Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) MBTR training program, short for Mission Based Trauma Recovery, is the cornerstone of its mission. This unique volunteer-based, animal-assisted therapy involves Service Members and Veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow Veteran, many Warriors involved in MBTR cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience.
Mar Leifeld, WCC’s Veteran training program manager, who spearheads the MBTR program, says while MBTR volunteers have been instrumental in helping to train hundreds of WCC dogs, it has also been transformative in helping Veterans transitioning out of the military to restore a sense of purpose.
“This program is 100% voluntary, and the volunteer piece is really at the heart of what’s driving our Veterans to be involved in it,” said WCC Veteran Training Program Manager Mar Leifeld. “Everyone who is coming to engage in the program, whether they have a personal reason to be engaged, they’re all coming to an increased sense of purpose and community and to give back.”
In 2023, a total of 1,310 Veterans participated in MBTR across all locations, collectively contributing 10,077 hours of voluntary training. On average, each Veteran dedicated approximately 7.7 hours to the program.
The numbers don’t lie—MBTR is impactful. In fact, testimonials from previous participants inspired lawmakers to tap Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC, and Veterans Affairs to help draft the original language for what would become the current PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2021.
Now in year three of a five-year pilot program, the impact of MBTR is being seen at five program sites that provide service dog training to benefit Veterans diagnosed with PTSD; WCC hosts two of the five sites.
While continuous research quantifies the impact of MBTR, participating Veterans have shared profound testimonials; from alleviating PTSD symptoms to enhancing concentration and fostering a sense of purpose, the MBTR program stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have served. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Veteran participant testimonials below, all which have been shared anonymously.
“Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms,” shared one MBTR participant.
“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from Major Depression. After numerous treatments including a variety of medications and 10 sessions of ECT, I was only minimally better. I was feeling numb for years and was unable to feel any joy. I never left my home and did not want to do anything, even bathing was difficult. My occupational therapist recommended WCC. I honestly did not want to go, but I forced myself. After the first two sessions, I finally began to have some sort of feeling for the first time in years. I now leave my home several times a week and I want to do some things. It is a work in progress, and I have plenty of bad days, but this is a breakthrough,” shared a Veteran participant.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the program and used some of the skills to train my dog at home. It is very enlightening, and one feels like they are contributing their efforts for an excellent cause,” shared an MBTR participant.
“I appreciate the time I was able to spend with the pups & trainers. They are lovely & caring. It was a wonderful reminder to slow down pay attention and breathe into the positive or negative situation/what my inner voice was telling/yelling at me.”
“Training the dogs and learning how to train them in some of their tasks really helped me with concentration and slowing my mind down. I suffer from PTSD, TBI and anxiety amongst other things. My wife literally said the one day I was always in a good mood was the day I had an hour with the dogs. Before or after going.”
“Training the service dogs gave me a sense of purpose; connectedness with fellow veterans, instructors, and dogs; increased my mood; helped me be patient with my own dogs; gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society (I told my friends all about the program); made me more interested in other areas of my life again like sports and hiking with my dogs; it inspired me to take more dog training classes (animal CPR and obedience classes for my dogs); it made me feel like the VA cares about veterans with PTSD; I felt loved by the animals and instructors. Overall, this program made helped me feel good about myself again, purposeful and confident in myself.”
Learn more or get involved in WCC’s MBTR program here.
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Healing Through Dogs: WCC’s MBTR Program
Mar Leifeld, WCC’s Veteran training program manager, who spearheads the MBTR program, says while MBTR volunteers have been instrumental in helping to train hundreds of WCC dogs, it has also been transformative in helping Veterans transitioning out of the military to restore a sense of purpose.
“This program is 100% voluntary, and the volunteer piece is really at the heart of what’s driving our Veterans to be involved in it,” said WCC Veteran Training Program Manager Mar Leifeld. “Everyone who is coming to engage in the program, whether they have a personal reason to be engaged, they’re all coming to an increased sense of purpose and community and to give back.”
In 2023, a total of 1,310 Veterans participated in MBTR across all locations, collectively contributing 10,077 hours of voluntary training. On average, each Veteran dedicated approximately 7.7 hours to the program.
