If the “six degrees of separation” theory suggests we’re all connected through a handful of relationships, the community at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) proves it might be even simpler: sometimes it only takes one puppy.
For many of WCC’s earliest volunteers, that connection started online—watching a litter of puppies on the Explore.org puppy cam. Viewers from across the country gathered in the chat, bonding over late-night puppy antics and a shared admiration for WCC’s mission to train service dogs alongside Veterans. Over time, those watchers became more than usernames. They became a community.
At the center of it all was WCC co-founder Molly Morelli, who regularly joined the chat to answer questions and connect with viewers.
“She was so open with talking to everyone through the chat for so long,” recalled WCC volunteer Ericka Johanek. “People knew each other by their usernames.”
One of those usernames belonged to Alice Belthoff, who discovered the puppy cam in 2012 while watching a litter affectionately known as Holly’s Half Dozen. Like many others, she became a regular—helping gather questions and building connections that extended far beyond the screen.
That spirit of engagement quickly took on a name. One day, Molly jokingly referred to the devoted watchers as “Extreme Puppy Watchers,” or EPWs—and the nickname stuck.
What began online soon became something more. Viewers started visiting WCC’s original Brookeville campus for “puppy petting,” eager to meet the dogs—and each other—in person.
Others followed a similar path. Ericka, who discovered the puppy cam through family, made the trip with her children after chatting with Molly online.
“We drove up on a Saturday morning,” she said. “That first day, we came as strangers. But it didn’t take long before we felt like part of something bigger.”
Soon, that sense of belonging spread. Volunteers like Lee Snyder, BettyAnn Marrone, Julie Hansen, Jean Wolfe, Sandy Rosenberg, Karen Ball and countless others stepped in to help in meaningful ways—from launching the EPWs’ Facebook community to securing materials that helped transform a garage into what would become WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center.
For many, those early experiences became life changing. What started as a simple visit or shared moment online evolved into lasting friendships, new passions and a deep commitment to WCC’s mission.
In 2013, that growing community came together for the first-ever volunteer “Paw-ty.” Despite pouring rain, more than 100 people traveled to Brookeville to celebrate the connections they had formed through WCC.
That same spirit carried into WCC’s first service dog graduation, where volunteers helped cook, organize and honor the life-changing partnerships between Veterans and their service dogs.
Over the years, the EPWs have remained a vital part of WCC’s volunteer network. While involvement has evolved, the relationships have endured—often becoming a source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.
For EPW Sandy Goga, that connection became deeply personal.
“Losing loved ones left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill, but WCC and the EPWs brought me companionship and connection when I needed it most,” said Goga. “The friendships I’ve built through this community have been a lifeline, they’ve given me strength, purpose and a way forward.”
Stories like Sandy’s reflect what has always set this community apart: a shared purpose that extends well beyond the puppies themselves.
Today, WCC’s volunteer family stretches far beyond those early puppy cam watchers. But the heart of it remains unchanged—people brought together to support Veterans through the healing power of service dogs.
And during Volunteer Appreciation Month, WCC celebrates the thousands of volunteers whose connections, whether through a puppy cam, a campus visit or a shared mission, continue to make that impact possible.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one small connection to change countless lives.
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Want a Second Dog? Trainers Say These 7 Breeds Fit Into Any Home So Easily
There’s no denying that choosing a second dog breed can be tricky as narrowing down the best dogs for multi-dog households isn’t as simple as it may seem. Because of that, bringing a new dog into a home with other pets can be an exciting, but sometimes a challenging experience as well. Read the full story in the Charlotte Observer here.
How Expensive Are Service Dogs, Really?
Service dogs are highly trained animals that assist individuals with specific disabilities, like blindness, hearing loss, mental health issues, and an assortment of other medical conditions. You’ve likely seen one of these hardworking, vested pups in action before. Read the full story in A-Z Animals here.
2025 ACE Award Service Dog Category Winner: Bea
Bea, a Labrador Retriever, is the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence winner in the Service Dog category. She is the devoted companion of Buddy Niner, a Marine Corps and Air National Guard veteran, providing vital emotional support as he navigates life after service. Bea’s impact extends beyond buddy, offering comfort and support to his fellow firefighters as well. Watch the story on AKC TV here.
By the Numbers: Volunteer Impact in 2025
In 2025 alone, 838 dedicated volunteers gave 137,507 hours of their time, generating an extraordinary $4.7 million in impact. Every one of those hours helped train service dogs and support the healing journeys of Veterans and Military Families.
That impact includes 101 Veteran volunteers and 213 Military Family volunteers whose lived experiences strengthen the very community we serve, along with corporate partners who contributed 787 hours of hands-on support. During Volunteer Appreciation Month, we celebrate more than numbers — we celebrate the hands, hearts and commitment that move this mission forward every single day.
