In the quaint town of Boyds, Maryland, there exists a matchmaking service like no other. Welcome to “D-Harmony,” where dogs and humans find their perfect match. But this isn’t your typical matchmaking service—it’s Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
Much like the algorithms of online dating platforms, WCC’s “D-Harmony” uses a carefully crafted process to match Veterans with service dogs tailored to their specific needs—sort of like the equivalent of swiping right, only using a lot more data, along with a human touch.
“Every match is unique and highly individualized, as we consider each Veteran for every dog in our program,” shares Sarah DelCore, Veteran and Military Family Services Manager, WCC. “We meticulously analyze the skills needed, capabilities, personalities, energy level, lifestyles and more, of both the Veterans and the dogs to ensure a perfect fit.”
Navy Veteran Geoff Beatty was matched with WCC service dog McKee three years ago and says the process was “amazing—almost magical.”
“We’re on the same wavelength … our energies have matched each other,” said Beatty. When I have energy, he is very much the same; on days when I’m grouchy, he’s more low-key as well. I think he can feel me and how I’m doing and has an innate ability to adapt. I can’t imagine my life without McKee, he’s my constant companion who helps me navigate daily challenges.”
Beyond the chemistry and personality that just “clicked” for them, Beatty says that although unrelated to WCC, there were other signs during his initial visit to Boyds for the matching process that put him at ease.
“At the hotel, I was randomly assigned to room #815, which coincidentally is the area code where I live,” said Beatty. “McKee’s namesake, Donald McKee, was a medic in the Army and a fellow member of the American Legion. McKee trained at Camp Grant during WWII, which is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live. There were too many coincidences to be a coincidence, some things are just meant to be. I’m just WCC’s biggest fan … What a great organization they are, such good people, I just can’t say enough.”
Retired Army Captain Melissa Smith waited 2+ years before being matched with service dog Healy.
“We were committed to WCC and however long it took because of who WCC is and getting a pup who is paw-fect,” said Smith.
The duo graduated as part of WCC’s Class of 2023. Smith says the process of being matched was seamless from beginning to end.
“I felt very seen as an individual in the process,” said Smith. “I knew I was going to love any dog I received, but I trusted Sarah and the team to find the best match for me, that was the main thing. At the end of the day, I knew WCC was going to put me with someone who was the right fit me for me. I cannot imagine my life without Healy. Healy is a gift from G-d … I am truly thankful for him each and every day. I can’t thank WCC enough for how they have treated me, and also for Healy.”
Smith credits Healy for helping her get back to doing all the things she loved before her military service.
“He keeps me engaged, communicating and I’ve even become very friendly with my neighbors because of him. My PTSD has made me very hesitant to engage with people and not entrusting of folks. Healy is the complete opposite in that way of me, he’s super friendly, always super excited to see everybody, and he kind of takes the pressure off me to have something to say, and I can just enjoy him enjoying people and it takes the focus off me. Knowing he’s by my side when I need him helps me with everything I do. People don’t remember me, but they always remember Healy.”
Beyond the initial connection, WCC provides ongoing support to ensure the relationship between Veteran and service dog flourishes. Through training sessions, personalized coaching, and follow-up care, WCC’s team ensures that both human and canine are equipped to thrive together. It’s a commitment to fostering lasting bonds built on trust, empathy, and unconditional love.
Since its inception in 2011, WCC has placed 149 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans. Each relationship is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs forged through “D-Harmony’s” unique matchmaking process. And just like finding love online, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of heart—to find your paw-fect match.
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Honoring Allen Whitwell: A Legacy of Devotion to WCC
A Navy Veteran who served from 1957 to 1961, Allen worked in aviation while on active duty. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier Franklin Roosevelt in the Mediterranean, during the early years of the Vietnam War. His military experience fostered a deep empathy for fellow Veterans, particularly those struggling to reintegrate into civilian life after enduring the hardships of service. This empathy translated into a passionate commitment to WCC.
Allen’s generosity was evident in his active participation in WCC’s social media fundraising campaigns and his readiness to contribute to the organization’s wish list needs. Whether it was a fundraising competition on CrowdRise or an urgent need for supplies, Allen’s contributions always helped WCC surpass its goals.