The numbers don’t lie—MBTR is impactful. In fact, testimonials from previous participants inspired lawmakers to tap Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC, and Veterans Affairs to help draft the original language for what would become the current PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2021.
Now in year three of a five-year pilot program, the impact of MBTR is being seen at five program sites that provide service dog training to benefit Veterans diagnosed with PTSD; WCC hosts two of the five sites.
While continuous research quantifies the impact of MBTR, participating Veterans have shared profound testimonials; from alleviating PTSD symptoms to enhancing concentration and fostering a sense of purpose, the MBTR program stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have served. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Veteran participant testimonials below, all which have been shared anonymously.
“Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms,” shared one MBTR participant.
“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from Major Depression. After numerous treatments including a variety of medications and 10 sessions of ECT, I was only minimally better. I was feeling numb for years and was unable to feel any joy. I never left my home and did not want to do anything, even bathing was difficult. My occupational therapist recommended WCC. I honestly did not want to go, but I forced myself. After the first two sessions, I finally began to have some sort of feeling for the first time in years. I now leave my home several times a week and I want to do some things. It is a work in progress, and I have plenty of bad days, but this is a breakthrough,” shared a Veteran participant.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the program and used some of the skills to train my dog at home. It is very enlightening, and one feels like they are contributing their efforts for an excellent cause,” shared an MBTR participant.
“I appreciate the time I was able to spend with the pups & trainers. They are lovely & caring. It was a wonderful reminder to slow down pay attention and breathe into the positive or negative situation/what my inner voice was telling/yelling at me.”
“Training the dogs and learning how to train them in some of their tasks really helped me with concentration and slowing my mind down. I suffer from PTSD, TBI and anxiety amongst other things. My wife literally said the one day I was always in a good mood was the day I had an hour with the dogs. Before or after going.”
“Training the service dogs gave me a sense of purpose; connectedness with fellow veterans, instructors, and dogs; increased my mood; helped me be patient with my own dogs; gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society (I told my friends all about the program); made me more interested in other areas of my life again like sports and hiking with my dogs; it inspired me to take more dog training classes (animal CPR and obedience classes for my dogs); it made me feel like the VA cares about veterans with PTSD; I felt loved by the animals and instructors. Overall, this program made helped me feel good about myself again, purposeful and confident in myself.”
Learn more or get involved in WCC’s MBTR program here.
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Dog Walk for Warriors
This April, Warrior Canine Connection is asking you to put your best PAW forward to support our nation’s Veterans! During the month, we’re inviting everyone to join our virtual 30-mile Dog Walk for Warriors Challenge. It’s all about spreading the word about WCC’s mission, raising some funds and welcoming new friends into our pack. Visit the WCC Facebook page to find out more or sign up right here!
For those of you who are in the Washington, D.C. area, we would love to celebrate your last mile with you. Join us on our way to a “Million Dog March” on the National Mall, Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m. Bring your four-legged friends—on leash—and support this WCC fundraising Challenge. Registration is required and the first 100 to sign up will receive a free t-shirt.
To participate in the live DC one mile walk, sign-up here!
Catching up with Philadelphia Phillies service dog Major
The service pup has been working with the Philadelphia Phillies through the Warrior Canine Connection. Check out the story on CBS News Philadelphia.
New Faces at WCC: Welcoming Molly Elmore and Tessa Williams
Molly Elmore, Volunteer Program Manager
“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, 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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Service dog training in prison | PHOTOS
See photos of the launch of the Warrior Canine Connection service dog program in Maryland’s state prison system by Karl Merton Ferron in The Baltimore Sun.
Warrior Canine Connection behind bars
SSUP, Md. — Opening the door for a disabled veteran?
No problem.
A Labrador retriever named “Wes” is in training to someday help a veteran with visible or invisible wounds through a program called Warrior Canine Connection at the maximum-security prison in Jessup and his trainer is a veteran as well, but he happens to be incarcerated. Check out the full story from WMAR News 2 here.
Maryland inmates and veterans benefit from Warrior Canine Connection program
BALTIMORE — A few months ago, Warrior Canine Connection partnered with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to bring a service dog training program to the maximum-security Jessup Correctional Institution. Check out the full story from WJZ News here.