“We celebrate every role and every hand that gives to WCC — those who care for the dogs in the kennels, those who nurture our moms and babies, the volunteers who prepare meals for our veterans when they are matched, our devoted sitters and our dedicated puppy raisers,” said Molly Elmore, WCC volunteer program manager. “Each act of service, whether quiet or visible, carries a heartfelt impact. I am profoundly grateful that our diverse group of volunteers are united by a shared commitment to something bigger than themselves.”
If you’ve ever considered getting involved, there’s a place for you here. Whether you can give a few hours or make a deeper commitment, your time can help change lives. We invite you to learn more about joining our volunteer community and becoming part of this mission in action. Learn more about how you can get involved here.
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Bridget & WCC’s Mary Gene: A Life-Changing Bond
Bridget shares what this partnership has meant to her and the impact it’s had on her daily life, offering a glimpse into the profound difference a service dog can make.
Mary Gene’s name carries its own legacy of service. She was named in honor of United States Army Major Mary Gene Klein Martin, a dedicated nurse, leader and longtime WCC volunteer whose commitment to serving others, both in and out of uniform, continues to inspire.
More information about Mary Gene’s namesake, and all of the Veterans whose names have been bestowed on WCC puppies can be found on the organization’s Hall of Heroes.
Watch Bridget’s story and see how one extraordinary connection is changing a life.
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Peer-to-Peer: Rally Your Pack for WCC
The program makes it easy and fun to rally your own “pack” in support of WCC’s mission. Whether you choose to fundraise on your own, start a team with friends and family, or join an existing group, every effort helps fuel the training of life-changing service dogs for Veterans. Supporters can turn almost any meaningful moment into a P2P fundraiser. Common occasions and life events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or graduations are powerful opportunities to give back and invite others to do the same.
“Because of our supporters, we’ve already changed lives—this new platform is how we change even more,” said WCC Annual Giving Manager Jen Ashley. “This program gives our community the power to turn their passion into real, measurable impact for the Veterans we serve by using their voices and their stories to inspire others to give in ways we never could alone. By empowering our supporters to fundraise, we are unlocking entirely new networks of generosity.”
The platform, hosted securely through Click & Pledge, is an extension of WCC’s existing online donation platform. Getting started is simple: personalize your fundraising page with your story, your “why” and even photos that bring your connection to life.
Officially kicking off April 22, WCC is leading by example with a special birthday fundraiser in honor of its fearless leader and founder Rick Yount, and we’re inviting our entire pack of supporters to join in and give back in his name. But you can get an early sneak peek by clicking here!
What makes the P2P program especially powerful is the personal touch—and that’s where you come in. The most impactful fundraisers are the ones that feel authentic and uniquely you. Celebrate a birthday like Rick, turn a workout into a challenge, host a small gathering or create a tribute page for a Veteran or service dog who inspires you. Share your “why,” add a few photos and invite your circle to be part of it.
Getting started is easy. The platform walks you through each step with a simple, user-friendly setup—and if you need help, WCC team members are always ready to jump in.
And don’t worry—every donor will automatically receive a thank-you message, so everyone who gives knows just how much they’re appreciated. For those leading a campaign, it’s also a chance to bring people together around a cause that changes lives.
So, take a page from Rick’s birthday fundraiser, have a little fun with it and make it your own. Interested in starting a fundraiser? Our Development team is happy to help — reach them at giving@warriorcanineconnection.org.
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How Connection Built a Volunteer Community at WCC
For many of WCC’s earliest volunteers, that connection started online—watching a litter of puppies on the Explore.org puppy cam. Viewers from across the country gathered in the chat, bonding over late-night puppy antics and a shared admiration for WCC’s mission to train service dogs alongside Veterans. Over time, those watchers became more than usernames. They became a community.
At the center of it all was WCC co-founder Molly Morelli, who regularly joined the chat to answer questions and connect with viewers.
“She was so open with talking to everyone through the chat for so long,” recalled WCC volunteer Ericka Johanek. “People knew each other by their usernames.”
One of those usernames belonged to Alice Belthoff, who discovered the puppy cam in 2012 while watching a litter affectionately known as Holly’s Half Dozen. Like many others, she became a regular—helping gather questions and building connections that extended far beyond the screen.
That spirit of engagement quickly took on a name. One day, Molly jokingly referred to the devoted watchers as “Extreme Puppy Watchers,” or EPWs—and the nickname stuck.
What began online soon became something more. Viewers started visiting WCC’s original Brookeville campus for “puppy petting,” eager to meet the dogs—and each other—in person.
Others followed a similar path. Ericka, who discovered the puppy cam through family, made the trip with her children after chatting with Molly online.
“We drove up on a Saturday morning,” she said. “That first day, we came as strangers. But it didn’t take long before we felt like part of something bigger.”
Soon, that sense of belonging spread. Volunteers like Lee Snyder, BettyAnn Marrone, Julie Hansen, Jean Wolfe, Sandy Rosenberg, Karen Ball and countless others stepped in to help in meaningful ways—from launching the EPWs’ Facebook community to securing materials that helped transform a garage into what would become WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center.
