Thanks to modern technology, two WCC Veteran Service Dog Teams received a great surprise during what they thought was simply a virtual discussion with colleagues from a partner program.
It all took place, thanks to the American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A nonprofit dedicated https://operationwarriorshield.com to supporting military families and Veterans, AWI was established by Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. based in Ellicott City, Maryland. This year, AWI generously donated $30,000 in grant funding to WCC in support of its service dog placement program. That’s in addition to a generous $20,000 grant they gave WCC last year.
So where does the surprise come into play? During the video call, AWI surprised two of WCC’s Veteran Service Dog Team recipients with a $5,000 family grant each. The family grants were created to help with any needs either Veteran might have—from dog care expenses to home repairs. And as you might imagine, the reactions were priceless.
“Thank you so much, this means the world to me,” said Brent McKeag, who has WCC service dog Tallman. “I would like to say thank you so much to AWI and Fairway not only for what you’re doing but also to Warrior Canine Connection for pairing me with my beautiful wonderful dog, Tallman.”
Brent, an Army Specialist E-4 who lives in Stafford, Virginia, went on to share just how much Tallman has changed his life, as well as his son’s.
“He’s not just helping me, it’s been amazing to see how he reacts when my son has an epileptic seizure,” said Brent. “Tallman wasn’t taught to do it, but he won’t leave his side and gets my attention to let me know. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
WCC Veteran Service Dog Team Cornelius Twohig and service dog Dana also received one of the $5,000 grants.
“I’m actually speechless, which doesn’t happen to me very often,” said Cornelius. “Thank you so much for your generosity, it’s mind-boggling. This takes my breath away; I can’t voice my appreciation enough. And thank you to WCC; getting this dog and working with a dog sort of allows me to look at a future I didn’t see before.”
Exactly the intention of AWI’s generous grant funds.
“We are so honored to have such amazing partners in the American Warrior Initiative,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “AWI talks the talk and walks the walk; they are 100% dedicated to helping our country’s Veterans and their families. This grant funding is really appreciated, and even more so, is the personalized touch and impact they have on each of the Veterans and their family members they support.”
Louise Thaxton, director and co-founder of AWI, hosted the call and shared the surprise. “Weezie,” as her friends call her, shared her personal mantra, “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do one thing.”
And that’s exactly what AWI is doing—one Veteran at a time.
Ryan and Luke: A Veteran and His ACE Service Companion
January 31, 2021 — “It brings tears to my eyes how Luke has changed Ryan’s life,” says puppy raiser Laurie Higuera of Napa, CA.
In December 2020, the American Kennel Club bestowed its prestigious Award for Canine Excellence (ACE) on seven-year-old Luke for his work as a service dog for veteran U.S. Staff Sergeant E5 Ryan Garrison.
Read the AKC article for the “ACE Award for Service Dog” here.
Read another great story written by Cary Unkelbach here.
Veterans Get Surprise Funding
It all took place, thanks to the American Warrior Initiative (AWI). A nonprofit dedicated https://operationwarriorshield.com to supporting military families and Veterans, AWI was established by Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. based in Ellicott City, Maryland. This year, AWI generously donated $30,000 in grant funding to WCC in support of its service dog placement program. That’s in addition to a generous $20,000 grant they gave WCC last year.
So where does the surprise come into play? During the video call, AWI surprised two of WCC’s Veteran Service Dog Team recipients with a $5,000 family grant each. The family grants were created to help with any needs either Veteran might have—from dog care expenses to home repairs. And as you might imagine, the reactions were priceless.
“Thank you so much, this means the world to me,” said Brent McKeag, who has WCC service dog Tallman. “I would like to say thank you so much to AWI and Fairway not only for what you’re doing but also to Warrior Canine Connection for pairing me with my beautiful wonderful dog, Tallman.”
Brent, an Army Specialist E-4 who lives in Stafford, Virginia, went on to share just how much Tallman has changed his life, as well as his son’s.
“He’s not just helping me, it’s been amazing to see how he reacts when my son has an epileptic seizure,” said Brent. “Tallman wasn’t taught to do it, but he won’t leave his side and gets my attention to let me know. I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
WCC Veteran Service Dog Team Cornelius Twohig and service dog Dana also received one of the $5,000 grants.
“I’m actually speechless, which doesn’t happen to me very often,” said Cornelius. “Thank you so much for your generosity, it’s mind-boggling. This takes my breath away; I can’t voice my appreciation enough. And thank you to WCC; getting this dog and working with a dog sort of allows me to look at a future I didn’t see before.”
Exactly the intention of AWI’s generous grant funds.
