If the “six degrees of separation” theory suggests we’re all connected through a handful of relationships, the community at Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) proves it might be even simpler: sometimes it only takes one puppy.
For many of WCC’s earliest volunteers, that connection started online—watching a litter of puppies on the Explore.org puppy cam. Viewers from across the country gathered in the chat, bonding over late-night puppy antics and a shared admiration for WCC’s mission to train service dogs alongside Veterans. Over time, those watchers became more than usernames. They became a community.
At the center of it all was WCC co-founder Molly Morelli, who regularly joined the chat to answer questions and connect with viewers.
“She was so open with talking to everyone through the chat for so long,” recalled WCC volunteer Ericka Johanek. “People knew each other by their usernames.”
One of those usernames belonged to Alice Belthoff, who discovered the puppy cam in 2012 while watching a litter affectionately known as Holly’s Half Dozen. Like many others, she became a regular—helping gather questions and building connections that extended far beyond the screen.
That spirit of engagement quickly took on a name. One day, Molly jokingly referred to the devoted watchers as “Extreme Puppy Watchers,” or EPWs—and the nickname stuck.
What began online soon became something more. Viewers started visiting WCC’s original Brookeville campus for “puppy petting,” eager to meet the dogs—and each other—in person.
Others followed a similar path. Ericka, who discovered the puppy cam through family, made the trip with her children after chatting with Molly online.
“We drove up on a Saturday morning,” she said. “That first day, we came as strangers. But it didn’t take long before we felt like part of something bigger.”
Soon, that sense of belonging spread. Volunteers like Lee Snyder, BettyAnn Marrone, Julie Hansen, Jean Wolfe, Sandy Rosenberg, Karen Ball and countless others stepped in to help in meaningful ways—from launching the EPWs’ Facebook community to securing materials that helped transform a garage into what would become WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center.
For many, those early experiences became life changing. What started as a simple visit or shared moment online evolved into lasting friendships, new passions and a deep commitment to WCC’s mission.
In 2013, that growing community came together for the first-ever volunteer “Paw-ty.” Despite pouring rain, more than 100 people traveled to Brookeville to celebrate the connections they had formed through WCC.
That same spirit carried into WCC’s first service dog graduation, where volunteers helped cook, organize and honor the life-changing partnerships between Veterans and their service dogs.
Over the years, the EPWs have remained a vital part of WCC’s volunteer network. While involvement has evolved, the relationships have endured—often becoming a source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.
For EPW Sandy Goga, that connection became deeply personal.
“Losing loved ones left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill, but WCC and the EPWs brought me companionship and connection when I needed it most,” said Goga. “The friendships I’ve built through this community have been a lifeline, they’ve given me strength, purpose and a way forward.”
Stories like Sandy’s reflect what has always set this community apart: a shared purpose that extends well beyond the puppies themselves.
Today, WCC’s volunteer family stretches far beyond those early puppy cam watchers. But the heart of it remains unchanged—people brought together to support Veterans through the healing power of service dogs.
And during Volunteer Appreciation Month, WCC celebrates the thousands of volunteers whose connections, whether through a puppy cam, a campus visit or a shared mission, continue to make that impact possible.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one small connection to change countless lives.
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Peer-to-Peer: Rally Your Pack for WCC
The program makes it easy and fun to rally your own “pack” in support of WCC’s mission. Whether you choose to fundraise on your own, start a team with friends and family, or join an existing group, every effort helps fuel the training of life-changing service dogs for Veterans. Supporters can turn almost any meaningful moment into a P2P fundraiser. Common occasions and life events such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or graduations are powerful opportunities to give back and invite others to do the same.
“Because of our supporters, we’ve already changed lives—this new platform is how we change even more,” said WCC Annual Giving Manager Jen Ashley. “This program gives our community the power to turn their passion into real, measurable impact for the Veterans we serve by using their voices and their stories to inspire others to give in ways we never could alone. By empowering our supporters to fundraise, we are unlocking entirely new networks of generosity.”
The platform, hosted securely through Click & Pledge, is an extension of WCC’s existing online donation platform. Getting started is simple: personalize your fundraising page with your story, your “why” and even photos that bring your connection to life.
Officially kicking off April 22, WCC is leading by example with a special birthday fundraiser in honor of its fearless leader and founder Rick Yount, and we’re inviting our entire pack of supporters to join in and give back in his name. But you can get an early sneak peek by clicking here!
What makes the P2P program especially powerful is the personal touch—and that’s where you come in. The most impactful fundraisers are the ones that feel authentic and uniquely you. Celebrate a birthday like Rick, turn a workout into a challenge, host a small gathering or create a tribute page for a Veteran or service dog who inspires you. Share your “why,” add a few photos and invite your circle to be part of it.
