Community Clean Up Day Photo Gallery
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Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Organization
# 45-2981579
Handpicked by WCC: Dog Quotes We Love
There’s no shortage of ways to talk about how much we adore our dogs. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, the WCC team put together a list of quotes that we love about our four-legged friends.
Quotes We Love
Emily M., Service Dog Training Instructor
“You can always find hope in a dog’s eyes.”
– Unknown
Beth B., Media Relations Officer
“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.”
– W.R. Purche
Tim O., Facilities Assistant
“All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For, after all, he was only human. He wasn’t a dog.”
– Charles M. Schulz
Sydney F., Service Dog Training Instructor
“Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
– Roger Caras
Alyssa M., Social Media Specialist
“Be the kind of person your dog thinks you are.”
– Unknown
Rick Y., Founder and Executive Director
“Happiness is a warm puppy.”
– Charles M. Schulz
Jennifer W., Director of Development
“Sometimes the best medicine has four legs and a wet nose.”
– Huff, WCC Service Dog
Emily F., Service Dog Training Instructor
“Everything I need to know I learned from my dog.”
– Richard Smith
Jeff H., Director of Operations
“Be alert as you watch a dog at play or at rest. Let the animal teach you to feel at home in the now, to celebrate life by being completely present. You just watch the tail … with some dogs you just look at them – just a little look is enough – and their tail goes …’ Life is good! Life is good!’ And they are not telling themselves a story of why life is good. It’s a direct realization.”
– Eckhart Tolle
Cheryl B., Puppy Parent Program Manager and Trainer
“Among the things in my life that I thank God for the most, is the love He gave me for animals. My heart would be emptier, and life would be less without them.”
– Unknown
Kevin S., Service Dog Training Instructor
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
– James 1:17
Sam H., Service Dog Training Instructor
“Dogs have given us their absolute all. We are the center of their universe. We are the focus of their love and faith and trust. They serve us in return for scraps. It is without a doubt the best deal man has ever made.”
– Roger A. Caras
Katie G., Client Liaison
“In life, it’s not where you go – it’s who goes with you.”
– Snoopy
Allison P., External Relations Manager
“I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source.”
– Doris Day
Don’t see your favorite dog quote listed? Share yours with us on our Facebook page at @warriorcanineconnection!
Our Year in Numbers – 2019
Happy New Year! Before we get too far into 2020, I’d like to take a moment to celebrate Warrior Canine Connection’s achievements with you. Every year we experience growth and 2019 was no exception! We saw expansion in our programs, including reaching more Warriors through Mission Based Trauma Recovery sessions, breeding and even our own team.
This past year, WCC welcomed 9 litters of puppies and 50 new service dogs in training into our program. We provided 3,637 hours of MBTR programming and served 804 unique Service Members, Veterans and their families.
With the start of a new year and new decade, 2020 promises to be another year full of opportunities and exciting challenges. I know WCC will meet each day with determination and a commitment to serve more Veterans. Thank you for your continued support, dedication and another unforgettable year. You have helped us get to where we are, and we could not have accomplished what we did in 2019 without you.
2019 #GivingTuesday Update
Warrior Canine Connection just wrapped up its most successful #GivingTuesday in history! Participation in the 24-hour, GlobalGiving fundraising campaign was overwhelming, as WCC’s Board of Directors, staff and a total of 211 community supporters all generously contributed to the effort; $35,331 was given in donations, along with $14,449 provided in matching funds and bonus prize money, bringing WCC’s total raised to $50,061!
If you’re not familiar with it, GivingTuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Over the past seven years, it has grown into a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity.
Out of the thousands of nonprofit organizations participating in the GlobalGiving fundraising campaign, WCC placed third of all charities around the globe. Not only that, WCC was the most successful of all animal-related organizations that participated in the campaign and was the only organization that serves Veterans to finish in the top-200.
Our work is far from done. Today, more than 500,000 Veterans are suffering from the invisible wounds of war, and WCC’s unique form of animal-assisted therapy and placement of highly trained service dogs is proven to help Veterans in need. Help us assist our nation’s recovering Warriors by donating now.