“We are so honored to have such amazing partners in the American Warrior Initiative,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “AWI talks the talk and walks the walk; they are 100% dedicated to helping our country’s Veterans and their families. This grant funding is really appreciated, and even more so, is the personalized touch and impact they have on each of the Veterans and their family members they support.”
Louise Thaxton, director and co-founder of AWI, hosted the call and shared the surprise. “Weezie,” as her friends call her, shared her personal mantra, “None of us can do everything, but all of us can do one thing.”
And that’s exactly what AWI is doing—one Veteran at a time.
Puppy Yoga: Time to Paws, Reflect and Smile
Yoga class has gone to the dogs. Literally. Warrior Canine Connection is hosting virtual puppy yoga classes, pairing the practice of yoga with adorable puppies, all who are service dogs in training.
Thanks to a grant from the Healthcare Initiative Foundation (HIF), WCC has been holding Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions for Veterans in Montgomery County, Maryland, at The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring. Last March, programming moved to a virtual format due to the pandemic, and virtual puppy yoga is an extension to that programming, offering participants a more informal way to connect the mind and body.
The instructor, Mary Zambri, along with one of Cohen’s team members and a long-time WCC volunteer, has led both classes to-date. Mary, who owns Posezen Yoga in Bethesda, Md., hosts a half-hour class designed for all skill levels. The only difference between a traditional class and this one? Puppies roaming around the classroom.
The class is designed to help those tuned in to “paws” and reflect, reduce anxiety and pain and improve overall mindset and mood. And let’s face it, is not only relaxing, but it’s also downright entertaining. Here’s what some of the virtual attendees shared about their experience.
User Sria Kelly said, “This is seriously the best idea, and therapy ever. I know this is involved, but please, please, please do this more often. ”
From Saffron Rose Burrows, “I’m from England and currently in a lockdown. So glad I found this page! The puppies are so cute.”
Adrienne L. Stark added, “OMG! Doing yoga with SDiT (service dogs in training) is a dream!”
There is, of course, lots of laughter along the way, as well as the occasional toe nibble from a puppy.
Kristin Hughes said, “The instructor is doing such a great job of not getting distracted by these cute little clowns!”
Kate Berggren Lasher said, “This just makes your heart and soul feel so good! The girls are stretching and moving around and in comes the puppies!! Too sweet.”
Ginger Smith added, “I could totally do the lay down with puppies pose.”
And Patti Walker Rush said, “THE best video of the week! We needed this. ”
Interesting in joining a future class? You’re in luck, the next WCC virtual puppy yoga class will take place on Friday, February 12 at 12-12:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit WCC’s Facebook page for complete details.
To the Ruff and Back: WCC’s Captain Visits with Jack Nicklaus
Mr. Nicklaus recently welcomed Captain to his office and talked with puppy parent Terrie Bates about some of Captain’s experiences on his journey towards becoming a service dog—from grocery shopping, riding the metro-rail, taking escalators and elevators, going to medical appointments, dining outdoors, and standing in socially distanced lines at the post office. Having the chance to (safely) visit an office building and work the environment for the first time was a great new experience for Captain. He was happy to show off some of his skills, such as opening and closing desk drawers and cabinets, and retrieving dropped items like a TV remote.
Like everyone, WCC has had to adapt its programs and do things in a new way. For example, much of Captain’s training has taken place via weekly virtual video sessions with the professional Warrior Canine Connection trainers.
“Despite these very challenging times,” Mr. Nicklaus said, “I was happy to learn that Warrior Canine Connection has remained focused on the delivery of program services to our veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injuries and is assisting them in reintegrating back into their families and communities.”
Mr. Nicklaus has long been a supporter of Veterans’ charities, including PGA HOPE, Folds of Honor, and donating his design services to various golf courses that benefit our military men and women. One of these is the American Lake Veterans Golf Course in Tacoma, Washington, a course designed solely for the rehabilitation of wounded Veterans. And most recently, the American Dunes Golf Club in Grand Haven, Michigan, where, once opened officially in May, will steer proceeds to the Folds of Honor, a foundation in place to provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of fallen and disabled Service Members. His support of Veterans and love of dogs made him a natural fit for his long-time role on the Warrior Canine Connection Board of Advisors.
Recognizing the rehabilitative and recreational benefits that golf might bring to Captain’s future Veteran, one of the Nicklaus Design team members, Tommy Hearden, introduced Captain to the sights and sounds of the Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses at Bear Lakes Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. In this environment, everything was new—golf balls (which are for looking, not touching!); a big, clanky bag of clubs; the loud thwack and whoosh of a driver hitting a ball off the tee; the tractor-driven ball collector on the driving range; riding in a golf cart; the sound of a chip shot with a 9-iron; and learning to sit quietly nearby, as a golfer steps up to the ball. It was a great day for Captain and he’s looking forward to his next tee time!
