FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new program in partnership with Duquesne University, a distinguished institution with deep roots in military tradition and service. Funded by the generous support of Team Foster, this new initiative will utilize WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model to benefit Veterans, the university and the broader Pittsburgh community.
WCC’s MBTR model is centered on the time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In this program, Veterans learn to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors, while fostering their own skills in communication, confidence building, emotional regulation and patience. The program’s focus on peer support and personal growth makes it a natural fit for Duquesne University—a Veteran-centric institution led by President Ken Gormley—that has a profound history of supporting Veterans and an ROTC program dating back to 1917.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of Chris Boissonnault, director of Duquesne’s Office of Military and Veteran Students, who has been a true champion in bringing this program to life, Veterans will now have the powerful opportunity to heal and support one another by learning to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “This hands-on experience not only aids in the recovery of our Veterans but also deepens Duquesne University’s long-standing commitment to its military history by directly serving its Veteran students and the surrounding community. We’re also profoundly grateful to Team Foster for their continued dedication, which allows us to extend our reach and support even more Veterans in need.”
“It’s an honor to host the Warrior Canine Connection service dogs in training on campus, especially in support of Duquesne alum Erick Foster and Team Foster,” said Boissonnault. “Veterans are a special part of the Duquesne community and history; we look forward to having these amazing pups and their trainers on campus for their important work.”
This new WCC Pittsburgh program has been made possible thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization founded by Nick Liermann in honor of his friend and comrade, U.S. Army Captain Erick Foster, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. This program holds particular significance as Foster was from the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Duquesne University. Team Foster’s involvement underscores the deeply personal nature of this initiative, aligning with its mission to support Veterans by helping to place them with highly trained, accredited service dogs.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate partner or location for Team Foster to support accredited service dog training space,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director, Team Foster. “Captain Foster would be proud of the support from his alma mater at Duquesne and the Pittsburgh community to help our Veteran teammates.”
The program officially launched in September and is hosted on Duquesne University’s campus in Pittsburgh. A WCC service dog training instructor, along with four service dogs in training, are already working with Veterans in the program. The program is also seeking Puppy Raisers—dedicated volunteers who help raise and train the service dogs during the first two years of their lives.
Veterans interested in learning more about the program or how to get involved are encouraged to visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
About Team Foster
Team Foster is a nonprofit organization founded in honor of Army Captain Erick Foster, a Pittsburgh native, after he was killed in action in Iraq. Team Foster raises money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. Through funding, advocacy and education, Team Foster honors Captain Foster’s legacy of pushing himself and always looking out for his teammates.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation’s top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University’s academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.
It’s time for bigger goals.
www.duq.edu
WCC Celebrates 2024 Graduates; Dedicates Renovated Barn
Photo credit: Akash Raghu
On Saturday, September 21, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) marked its 13th annual graduation with an inspiring virtual celebration. The ceremony honored Veterans and their newly partnered assistance dogs, highlighting the incredible transformations these partnerships create. Admiral James Hancock, a retired Navy medical leader, delivered a powerful keynote address. Attendees were also treated to moving videos showcasing each Veteran’s journey and the unbreakable bond they now share with their life-changing, four-legged companions.
After the virtual graduation, over 600 guests — including past and current graduates, family members, puppy parents, and WCC supporters — gathered at the Healing Quarters in Boyds, Md. for an afternoon of fun. It was a perfect day to enjoy the sunshine, delicious Mission BBQ, live music by Lulu’s World Rock Band, and great conversations with fellow Veterans and supporters.
As if that wasn’t enough excitement, WCC also officially dedicated its newly renovated historic dairy barn — The WCC Angel Training Center — named for the beloved family dog of Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, whose leadership and generosity, among many others, helped make the project possible. Angel brought years of joy and love to their family, and we’re excited to see this state-of-the-art facility help us support even more Veterans. (Check out highlights from the celebration and dedication here.)
The newly dedicated Angel Training Center has deep historical significance. Originally constructed in 1938, the barn was designed by the University of Maryland as a dairy facility with the mission of providing milk to troops stationed in the National Capitol Region during World War II. Rather than demolishing the structure, WCC felt strongly about preserving this important piece of history. Now, almost 100 years later, the barn has been thoughtfully renovated and repurposed to continue serving Veterans — this time as a state-of-the-art training facility for service dogs, helping to support Veterans in a new but equally impactful way.
The newly transformed Angel Training Center has received some major upgrades for both the staff and the service dogs. For the staff, there are now dedicated workstations, meeting spaces, restrooms, and even a food prep area to make daily operations more efficient. For the dogs, the facility includes a large, modern training space, kennels, grooming areas, and a laundry nook — everything needed to ensure the pups are well taken care of and properly trained to support Veterans.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many generous individuals and organizations whose contributions made the Angel Training Center a reality. Special thanks go to Dan and Gayle D’Aniello, the State of Maryland, Julie Walters, a private family foundation, Davis Construction, Montgomery County, Associated General Contractors of America and John and Marcia Shooshan for their leadership and support, as well as the hundreds of individuals who contributed to this incredible project. Your generosity has helped create a lasting impact for our Veterans and service dogs!
All in all, WCC’s 2024 graduation was a truly awesome reminder of the vital role service dogs play in transforming the lives of Veterans. It was a day filled with wagging tails, heartfelt thanks and the comforting knowledge that these new teams will face the future together — side by side, and leash in hand.
If you missed the virtual graduation ceremony or you’d like to watch it again, you can view it online here.
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New Faces at WCC: Sarah Peltzer
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!