Getting started is easy. The platform walks you through each step with a simple, user-friendly setup—and if you need help, WCC team members are always ready to jump in.
And don’t worry—every donor will automatically receive a thank-you message, so everyone who gives knows just how much they’re appreciated. For those leading a campaign, it’s also a chance to bring people together around a cause that changes lives.
So, take a page from Rick’s birthday fundraiser, have a little fun with it and make it your own. Interested in starting a fundraiser? Our Development team is happy to help — reach them at giving@warriorcanineconnection.org.
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How Connection Built a Volunteer Community at WCC
For many of WCC’s earliest volunteers, that connection started online—watching a litter of puppies on the Explore.org puppy cam. Viewers from across the country gathered in the chat, bonding over late-night puppy antics and a shared admiration for WCC’s mission to train service dogs alongside Veterans. Over time, those watchers became more than usernames. They became a community.
At the center of it all was WCC co-founder Molly Morelli, who regularly joined the chat to answer questions and connect with viewers.
“She was so open with talking to everyone through the chat for so long,” recalled WCC volunteer Ericka Johanek. “People knew each other by their usernames.”
One of those usernames belonged to Alice Belthoff, who discovered the puppy cam in 2012 while watching a litter affectionately known as Holly’s Half Dozen. Like many others, she became a regular—helping gather questions and building connections that extended far beyond the screen.
That spirit of engagement quickly took on a name. One day, Molly jokingly referred to the devoted watchers as “Extreme Puppy Watchers,” or EPWs—and the nickname stuck.
What began online soon became something more. Viewers started visiting WCC’s original Brookeville campus for “puppy petting,” eager to meet the dogs—and each other—in person.
Others followed a similar path. Ericka, who discovered the puppy cam through family, made the trip with her children after chatting with Molly online.
“We drove up on a Saturday morning,” she said. “That first day, we came as strangers. But it didn’t take long before we felt like part of something bigger.”
Soon, that sense of belonging spread. Volunteers like Lee Snyder, BettyAnn Marrone, Julie Hansen, Jean Wolfe, Sandy Rosenberg, Karen Ball and countless others stepped in to help in meaningful ways—from launching the EPWs’ Facebook community to securing materials that helped transform a garage into what would become WCC’s Puppy Enrichment Center.
For many, those early experiences became life changing. What started as a simple visit or shared moment online evolved into lasting friendships, new passions and a deep commitment to WCC’s mission.
In 2013, that growing community came together for the first-ever volunteer “Paw-ty.” Despite pouring rain, more than 100 people traveled to Brookeville to celebrate the connections they had formed through WCC.
That same spirit carried into WCC’s first service dog graduation, where volunteers helped cook, organize and honor the life-changing partnerships between Veterans and their service dogs.
Over the years, the EPWs have remained a vital part of WCC’s volunteer network. While involvement has evolved, the relationships have endured—often becoming a source of strength during life’s most challenging moments.
For EPW Sandy Goga, that connection became deeply personal.
“Losing loved ones left a space in my life that felt impossible to fill, but WCC and the EPWs brought me companionship and connection when I needed it most,” said Goga. “The friendships I’ve built through this community have been a lifeline, they’ve given me strength, purpose and a way forward.”
Stories like Sandy’s reflect what has always set this community apart: a shared purpose that extends well beyond the puppies themselves.
Today, WCC’s volunteer family stretches far beyond those early puppy cam watchers. But the heart of it remains unchanged—people brought together to support Veterans through the healing power of service dogs.
And during Volunteer Appreciation Month, WCC celebrates the thousands of volunteers whose connections, whether through a puppy cam, a campus visit or a shared mission, continue to make that impact possible.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one small connection to change countless lives.
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Stronger Together: WCC and Wounded Warrior Project Partner to Power Connection and Healing
That spirit has been on full display as Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) teamed up to host two Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) sessions in the Pittsburgh area. Together, the events offered area Veterans an introduction to WCC’s innovative Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program and reinforced what’s possible when like-minded organizations work side by side.
While MBTR is traditionally delivered as an eight-week program, these sessions were designed as one-day, hands-on experiences for Veterans connected through WWP to engage with service dogs in training and with one another. During MBTR, Veterans learn how to train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. In the process, they also build skills such as communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation and patience — promoting an act of service while experiencing therapeutic benefits themselves.
“Sessions like this open people’s eyes to just how powerful dogs can be,” said Sue Watson, WCC Pittsburgh program manager and service dog training instructor. “The impact is incredible — and even if it’s just for an afternoon, you can feel the camaraderie, the connection and the lift it gives everyone in the room.”
