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Want to Banish the COVID Blues? Think ‘Pawsitive’

June 3, 2020

Alumni series highlights how Warrior Canine Connection health benefits translate to all

June 1, 2020 – Anxiety and cabin fever can stem from the stay-at-home orders impacting American lives for the past few weeks. But for nearly 85 million U.S. families, their households offer something that can reduce their feelings of angst and isolation. And it doesn’t come from the fridge. Read more about how to beat the COVID blues in this CU Anschutz Medical Campus story here.

New Faces at WCC

May 28, 2020

Warrior Canine Connection has two new team members who we would like to introduce to you. Please join us in welcoming both Cate Law and MaryAngela Leifeld to our pack!

Cate Law
Cate Law joined the WCC team in March in a brand-new role — Canine Care and Enrichment Coordinator. In this newly designed position, Cate will support the service dog training program by providing daily mental and physical exercises to the dogs who are being housed at the training center. This will ensure that the pups are well-rounded and cared for, allowing the training staff to focus their time and energy on each dog’s behavioral training plans.

“I’m thrilled to be taking this next step and to be working with WCC,” said Cate. “WCC has the most unique mission by not only placing dogs with Veterans but involving them in the mission, and I am so excited to be a part of that.”

Cate comes to WCC as a recent graduate from the University of Maryland, where she received her bachelor’s in Persian Studies. She discovered her passion for service dogs as a volunteer puppy raiser for a guide dog organization while still in college, and she even helped to get a puppy–raising club off the ground at the University.

In the past three years, she has taught numerous classes for puppy raisers and started a financial support program for puppy raisers of service dog training programs that do not cover all costs of the puppy. She is currently raising her third puppy for another organization, Sage, a female Lab/golden cross, who you may see making friends around WCC! Cate says she hopes to raise a WCC puppy in the future.

When not working, Cate enjoys spending time hiking, exploring Maryland, trying new restaurants and spending time with friends.

MaryAngela Leifeld
MaryAngela recently joined WCC as a service dog training instructor and will be based out the Boyds, Md. headquarters. She joined the team in early May during the pandemic, so her acclimation has been anything but “normal” since all trainings are taking place 100% virtually. However, MaryAngela says she’s settling in well, learning the ropes and that she’s happy to be part of the team nonetheless.

“It’s a unique time to have started a new position but everyone has been truly welcoming and great in terms of making sure I’ve got what I need, know what I need to do and get settled in,” said MaryAngela. “I’m really excited to be part of such a cool program that has such a focused mission in support of our Veterans.”

MaryAngela has been working with assistance and service dogs for years. She got her start by volunteering to raise and train assistance dogs years ago while in middle school and has been hooked ever since.

In fact, in college, she majored in radio-television-film but dogs ultimately won her over, and she became a full-time service dog training instructor, specializing in training dogs to provide greater independence for individuals with disabilities.

Most recently, she worked in the private dog training sector, where she developed a broader knowledge of puppy development and the modification of complex behavioral issues by aiding pet dog owners to achieve their training goals.

When not working, MaryAngela and her wife, who have two dogs and a cat, enjoying hobbies that revolve around their pets such as training and hiking.

Please join us in welcoming both Cate and MaryAngela to our pack!

Great Quarantine Reads, Recommended by WCC Staff

April 13, 2020

You’re staying at home and inside as much as possible — doing your part to help flatten the curve. Looking for some good ways to occupy your time? Look no further! We tapped our Warrior Canine Connection team to share some of their favorite dog and Veteran-inspired book recommendations to help you pass the time. Read lots and be well!

Jennifer Wilder, Director of Development
Recommendation: Made for Each Other by WCC’s own Meg Olmert

“I love Made for Each Other because it was the first book to really dive into the roots of humans’ connection with animals, and the chemistry behind how those bonds are formed. Authored by WCC’s own Meg Olmert, the book really helps explain the science behind what WCC hears all too often—that dogs are good medicine!”

Ann Spader, Service Dog Training Instructor, Denver, Colorado
Recommendation: Merle’s Door – Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote

“So many books I’ve read are geared towards how you can get the most out of a dog and your relationship — it’s often one–sided. This book focuses on how both a person and a dog can learn from each other in a give–and–take relationship. There share a lot of interesting stories and experiences.”

and

Recommendation #2: Tribe by Sebastian Junger
“Obviously working with Veterans, I am always interested in new perspectives about the prevalence of PTSD during modern times. Tribe focuses more on how the community someone is a part of might impact their experiences or how they process those experiences versus just focusing on the person alone. Especially during these times of social isolation and uncertainty of the future, I feel it is more important that we come together as communities or tribes and support each other so that we can all get through this together.”