Letter: Clifford brought veterans comfort and calm
Friday, Aug. 23, would have been Clifford’s seventh birthday. If you were lucky enough to know Clifford, you’d know he was much more than just a dog. He was a Warrior Canine Connection facility dog, trained to bring comfort and calm in the midst of some of life’s hardest battles. Read the full story in Mountain Xpress.
Warrior Canine Connection and Duquesne University join forces to empower Veterans through service dog training, with support from Team Foster
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new program in partnership with Duquesne University, a distinguished institution with deep roots in military tradition and service. Funded by the generous support of Team Foster, this new initiative will utilize WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training model to benefit Veterans, the university and the broader Pittsburgh community.
WCC’s MBTR model is centered on the time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In this program, Veterans learn to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors, while fostering their own skills in communication, confidence building, emotional regulation and patience. The program’s focus on peer support and personal growth makes it a natural fit for Duquesne University—a Veteran-centric institution led by President Ken Gormley—that has a profound history of supporting Veterans and an ROTC program dating back to 1917.
“Thanks to the unwavering support of Chris Boissonnault, director of Duquesne’s Office of Military and Veteran Students, who has been a true champion in bringing this program to life, Veterans will now have the powerful opportunity to heal and support one another by learning to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “This hands-on experience not only aids in the recovery of our Veterans but also deepens Duquesne University’s long-standing commitment to its military history by directly serving its Veteran students and the surrounding community. We’re also profoundly grateful to Team Foster for their continued dedication, which allows us to extend our reach and support even more Veterans in need.”
“It’s an honor to host the Warrior Canine Connection service dogs in training on campus, especially in support of Duquesne alum Erick Foster and Team Foster,” said Boissonnault. “Veterans are a special part of the Duquesne community and history; we look forward to having these amazing pups and their trainers on campus for their important work.”
This new WCC Pittsburgh program has been made possible thanks to a generous $100,000 gift from Team Foster, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit organization founded by Nick Liermann in honor of his friend and comrade, U.S. Army Captain Erick Foster, who was killed in Iraq in 2007. This program holds particular significance as Foster was from the Pittsburgh area and graduated from Duquesne University. Team Foster’s involvement underscores the deeply personal nature of this initiative, aligning with its mission to support Veterans by helping to place them with highly trained, accredited service dogs.
“I cannot think of a more appropriate partner or location for Team Foster to support accredited service dog training space,” said Nick Liermann, founder and executive director, Team Foster. “Captain Foster would be proud of the support from his alma mater at Duquesne and the Pittsburgh community to help our Veteran teammates.”
The program officially launched in September and is hosted on Duquesne University’s campus in Pittsburgh. A WCC service dog training instructor, along with four service dogs in training, are already working with Veterans in the program. The program is also seeking Puppy Raisers—dedicated volunteers who help raise and train the service dogs during the first two years of their lives.
Veterans interested in learning more about the program or how to get involved are encouraged to visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
###
Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
719-216-3206
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
About Warrior Canine Connection
Warrior Canine Connection is a pioneering organization that utilizes a Mission Based Trauma Recovery model to empower returning combat Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Based on the concept of Warriors helping Warriors, WCC’s therapeutic service dog training program is designed to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other challenges, while giving injured combat Veterans a sense of purpose, and help in reintegrating back into their families and communities. For more information, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
About Team Foster
Team Foster is a nonprofit organization founded in honor of Army Captain Erick Foster, a Pittsburgh native, after he was killed in action in Iraq. Team Foster raises money to provide accredited, life-saving service dogs to injured and disabled Veterans. Through funding, advocacy and education, Team Foster honors Captain Foster’s legacy of pushing himself and always looking out for his teammates.
Duquesne University
Founded in 1878, Duquesne is consistently ranked among the nation’s top Catholic universities for its award-winning faculty and horizon-expanding education. A campus of nearly 8,200 graduate and undergraduate students, Duquesne prepares students by having them work alongside faculty to discover and reach their goals. The University’s academic programs, community service and commitment to equity and opportunity in the Pittsburgh region have earned national acclaim.
It’s time for bigger goals.
www.duq.edu
Building bonds at Warrior Canine Connection
The Asheville chapter of this nonprofit organization introduces local veterans to highly trained canine companions — and they need volunteers to raise the puppies.
City Editor Molly here. I had only been sitting in the Asheville office of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) for a few minutes when one of the organization’s service dogs trotted in. He was clearly thrilled to see people, bounding between us and sticking his nose in my bag to investigate.
Program Director Amy Guidash told me that this was a standard greeting from Pluto. Read the full story in AVL Today.
Carolina Moment: Warrior Canine Connection a valuable resource for recovering veterans
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that enlists recovering veterans, called “Warriors,” in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow veterans. Click here to check out the full story from WLOS 13 News.
LEAD spotlights first DOD firefighter and service animal team at the depot
Story by Taylor Mayberry
Letterkenny Army Depot
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – For the first time in history, the Letterkenny Army Depot’s Fire and Emergency Services onboarded a firefighter and service animal team when Buddy Niner and his dog, Bea, joined LEAD on June 17.
Niner enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 2007 and deployed to Afghanistan for over nine months from 2009 to 2010. “I specifically chose the U.S. Marines because my dad was a Marine, and he was someone I always looked up to my entire life,” he said. Read the full story from DVIDS here.
Canine training and ‘the thing under the thing’ presented as PTSD, suicide prevention therapies
By Steven B. Brooks
Two different approaches to dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention were shared on Aug. 23 with The American Legion TBI/PTSD Suicide Prevention Committee in New Orleans during the organization’s national convention. Read the full article from the American Legion.
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.
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
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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