Thank you, Jack, and thank you, Nicklaus Design!
WCC’s Captain is a 14-month-old Golden Retriever named in honor and remembrance of United States Army Captain Michael D. Scotton from Laytonsville, Maryland.
Therapy for those on front lines – puppy cams!
January 7, 2021 – A nonprofit is providing an unusual form of therapy for those on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic – puppy cams!
“You spend five minutes with a puppy and try not to smile,” said registered nurse Robin Lingg Lagrone. Watch the full story on Denver7 here.
Beavercreek veteran, wife hope to help others with trauma
December 14, 2020 –
Air Force veteran Ryan Garrison’s service dog, Luke, had pulled him out of hundreds of anxiety attacks and nightmares.
But when Garrison, his son and Luke were in a car crash last January, the dog pulled Garrison out of a flashback so that he was able to save all three of them from the overturned car. Read the full story in the Dayton Times here.
Warrior Canine Connection works to bring veterans and service dogs together
December 9, 2020 – They say dogs are a man’s best friend.
Strong and compassionate, dogs have the ability to alter the way we live and see life, and Warrior Canine Connection helps hone those skills. Watch this full story on WDVM here.
Labrador Retriever “Luke” Awarded Service Dog ACE Award
December 4, 2020 – Each year, the AKC Humane Fund pays tribute to five dedicated, hardworking dogs for making significant contributions to an individual or entire community. One award is given in each of the following categories: Uniformed Service K-9, Service, Therapy, Search and Rescue, and Exemplary Companion Dog.
In a split second in 2006 Ryan Garrison’s life changed forever. Read the full story by Ranny Green on AKC.org here.
Better Together
“There has been a huge shift in the industry,” said Molly. “It used to be competitive, now we work together with so many partners; by doing so, we’ve been able to do some amazing things for the service dog industry. We are much stronger working together than being out there on our own island.”
That’s a sentiment shared by WCC partners, Susquehanna Service Dogs and Hero Dogs, both which have collaborated with WCC on numerous aspects of service dog programming over the years.
Most recently, both organizations joined forces with WCC for its annual eye and heart exam day. Granted this year’s event looked a lot different than in years past due to the pandemic, but despite all the changes, more than 100 dogs from all three service dog nonprofits received eye and heart examinations from ophthalmologist Dr. Nancy Bromberg, VCA Southpaws Veterinary Specialists, and cardiologist Dr. Neal Peckens, Chesapeake Veterinary Cardiology Associates (CVCA).
Deb Tack, executive director, Susquehanna Service Dogs, says she considers her partners to be part of an extended team, complete with shared goals and missions.
“As organizations, we are so in-line and in-tune with how we do business, including how we care for and train our dogs — it’s a natural fit,” said Deb. “Especially since the pandemic began, we’ve helped each other out with challenges like puppy transports and breeding. We call each other and say ‘hey, have you had this challenge and what did you do?’ We share, collaborate, brainstorm and help each other trouble shoot.”
Jennifer Lund, founder & program director, Hero Dogs, echoes the sentiments, and says that at the end of the day, it’s all about working together to help those who need it.
“Our goal is to place assistance dogs to help people with disabilities increase their independence — it’s a shared mission between us and partner organizations,” said Jennifer. “There is no shortage of need. By working together, we can only improve our collective ability to help as many people as we can while ensuring we have the best match for the individual and the dog.”
New Faces at WCC
Cheyenna came on board in October as WCC’s newest service dog training instructor and is based out of WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland.
She fell in love with dog training after taking her family’s own pet dog to a training class years ago.
“I think dogs connect with humans because they don’t care anything about you physically or mentally as long as you give them love — they will give it to you in return,” said Cheyenna.
Cheyenna attended Peaceable Paws, Pat Miller’s Dog and Puppy Training Program, where she learned the fundamentals of dog training and behavior modification. She spent three years teaching dogs of all breeds and ages basic manners and socialization.
Interested in the bond between a handler and service dog, she turned her career focus toward assistance dogs. She spent a year working for both Canine Partners for Life and Paws and Affection, while also attending the Bergin University of Canine Studies summer program.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the WCC team,” said Cheyenna. “It’s such an amazing program, and I am honored to get to work with Veterans and play a part in the training of these dogs that have such a huge impact on them.”
When not working, Cheyenna enjoys hiking with her dog, Captain, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, reading and hanging out with friends and family.
Welcome to the WCC pack, Cheyenna!