Tim O’Boyle, Facilities Manager
Recommendation: Chained Eagle: The Heroic Story of the First American Shot Down over North Vietnam by Jr. Everett Alvarez and Anthony S. Pitch

“This is the most amazing book about a prisoner of war. This is not a boring history book — it’s about a hero who became a POW on day two of the war and he shares his story until the time he was released nine years later. Even if you aren’t a history buff, you will still be engaged and amazed. One last thing, this hero lives here in Montgomery County, Maryland.”

Emily McNeal, Service Dog Training Instructor
Recommendation: Clifford the Big Red Dog by Norman Bridwell

“I chose this book for the sake of not being serious and needing a little cute comedy, plus, I have the same name as Clifford’s owner, Emily Elizabeth.”

and

Recommendation #2: Ashley’s War: The Untold Story of a Team of Women Soldiers on the Special Ops Battlefield by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

“This particular story is of a high-charging female soldier who led with honor and mission-first mentality. While she lost her life, her legacy lives on. Side note: I do her CrossFit workout every year and visited her memorial at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington.” 

Rick Yount, Executive Director & Founder
Recommendation: “My favorite dog-related pick is “Meg Daley Olmert’s, Made for Each Other, the Biology of the Human Animal Bond. Meg’s book cracked the code and drove the science regarding Oxytocin’s role in the healing power of dogs.’

“My favorite Veteran-related books is Sergeant Back Again by Charles Coleman. It is referred to as, ‘The Vietnam War Novel that made PTSD real.’“

Alison Alford, Development Assistant
Recommendation: A Good Dog by Jon Katz

“I recommend any book by author Jon Katz. He has written multiple dog books, and I’m sure you’ll love any book that you pick up by him! His books are filled with humor, compassion, and a deep respect for our canine companions.”

A few other favorites on Alison’s list include:
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Call of the Wild by Jack London
White Fang by Jack London
Old Yeller by Fred Gipson
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls
The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
James Herriot’s Dog Stories

Shelley Smith, Service Dog Training Instructor, Menlo Park, California
Recommendation: Tribe by Sebastian Junger and On Assimilation: A Ranger’s Return from War by Leo Jenkins.

“These two books were really helpful when I first started at giving me context and finding a place to start in the military culture. One more that’s much lighter reading, is Grunt: The Curious Science of Humans at War by Mary Roach. It’s just fun to reach and give me a chance to be a nerd and learn stuff in an approachable format!”

To Our Volunteers… Thank you!

March 31, 2020

April marks National Volunteer Month. And while all WCC volunteer programs and events have been suspended due to COVID-19 to ensure the health, safety and welfare of our dedicated supporters and our team members, we still want to say a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have dedicated your time, talents and treasures to our organization.

We have so many volunteers who make such a significant investment in our organization each year. These numbers are nothing short of amazing! We are truly humbled and honored by all of you. Here’s a snapshot of the impact volunteers had on WCC and its programs in 2019.

● Total Volunteer Hours: 61,449
● Total Unique Volunteers: 1,022
● Total Veteran Volunteer Hours: 981
● Total Military Family Volunteer Hours: 4172 
● Cost savings to WCC: $1,562,648.00

As Sarah Olson, WCC volunteer coordinator will tell you, whenever WCC makes an ask, many volunteers jump at the call.

“If we ever have an immediate need, whether it’s to fill a volunteer shift or it’s to transport puppies and dogs, last-minute calls to make bland diet, we always have such a tremendous response, it’s overwhelming,” said Olson. “People are ready to jump in for anything we need them to do — from the small stuff to the big stuff. It’s incredibly humbling to know we have that many supporters who are willing to do whatever it takes to help dedicate time to our mission.”

A prime example was WCC’s Community Clean-up Day, which took place at the end of February. The event was pulled together quickly following a tornado that touched down earlier in the month and caused significant damage to several structures at WCC’s Healing Quarters. Registration for volunteers went live online and, within hours, dozens of volunteers had registered to help. More than 100 volunteers spent 545 hours that single afternoon helping to clean-up, repair and transforms WCC’s grounds.

We know our volunteers could chose to support any organization, and we sincerely appreciate that you continue to choose WCC. Your unwavering support and dedication to our mission are helping to make a difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes, thank you.

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

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Community Clean Up Day Photo Gallery

March 3, 2020

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Handpicked by WCC: Dog Quotes We Love

February 3, 2020

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

January 16, 2020

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

December 4, 2019

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

December 2, 2019

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

November 26, 2019

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.

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