’m excited to work for an organization I’ve been supporting for years and to learn and grow as a trainer.” 

Outside of work, Deborah enjoys hiking with her black Lab, Oasis, and Sherri, the third WCC service dog in training she’s raising. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the great work she will do with WCC! 

New Faces at WCC: Welcoming Molly Elmore and Tessa Williams

Molly Elmore, Volunteer Program Manager

Meet Molly Elmore, our newest addition to the Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) team! Molly joined us in January as Volunteer Program Manager and brings a wealth of passion, organizational skills, and a deep love for dogs to her role, which involves working closely with all WCC’s amazing Puppy Parents, sitters, whelpers and volunteers. Her commitment to WCC’s mission is evident, and we’re thrilled to have her on board.

“I’ve seen the power of dogs in my own life, the bond, and raised my children with them,” said Molly. “There’s something about their companionship, their empathy towards us—it’s powerful, and then to get to work with these dogs that are so well-trained, it’s just remarkable.”

Molly spent the past 23 years, including 15 in Montgomery County, as an educator; she worked with all age groups from pre-school to adults, teaching French and English to Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) and creating unique enrichment courses.

Molly is married to husband, Lee, and they have three daughters, Rachel, 20; Becca, 17; and Kate, 14 and two dogs, Millie, 8, a Golden Retriever; and Seamus, 4, an Aussiedoodle. In addition to her work with animals, she loves meeting new people, traveling, learning languages, cooking, hiking, reading, learning, and is always up for a long walk.

Tessa Williams, Community Engagement Specialist

Tessa Williams, a familiar face at WCC for the past five years, has recently transitioned to the newly established Volunteer Department as WCC’s Community Engagement Specialist.

Tessa, who began as a volunteer with WCC, has helped in just about every capacity you can imagine—facilities and cleaning, overnight whelping duty, and canine care staff.

“At first, it was the dogs … isn’t it always the dogs that bring us in?” said Tessa. “I don’t have any military family or affiliation, but seeing all the training and the tremendous joy these dogs bring the Veterans and how they help them transform their lives, it’s nothing short of amazing.”

Tessa earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from Salisbury University.

When not working, Tessa enjoys cooking and listening to music (two of her favorite artists include Tove Lo and Dua Lipa).

Join us in extending a warm WCC welcome to both Molly and Tessa!

 

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Share the (Puppy) Love!

Unleash the love this Valentine’s Day with our paw-sitively heartwarming service dog-inspired printable cards, available for free download! Whether you want to make some paw-some cards for kids, students, colleagues, or anyone special, these adorable designs are perfect for sharing Valentine’s greetings. Simply, click here, print, and let the love wag its tail!

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