Thank you to all of you for your support!
Holiday Gifts that Give Back
The holidays are just around the corner! Have you made your list and checked it twice? Combine your love of Warrior Canine Connection with your holiday spirit by purchasing 2019 WCC holiday ornaments and 2020 calendars!
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 lightweight, blue, glass ball that will make a great addition to your tree or someone else’s!
The 2020 WCC calendar will feature adorable WCC service dogs to be.
To place an order, click here.
New Faces at WCC
The Warrior Canine Connection team is growing! We are pleased to welcome some new faces to our pack both at our Healing Quarters in Boyds and at the Menlo Park VA in California. We are very excited about the wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise that these new team members bring to our team, please join us in welcoming them on board!
Katherine Kane joined the WCC team in September in a special 11-month role as a volunteer coordinator through AmeriCorps and Volunteer Maryland. In her position, she assists with all things related to volunteer recruitment, including retention and creating and refining systems.
Katherine got involved in the AmeriCorps program because her passion is tied to serving our Veterans. Her plans post-WCC include attending graduate school so she can achieve her career goal to become a military psychologist.
“I really like the mission and the people — it’s been a great experience so far,” said Katherine. “My goal is to be a military psychologist, so this opportunity is an invaluable step in that process. Not to mention being around these puppies every day – that’s definitely an added bonus.”
Katherine grew up in Greensboro, N.C. and attended Guilford College, where she completed a double-major in psychology and criminal justice. She also competed on the school’s tennis and swimming teams.
When not working, Katherine enjoys reading, yoga and she recently started kickboxing.
Jody Neal also joined WCC in September as a dog program administrative assistant. 
“What I love about working for WCC is that everyone is working for the same end result and mission,” said Jody. “I love that everyone here loves their job and that each day at WCC is different. Having the dogs and puppies around is truly therapeutic and healing. I have always wanted to give back to Veterans because of what they do for our country, and this is such a rewarding way to do that.”
Jody’s role is part-time, and when she’s not at the WCC Healing Quarters, she can often be found working as a crossing guard for the Montgomery County Police Department.
Jody grew up in the Maryland suburbs and completed her education there; she earned her advertising design degree from Montgomery County Community College and her one-year certification in business administration from the Katharine Gibbs School. She put her experience and degrees to good use by serving in various administrative capacities in the private sector prior to joining WCC.
When not working, Jody enjoys caring for her two horses, Beetle and Galley, and her two Jack Russell Terries, Grizzly and Maizie.
Also joining WCC in September is Service Dog Training Instructor Shelley Smith, who is based out of WCC’s location at the Menlo Park VA.
Shelley has worked in animal welfare her entire professional career; she has vast experience in animal sheltering with dogs and cats, animal intake, behavior, fostering and adoptions and animal-assisted interactions.
She earned her degree in literature from California State University Bakersfield and later continued her education at the San Francisco Academy for Dog Trainers. She says she’s excited to be putting her skills to work with WCC.
“I love it, it’s fantastic,” it actually combines two of my most passionate topics, which are dog training and the welfare and well-being of Veterans,” said Shelley. “I feel incredibly lucky every day to have the chance to do this — to work with Veterans and to use my skills as a dog trainer to help them is a humbling experience, I love it.”
A true animal-lover, Shelley has a 13-year-old Lab from the Oakland Shelter named Enzo and three cats (and, yes, she says they all get along): Caterpillar, Pinot and Elroy.
WCC Puppy Cam Inspires Students
“Is this leaked footage from heaven?” That’s what Jon, one of Kayla Iannuccilli’s eight graders, asked her after seeing the Warrior Canine Connection puppy cam on Explore.org for the first time.
Kayla teaches language arts to 7th and 8th graders at East Rock Community & Cultural Studies Magnet School in New Haven, Connecticut, where she’s worked for the past six years. She’s one of those teachers who makes an impression on her students — tough but fair, yet also creative and fun.
“On days when we’re not using our board in class for lessons or presentations, I’ll put up one of Explore.org’s live feeds,” said Kayla. “I’ve checked out a few different feeds before, but the Warrior Canine Connection feed is the best!”