Each gathering welcomed a small group, creating space for meaningful conversation and connection. The sessions began with food and introductions before five service dogs in training — WCC’s Poyner, Jimmy, Lego, Ski and Ash — took center stage alongside their Puppy Raisers, who shared the significance behind the dogs’ namesakes and their roles in their journeys.
Participants were guided through a mini MBTR experience, learning core principles such as the stages of canine learning, the “yes” marker, bonding, check-ins and introductory training commands. Veterans observed stress cueing and interacted directly with the dogs, applying what they learned in real time.
“For me, the hypervigilance is always there … that feeling that you have to keep looking over your shoulder,” said Tim Nicotra, Air Force Veteran. “But when I’m out with a WCC dog, I know he has my back. Instead of scanning everything around me, I can focus on him and just be in the moment. Even after finishing the eight-week MBTR program, I keep coming back because working with the dogs is so positive. I also want people to understand how much these dogs can help — and how much unconditional love they give.”
All participating Veterans were connected through WWP, underscoring the organization’s commitment to ensuring Veterans have access to a wide range of programs and partners that support their wellbeing.
“We believe the strongest outcomes for Veterans happen when organizations stop operating in silos and start amplifying each other’s strengths,” said Ashley Bunce, WWP’s director of community partnerships and investments. “WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery model is exactly the kind of purposeful, proven programming we’ve been proud to stand behind since 2020. Bringing WWP-connected Veterans into these sessions means more warriors have access to healing pathways they may never have found otherwise. That’s the power of a true ecosystem of care.”
WWP’s support of WCC reflects its broader investment in strengthening the ecosystem of nonprofits dedicated to serving Veterans and their families. By collaborating on MBTR sessions, and exploring recurring opportunities, WWP is helping expand access to mission-driven approaches to alternative therapy, connection and recovery. Warriors are benefiting from the physiological and psychological animal-human connection.
For many Veterans, the experience goes far beyond learning dog training techniques. Working side by side toward a shared goal fosters trust and teamwork, creating a renewed sense of connection and purpose. Just as meaningful is the opportunity to spend time with fellow Veterans in an environment that feels welcoming, supportive, and grounded in something positive.
Together, these sessions demonstrate how collaboration can amplify impact — creating new interventions for engagement, healing and connection. Learn more about how you can get involved with either of these organizations by visiting: www.woundedwarriorproject.org and www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
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WCC’s Tugger and WCC’s Erik on Good Morning America for Phillies Opening Day
WCC Service Dog-in-Training Tugger and WCC Service Dog Erik were invited to be guests on Good Morning America to help kickoff the Phillies Opening Day. Check out the story here.
Veterans care center provides pet love in different way
RICHMOND, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) — The Sitter and Barfoot Veterans Care Center is one place that believes in the special bond that pets bring. Watch the full story on CBS 19 News here.
Warrior Canine Connection service dog honored with AKC Humane Fund Award
Bea, a 5-year-old Labrador retriever who works alongside U.S. Marine Corps and Air National Guard veteran Buddy Niner of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, is the national winner of the AKC Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence in the Service Dog category. Read the full story on ConnectingVets.com.
WCC Partner Spotlight: Commvault
At the heart of WCC’s work is its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which enlists Veterans and Service Members to help train future service dogs. Each dog will eventually support a Veteran, but the impact begins long before placement. Veterans participating in MBTR 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.
“We’re deeply grateful for Commvault’s partnership and the way they’ve woven Warrior Canine Connection into their culture,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC. “Their support allows us to introduce more people to Mission Based Trauma Recovery and to the life-changing work Veterans and service dogs do together.”
Commvault’s support has helped expand awareness of MBTR and deepen engagement with WCC’s mission. What makes the partnership special isn’t just financial backing — it’s how fully Commvault has welcomed WCC into its culture. From employee health fairs and company meetings to major moments like its sales kickoff event, Commvault team members have had the chance to meet service dogs in training, see them in action and experience the power of the human-canine bond firsthand. These encounters often spark meaningful conversations about mental health, resilience and service.
“For Commvault, aligning with WCC is a natural extension of our commitment to embracing the human side of work, making an impact and supporting communities where employees live and serve,” says Martha Delehanty, chief people officer, Commvault.
The partnership also reflects Commvault’s values and the mission of its VALOR Employee Resource Group, which focuses on supporting Veterans and military families.
As the partnership continues, WCC and Commvault remain aligned around a simple but powerful truth: healing often begins with connection — and sometimes, it comes on four paws.