Warrior Canine Connection and Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Partner on Service Dog Training Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Incarcerated Individuals to Train Service Dogs for Veterans with Visible and
Invisible Wounds
BOYDS, Md. – In a groundbreaking partnership, Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) is excited to announce the launch of its new service dog training program at the Jessup Correctional Institution in Jessup, Maryland. Through this innovative program, incarcerated individuals will raise and train puppies that will become highly skilled service dogs for future placement with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
“We’re thrilled to launch this program in partnership with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “This program represents a powerful synergy of rehabilitation and support for Veterans and provides incarcerated individuals with an opportunity to help their fellow brothers and sisters in arms.”
In this unique program, Veteran incarcerated individuals will participate in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which will be led by WCC’s expert staff. Inmate trainers will learn how to care for, socialize, and teach basic obedience and specialized skills to puppies who will ultimately become service dogs. This collaboration provides the inmates with a positive purpose during their incarceration and the chance to develop skills that can aid in their rehabilitation, future employment opportunities, and contribute to a meaningful cause.
“The Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services is proud to serve and honor America’s wounded veterans by partnering with Warrior Canine Connection to provide life-changing service dogs,” said Carolyn J. Scruggs, Secretary of DPSCS. “This is an excellent restorative justice program, allowing incarcerated veterans to pay society back in a most meaningful way.”
Funding for this new program at Jessup is made possible thanks to the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs and Boeing.
“Veterans know better than most that service can be healing. I am proud that the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs can support this program to allow incarcerated veterans to continue to serve their fellow veterans,” said Secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs Anthony Woods. “The service dogs trained through this program will be a game-changer for our veterans and families, helping them lead richer and more rewarding lives.”
“We are proud to partner with Warrior Canine Connection to expand this important recovery program to even more veterans,” said Linwood Ham, Boeing’s director of military and veteran affairs. “Through this unique partnership, we are supporting veterans while providing incarcerated individuals an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.”
For more information about Warrior Canine Connection and its Mission Based Trauma Recovery training programs, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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Media Contact:
Beth Bourgeois
Warrior Canine Connection
beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org
719-216-3206
Fur-midable Friends: The Science Behind Dogs and Our Well-Being
According to a recent study published in The Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA), the calming effect of dogs extends beyond the physical realm and includes the virtual companionship found on screens.
For Rachel Lacy, who works in the gynecological oncology department at University of Virginia Hospital, the findings resonate strongly.
“Having the puppy cams, like the ones at Warrior Canine Connection, gives our staff moments of happiness and relief in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful working environment,” said Rachel Lacy, senior quality assurance specialist GYN ONC, University of Virginia Hospital. “The moment of reprieve is a welcome one especially in our oncology service line.”
The research findings revealed a notable decrease in self-reported anxiety among nurse leaders both individually and collected after participating in animal-related engagement (ARE) and support what Explore.org and WCC set out to prove through the puppy cam.
“The premise of starting Explore.org was to educate people about animals, bringing them into their living rooms,” said Courtney Huq, social media director, Explore.org. “Our viewers tell us often that puppy cams provide an uplifting dose of happiness, a break from day-to-day stress—that they’re the perfect antidote. It’s great to see the research catching up that.”
The live, 24/7 Warrior Canine Connection puppy cam hosted by Explore.org, has been in existence since July 2013. And in that time, millions of people have tuned in from all over the world. Over the years, WCC and Explore.org have heard not just from nurses, but also from teachers who have shown the feed in their classroom, doctors in ICUs during the height of the pandemic, and many, many other people, like Jane Jensen, who found relief in the camera while battling cancer a few years ago.
“I had that live stream up almost 24 hours a day for months; it literally got me through the chemotherapy treatments,” said Jane. “It was truly a spirit-saver—there’s no question. I didn’t have the energy or interest to watch TV, read or even eat at that point. I would just sit there and watch the puppies and they would make me smile. As an animal-lover, watching them helped lower my blood pressure and they just made my heart sing.”
Although WCC’s mission directly supports Service Members, Veterans and their families, we are thrilled at the reach our programs have extended far beyond specific community.
For more details on the research findings, you can access the complete JONA study here.
Share the (Puppy) Love!