And her students couldn’t agree more.
“It calms me down and it’s just adorable,” said Terry.
Josh says, “I think it’s awesome because the veterans can have a friend.”
“I think it’s nice because it’s cool knowing how they train the puppies,” added Miguel.
While watching the puppy cam is a treat for students, it’s also resulted in healthy discussions about our military and the importance of training service dogs to help them with visible and invisible wounds.
Kayla says there are always lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” when the feed goes on, and the students see the puppies romping and playing.
“The kids love the puppies so much! I usually share the puppy feed with my 8th graders on Fridays, when they take their weekly quiz,” said Kayla. “Admittedly, it can be pretty distracting. The feed with the smallest puppies in the whelping room is usually our best option, especially when they’re sleeping.”
If you’re not familiar with the 24-hour, live puppy cam, it first launched on Dog Bless You on Explore.org in 2012. At the time, the livestream was a novel idea, but since then millions of people have tuned in to watch the development and adorable antics of WCC’s future service dogs.
Want to check it out? You can view the WCC puppy cam here.
Howl-o-ween Safety Tips for your Dog
Halloween is known for tricks and treats but keeping your dog safe and stress-free doesn’t have to spook you! Here are a few simple steps to keep your four-legged friend happy and healthy during this festive holiday.
No tricks, no treats: That bowl of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not the dog. Chocolate in all forms — especially dark or baking chocolate — can be very dangerous. Candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can also cause health issues. If you do suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.
Costumes: If you’re planning to dress up your dog, be sure to have him try on the costume before the holiday. Make sure that it doesn’t impair mobility, sight or ability to breathe and that it doesn’t include any small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces.
If your dog is stressed, manage it like you would any other stress, and first make sure that you’re not anxious; your dog will synchronize with you, so make sure to use that to their advantage.
Second, lighten the mood with the usual “this is fun” attitude and, of course, give lots of treats and rewards!
If your dog doesn’t acclimate well to wearing the costume, considering only putting on some pieces at a time to lessen the stress bit-by-bit. If the costume is truly too much for him, you may want to skip it altogether.
Warrior Canine Connection holds special Halloween-themed training classes in advance of the holiday and encourages puppy parents to dress up their service dogs in training as a trial run.
Keep dogs inside the house: With your door constantly opening and closing to greet trick-or-treaters, it’s a good idea to keep your dog inside on Halloween night. Putting your dog in a crate can help reduce stress and prevent him from darting outside the door.
Halloween can also be a good training opportunity; presenting your dog with plenty of positive reinforcements while seeing the strange visitors approach your door will give him exposure to new stimuli. However, trainers caution that if you sense uncertainty or fear, you should provide your dog with more space between it and the ghost or goblin at your door and reward him with the highest-value treats. It is important not to force your dog to go past their threshold of success.
Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Warrior Canine Connection’s Class of 2019
The following Veteran Service Dog Teams were introduced into WCC’s 2019 class of graduates.
SSG Spencer Milo, USA, Retired, and Service Dog Joseph
CAPT John Halsema, USN, and Service Dog McGhee
SSgt Ryan Boyles, USAF, and Service Dog Tommy
Col Dennis Fowler, USAF, Retired, and Service Dog Lou
The following Military Family Support Dogs were placed with their forever families. Military Family Support dogs help facilitate family relationships, including companionship, support and unconditional love for our military families.
SFC Mark Hughes, USA, Separated, with Military Family Support Dog Pegasus
MAJ Richard Star, USA, and Military Family Support Dog Otis
WCC also placed one facility dog this year. Facility dogs are paired with Veterans to work in a treatment or healthcare facility that provides care for active-duty Service Members and Veterans.
LCpl Kevin Rumley, USMC, and Facility Dog Clifford; the pair is working together at the Buncombe County Veterans Treatment Court.
As well as these graduates, the following are six additions to WCC’s breeding program and will produce future litters of service dogs:
Cooper
Donna
Meli
Beverly
Charlie II
Dani
Graduation 2019 Photo Gallery
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