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Unleash the Love This Valentine’s Day
Perfect for classrooms, coworkers, friends or neighbors, these love-themed designs are easy to use. Just download the attached PDF, print at home, cut and share. It’s a fun, thoughtful alternative to store-bought Valentines — and one that’s sure to earn extra tail wags.
Download, print, and spread the puppy love this Valentine’s Day.
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Last Chance to Bid on Ravens’ WCC Cleats
During the team’s Week 12 matchup against the New York Jets, long snapper Nick Moore took part in the NFL’s annual My Cause My Cleats initiative, lacing up a custom-designed pair of game-worn cleats in support of Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Now, those cleats are creating a second moment — and time is running out to be part of it.
The one-of-a-kind cleats are currently up for auction, with bidding open until February 11. What started at $250 has already climbed to $620, a testament to both Ravens fandom and WCC’s powerful mission behind the design.
Moore chose WCC to honor Veterans and the service dogs trained to support them — a cause he and his wife feel deeply connected to.
“For my wife and I, animals are something that we’re really passionate about, along with the military,” Moore said. “WCC helps animals get trained and gets them in good homes and gives the Veterans and their families the assistance and help they need.”
The cleats, created by artist Alex Andrews of A22 Customs, feature bold imagery that reflects WCC’s work pairing highly trained service dogs with Veterans. Beyond placement, WCC also engages Service Members in its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, where Veterans help train service dogs for fellow Warriors. The process offers therapeutic benefits while building skills like communication, confidence, accountability and emotional regulation — all through an act of service.
Now, fans have the opportunity to own a piece of Ravens history while directly supporting a mission that changes lives. With bidding climbing and the February 11 deadline fast approaching, this is the final call to turn game-day gear into real-world impact.
The Ravens’ season may be over, but thanks to one player — and one pair of cleats — the impact is far from finished.
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Painting with Purpose: One Veteran’s Way of Giving Back
When the two-month program ended, Trey wasn’t ready to step away. He continued participating at WCC’s Philly program site at the University of Pennsylvania — and more than a year later, he’s still showing up.
“I like the premise of it, it’s an opportunity to help other Veterans,” Trey said. “There’s no better group than working with dogs. It’s really cool to know that in the long run these dogs are going to go on to help a Veteran in some shape or form.”
That sense of purpose mirrors what Trey experiences every day with his own service dog, Frankie, a three-year-old German Shepherd. While Frankie was trained through another organization, her impact on Trey’s life has been profound.
“She wakes me up before nightmares start — that has been amazing,” he shared. “She does a million other things for me. I don’t think we’ve ever been apart for more than 15 minutes since I’ve had her. She goes everywhere with me — Eagles games, concerts, just everyday things. My PTSD and anxiety have gone down about 90%. She saves my life somehow every single day.”
Before Frankie, Trey avoided public spaces altogether.
“For a while, I wasn’t doing anything — not going in public or anywhere,” he said. “Now there’s really nothing I won’t do if I have her with me.”
It was through another VA program — an arts and crafts class — that Trey discovered something else unexpected: painting. He decided to try painting Frankie and surprised himself with the result. What began as a therapeutic outlet soon turned into a meaningful way to give back.
Today, Trey paints dog portraits on canvas, primarily using acrylics, and asks only one thing in return: the recipient make a donation to WCC. Over the past year, Trey has painted nearly 25 dog portraits in support of WCC. Several feature WCC dogs, including Tugger, Moon Dog Sarah, and Sam.
“It’s therapeutic,” Trey said. “I paint on an easel, and it just helps.”
His connection to WCC goes beyond the art. Trey helped train Moon Dog while involved in his first MBTR session, and he speaks warmly about the WCC staff who make the experience possible.
“Lisa and Jen (who run WCC’s program at Penn) are just incredible,” he said. “They really go above and beyond to help. I’ve seen them do things you wouldn’t expect them to do for Veterans — that’s another big reason I keep going back, they’re just incredible people.”
WCC Program Director and Service Dog Training Instructor Jennifer Desher has seen Trey’s commitment firsthand.
“From the very beginning, Trey has shown up for Warrior Canine Connection with so much heart and generosity. When he surprised Lisa and me with a portrait of Sam II and Sarah Lu after his first eight weeks with us, we were truly blown away — not just by how perfectly he captured them, but by the thoughtfulness behind the gift. Beyond his incredible talent, Trey consistently looks out for his fellow Veterans, offering rides and support whenever needed and his care for our pups is just as genuine. We’re incredibly grateful to have him as part of the WCC family.”
Through paint, patience and a deep belief in WCC’s mission, Trey continues to give back — one dog portrait at a time.
Curious about Trey’s work or interested in a custom piece? Trey is taking on additional requests and is happy to connect. You can reach him directly at soupcans11@gmail.com.
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