By the time Chitra Vijayakumar stumbled upon a Facebook post in 2018 about volunteering with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), she and her husband Vijay had already made peace with what they thought would never be possible: helping Naveen, their adult son with autism overcome his fear of dogs.

Though the couple had raised three dogs back in India, their son had always been terrified of animals, especially dogs—an issue that became particularly challenging during trips home, where stray dogs are everywhere.

“We didn’t want to adopt a dog since we weren’t sure he’d ever be comfortable,” said Vijayakumar. “But when I saw that post about WCC looking for volunteers, something told me to learn more.”

That decision would change the trajectory of their family’s life.

Vijayakumar attended an interest meeting at WCC’s headquarters in Boyds, Maryland, and quickly fell in love with the organization’s mission of healing Veterans through the power of human-animal connection. Though she and her husband couldn’t become puppy parents due to demanding jobs, they found other ways to get involved.

“I signed up to volunteer as a puppy watcher in the evenings,” she recalled. “I loved spending time with the dogs—and my husband was jealous! So, I started signing him up for puppy petting sessions, which he’d happily take time off work to attend.”

Eventually, Vijayakumar became a certified puppy sitter, bringing WCC’s service-dogs-in-training into her home for short stays. With every visit, her son slowly but surely began to change.

“Since 2018, we’ve welcomed 45 puppies into our home,” she said. “Each one brought us joy, and every single one helped my son grow more comfortable. Today, he will not only pet the dogs—he’ll kiss them on the forehead when I ask.”

The transformation wasn’t just emotional, it was profound.

“These dogs have understood my son in a way few people ever could,” Vijayakumar said. “They sense his energy, give him space and wait until he’s ready. Even in training, their intuition and empathy are incredible.”

As a puppy sitter, Vijayakumar saw firsthand how each pup, while preparing for a future of service, was already making an impact long before graduation. The experience, she said, taught her lessons in unconditional love, patience and purpose.

Chitra’s kindness and commitment didn’t just benefit her—they also greatly enriched the lives of WCC’s puppies and helped strengthen the organization as a whole.

“Chitra has always gone above and beyond to take on pups that needed a temporary place to stay,” said Lauren Tyler, WCC breeding and puppy development manager. “She’s always done it with a smile, and no matter what the puppies threw at her, she thought they were all equally wonderful. I could always trust that when Chitra took a pup home, she gave them a lot of love and care, and I have always been grateful for her unconditional support—she will be missed.”

Now, after more than two decades in the U.S., the Vijayakumars are preparing to move back to India—this time, for a new chapter centered around long-term care and community for their son. They’ve found a residential model where adults with special needs live semi-independently alongside family members in a shared community setting. It’s the kind of opportunity they once crossed oceans to find.

As their departure nears, Vijayakumar reached out to WCC to say goodbye—but more importantly, to say thank you.

“I’m so glad I came across that Facebook post seven years ago that led me here,” she wrote. “Every puppy I’ve sat with has brought genuine happiness—and perhaps most movingly, they have understood my son better than many people do.”

Though leaving is bittersweet, she says her family will carry WCC—and the dogs who changed their lives—with them always.

“I feel truly honored to have been part of this compassionate and impactful organization,” Vijayakumar said. “I will miss it deeply, but I’ll be cheering WCC on from afar.”
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