For many, those early experiences became life changing. What started as a simple visit or shared moment online evolved into lasting friendships, new passions and a deep commitment to WCC’s mission.
In 2013, that growing community came together for the first-ever volunteer “Paw-ty.” Despite pouring rain, more than 100 people traveled to Brookeville to celebrate the connections they had formed through WCC.
That same spirit carried into WCC’s first service dog graduation, where volunteers helped cook, organize and honor the life-changing partnerships between Veterans and their service dogs.
Over the years, the EPWs have remained a vital part of WCC’s volunteer network. While involvement has evolved, the relationships have endured—often becoming a source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.
For EPW Sandy Goga, that connection became deeply personal.
“Losing loved ones left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill, but WCC and the EPWs brought me companionship and connection when I needed it most,” said Goga. “The friendships I’ve built through this community have been a lifeline, they’ve given me strength, purpose and a way forward.”
Stories like Sandy’s reflect what has always set this community apart: a shared purpose that extends well beyond the puppies themselves.
Today, WCC’s volunteer family stretches far beyond those early puppy cam watchers. But the heart of it remains unchanged—people brought together to support Veterans through the healing power of service dogs.
And during Volunteer Appreciation Month, WCC celebrates the thousands of volunteers whose connections, whether through a puppy cam, a campus visit or a shared mission, continue to make that impact possible.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one small connection to change countless lives.
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Stronger Together: WCC and Wounded Warrior Project Partner to Power Connection and Healing
That spirit has been on full display as Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) teamed up to host two Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions in the Pittsburgh area. Together, the events offered area Veterans an introduction to WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and reinforced what’s possible when like-minded organizations work side by side.
While MBTR is traditionally delivered as an eight-week program, these sessions were designed as one-day, hands-on experiences for Veterans connected through WWP to engage with service dogs in training and with one another. During MBTR, Veterans learn how to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In the process, they also build skills such as communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation and patience — promoting an act of service while experiencing therapeutic benefits themselves.
“Sessions like this open people’s eyes to just how powerful dogs can be,” said Sue Watson, WCC Pittsburgh program manager and service dog training instructor. “The impact is incredible — and even if it’s just for an afternoon, you can feel the camaraderie, the connection and the lift it gives everyone in the room.”
Each gathering welcomed a small group, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. The sessions began with food and introductions before five service dogs in training — WCC’s Poyner, Jimmy, Lego, Ski and Ash — took center stage alongside their Puppy Raisers, who shared the significance behind the dogs’ namesakes and their roles in their journeys.
Participants were guided through a mini MBTR experience, learning core principles such as the stages of canine learning, the “yes” marker, bonding, check-ins and introductory training commands. Veterans observed stress cueing and interacted directly with the dogs, applying what they learned in real time.
“For me, the hypervigilance is always there … that feeling that you have to keep looking over your shoulder,” said Tim Nicotra, Air Force Veteran. “But when I’m out with a WCC dog, I know he has my back. Instead of scanning everything around me, I can focus on him and just be in the moment. Even after finishing the eight-week MBTR program, I keep coming back because working with the dogs is so positive. I also want people to understand how much these dogs can help — and how much unconditional love they give.”
All participating Veterans were connected through WWP, underscoring the organization’s commitment to ensuring Veterans have access to a wide range of programs and partners that support their wellbeing.
“We believe the strongest outcomes for Veterans happen when organizations stop operating in silos and start amplifying each other’s strengths,” said Ashley Bunce, WWP’s director of community partnerships and investments. “WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery model is exactly the kind of purposeful, proven programming we’ve been proud to stand behind since 2020. Bringing WWP-connected Veterans into these sessions means more warriors have access to healing pathways they may never have found otherwise. That’s the power of a true ecosystem of care.”
WWP’s support of WCC reflects its broader investment in strengthening the ecosystem of nonprofits dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. By collaborating on MBTR sessions, and exploring recurring opportunities, WWP is helping expand access to mission-driven approaches to alternative therapy, connection and recovery. Warriors are benefiting from the physiological and psychological animal-human connection.
For many Veterans, the experience goes far beyond learning dog training techniques. Working side by side toward a shared goal fosters trust and teamwork, creating a renewed sense of connection and purpose. Just as meaningful is the opportunity to spend time with fellow Veterans in an environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and grounded in something positive.
Together, these sessions demonstrate how collaboration can amplify impact — creating new interventions for engagement, healing and connection. Learn more about how you can get involved with either of these organizations by visiting: www.woundedwarriorproject.org and www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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WCC’s Tugger and WCC’s Erik on Good Morning America for Phillies Opening Day
WCC Service Dog-in-Training Tugger and WCC Service Dog Erik were invited to be guests on Good Morning America to help kickoff the Phillies Opening Day. Check out the story here.
Veterans care center provides pet love in different way
RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — The Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center is one place that believes in the special bond that pets bring. Watch the full story on CBS 19 News here.