When asked about his support, Allen simply said, “I feel so bad for some of the Veterans coming back and I want to do what we can to help them.” And like so many others, Allen said “Well at first, I came for the puppies, but I stayed for the mission. I had no idea what these puppies could do!”
In 2020, he received WCC’s Wag of the Tail Award, which recognized his significant contributions to the organization. However, Allen’s commitment to WCC extended beyond his lifetime. Upon his passing, Allen left an estate gift to support WCC, ensuring that his legacy of generosity would continue to benefit Veterans and their service dogs.
Allen’s gift has left a legacy at WCC and will be a huge support for many years to come. His bequest will not only fund current program needs, but also will be invested in the WCC Endowment Fund established earlier this year. The Endowment Fund was created to ensure that, far into the foreseeable future, Veterans will be able to heal from their visible and invisible wounds through WCC’s No-Fail Mission.
As we grieve Allen’s passing and reflect on his past steadfast support of WCC, we find comfort in knowing that his legacy of caring for fellow Veterans will continue in perpetuity. For all who have witnessed Allen’s kindness and generosity over the years, you know that his generous spirit will live on as he is among the first to join WCC’s Legacy Giving Society. For those inspired by Allen’s legacy, considering an estate gift or other planned giving options can be a powerful way to support WCC and leave a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans.
To learn more about how you can support Warrior Canine Connection and leave a legacy like Allen’s, please email giving@warriorcanineconnection.org. Your contribution can make a world of difference for Veterans in need and help continue the invaluable work that Allen so passionately supported.
WCC 2024 Graduation: Veterans and Service Dogs to Celebrate Paw-some Achievements
For those who wish to continue the celebration from online to in-person, WCC will also host a post-graduation ceremony reception later that afternoon. Our graduating teams and extended pack will enjoy good food, live music, barn tours, WCC store items for sale, a photo booth, fun activities and plenty of dogs!
The virtual graduation ceremony will take place online Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The post-graduation reception, including a special barn dedication ceremony, will follow at WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration for the reception is required and will open Aug. 21 on the WCC website—stay tuned for the link and more details! This promises to be a fantastic celebration, we hope to see you there!
New Faces at WCC: Deborah Logan, Service Dog Training Apprentice
Deborah’s journey with WCC began when she met one of the original service dogs, WCC’s Cadence. As a volunteer puppy parent during her college years, she demonstrated her dedication to our mission. Recently, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a bachelor’s degree in animal science and even helped establish a new WCC training club at UMD. Deborah is passionate about continuing Cadence’s legacy and is eager to start her new role, using her love for dogs to positively impact Veterans’ lives.
“I’ve seen firsthand the impact service dogs can have on a Veteran, as well as their entire family,” said Deborah. “I’m excited to work for an organization I’ve been supporting for years and to learn and grow as a trainer.”
Outside of work, Deborah enjoys hiking with her black Lab, Oasis, and Sherri, the third WCC service dog in training she’s raising. We’re excited to have her on board and look forward to the great work she will do with WCC!
Who let the dogs out and into the podcast studio?
Rick Yount has been involved in animal-assisted therapy for the past 22 years. He combined his social work knowledge and service dog training background to develop a novel intervention to help servicemembers who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Learn more in this week’s episode of The American Legion Tango Alpha Lima podcast here.
Washington Commanders announce team dog, Barney
During the off season, the Commanders have made the most of free agency with the addition of Barney as Wide Retriever.
WASHINGTON — The draft might be over, but the new additions have not stopped for the Washington Commanders as they add a new addition to their 2024 roster — and this one will paws-itively have a ball. Check out the full story from WUSA 9 here.
Washington Commanders announce team dog, Barney, in partnership with Warrior Canine Connection
LOUDOUN COUNTY, Va. – Today, the Washington Commanders announced the newest addition to the 2024 roster, Team Dog Barney, an 11-week-old black Labrador Retriever from Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). A nonprofit based in Boyds, Maryland, WCC breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Veterans who have sustained physical and psychological wounds while in service to our country. Barney’s arrival marks the beginning of the Commanders’ partnership with WCC.
“The Commanders are proud to support the country’s largest community of active-duty military personnel, veterans, retirees, and their families.” said Commanders President Jason Wright. “We are honored to partner with the Warrior Canine Connection in our efforts to give back to those in the DMV who have bravely served our nation.”
All WCC’s service dogs in training are named in honor of veterans, both past and present. The Washington Commanders named Barney in honor of Colonel Harvey Curtiss “Barney” Barnum Jr., a retired United States Marine Corps officer who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam War.
“Colonel Barnum exhibited true dedication to service throughout his career and into his retirement.” said veteran and Washington Salute Lead, Chris Bailey. “We’re proud to have the opportunity to honor him for his heroic actions and continued commitment to the community.”
Barney will spend approximately two years in training, where he will learn to support the veteran he is paired with after his training is complete. This includes WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which helps veterans with increased impulse control, sleep and emotional regulation, as well as decreased levels of stress, depression and hypervigilance. During his training, Barney will impact the lives of up to 60 Veterans.
The team has made the most of free agency this off season and the addition of Barney as Wide Retriever is no exception. As Barney goes through training, he will make various guest appearances at Commanders’ games, where he will meet fans and participate in various community events. Throughout the season, the Washington Commanders Foundation will help cover Barney’s training expenses to ensure he fulfills his dream of becoming a life-changing companion for a worthy veteran.
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“D-Harmony” Connects Veterans with Service Dogs
In the quaint town of Boyds, Maryland, there exists a matchmaking service like no other. Welcome to “D-Harmony,” where dogs and humans find their perfect match. But this isn’t your typical matchmaking service—it’s Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.
Much like the algorithms of online dating platforms, WCC’s “D-Harmony” uses a carefully crafted process to match Veterans with service dogs tailored to their specific needs—sort of like the equivalent of swiping right, only using a lot more data, along with a human touch.
“Every match is unique and highly individualized, as we consider each Veteran for every dog in our program,” shares Sarah DelCore, Veteran and Military Family Services Manager, WCC. “We meticulously analyze the skills needed, capabilities, personalities, energy level, lifestyles and more, of both the Veterans and the dogs to ensure a perfect fit.”
Navy Veteran Geoff Beatty was matched with WCC service dog McKee three years ago and says the process was “amazing—almost magical.”
“We’re on the same wavelength … our energies have matched each other,” said Beatty. When I have energy, he is very much the same; on days when I’m grouchy, he’s more low-key as well. I think he can feel me and how I’m doing and has an innate ability to adapt. I can’t imagine my life without McKee, he’s my constant companion who helps me navigate daily challenges.”
Beyond the chemistry and personality that just “clicked” for them, Beatty says that although unrelated to WCC, there were other signs during his initial visit to Boyds for the matching process that put him at ease.
“At the hotel, I was randomly assigned to room #815, which coincidentally is the area code where I live,” said Beatty. “McKee’s namesake, Donald McKee, was a medic in the Army and a fellow member of the American Legion. McKee trained at Camp Grant during WWII, which is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live. There were too many coincidences to be a coincidence, some things are just meant to be. I’m just WCC’s biggest fan … What a great organization they are, such good people, I just can’t say enough.”
Retired Army Captain Melissa Smith waited 2+ years before being matched with service dog Healy.
“We were committed to WCC and however long it took because of who WCC is and getting a pup who is paw-fect,” said Smith.
The duo graduated as part of WCC’s Class of 2023. Smith says the process of being matched was seamless from beginning to end.
“I felt very seen as an individual in the process,” said Smith. “I knew I was going to love any dog I received, but I trusted Sarah and the team to find the best match for me, that was the main thing. At the end of the day, I knew WCC was going to put me with someone who was the right fit me for me. I cannot imagine my life without Healy. Healy is a gift from G-d … I am truly thankful for him each and every day. I can’t thank WCC enough for how they have treated me, and also for Healy.”
Smith credits Healy for helping her get back to doing all the things she loved before her military service.
“He keeps me engaged, communicating and I’ve even become very friendly with my neighbors because of him. My PTSD has made me very hesitant to engage with people and not entrusting of folks. Healy is the complete opposite in that way of me, he’s super friendly, always super excited to see everybody, and he kind of takes the pressure off me to have something to say, and I can just enjoy him enjoying people and it takes the focus off me. Knowing he’s by my side when I need him helps me with everything I do. People don’t remember me, but they always remember Healy.”
Beyond the initial connection, WCC provides ongoing support to ensure the relationship between Veteran and service dog flourishes. Through training sessions, personalized coaching, and follow-up care, WCC’s team ensures that both human and canine are equipped to thrive together. It’s a commitment to fostering lasting bonds built on trust, empathy, and unconditional love.
Since its inception in 2011, WCC has placed 149 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans. Each relationship is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs forged through “D-Harmony’s” unique matchmaking process. And just like finding love online, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of heart—to find your paw-fect match.
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PTSD Awareness Month: Recognizing and Supporting Our Veterans
This month and every month, we at WCC are committed to fighting the stigma around PTSD and providing unwavering support to Service Members and Veterans who are battling this condition.
As one Veteran who participated in our Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program shared, “Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms.”
Other MBTR participants also shared their experiences with the program.
“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from major depression,” shared a Veteran participant.” After numerous treatments, including a variety of medications and ten 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.”
“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; and gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society,” shared an MBTR participant. “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.”
It’s important to recognize that training or having a service dog isn’t a quick solution for PTSD—it requires dedication, time and hard work. It’s just one of many effective treatments supported by the medical community to support Veterans battling PTSD.
The key is to know that help is available, find the options that works best for you, and to know that you are not alone. If you or someone you know are interested in WCC’s MBTR training, email Mar Leifeld at mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org for more information. And if you’re unsure where to turn first, please know the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7.
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Veterans Help Group Continues Support of WCC
In addition to its generous financial support of WCC, VHG also extends its expertise and comprehensive support to Veterans and their families navigating the ins and outs of disability benefits, which can sometimes be challenging. Founded over 15 years ago, VHG is proud to be a leader in both the Courts and on Capitol Hill fighting to improve the lives of disabled Veterans and their families.
Among the areas of expertise that VHG provides is Social Security disability. With the clock ticking on Social Security disability benefits, Veterans can visit https://veteranshelpgroup.com/warriorcanineconnection/ to consult with VHG about financial and medical compensation that they may be entitled to receive through the Social Security Administration because of their military service.
Through their unwavering commitment, VHG continues to be a beacon of support for Veterans in need.
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Warrior Canine Connection Receives Another $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group
Funding to Support WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program
BOYDS, Maryland – Veterans Help Group (VHG) has generously donated $10,000 for a second consecutive year to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to help support placement of skilled service dogs with wounded Veterans, and the organization’s unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. The MBTR program enlists Service Members and Veterans to help train service dogs for fellow Warriors as part of their own treatment for invisible wounds of war.
“Warrior Canine Connection deeply appreciates the continued support from Veterans Help Group,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Their unwavering dedication, care and resources are truly making a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families, and we are immensely thankful not only for their support but to have such an amazing partner in them.”
WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans how to work with service dogs in training, which fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran can also benefit from skills development in communication, confidence building, accountability, emotional regulation and patience to promote an act of service while receiving a therapeutic benefit.
Matt Sauerwald, President of Veterans Help Group, stated: “We think Warrior Canine Connection is one of the best veterans’ nonprofits in the country and are privileged to be able to support them again. We also look forward to helping educate their veterans about Social Security and VA disability benefits in a forthcoming newsletter.”
Veterans Help Group was founded more than 15 years ago to advocate for disabled Veterans in securing their disability benefits.
For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.
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 Veterans Help Group
Veterans Help Group is committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans and their families by aggressively advocating for the favorable and timely resolution of their disability claims. The group is able to serve Veterans in all 50 States. For more information, visit www.veteranshelpgroup.com.