When new clients walk into Patriots Law Group, they’re often met by Ralphie—a calm, attentive Labrador Retriever with a soothing presence and an innate ability to read a room. She’s not just the office dog. Ralphie is a Facility Dog, trained and placed by Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to provide comfort, connection and calm in high-stress settings where Veterans live, work or receive care.
At Patriots Law Group, where Ralphie reports to work with managing attorney and Air Force Veteran Mike Lyons, she offers stress relief and grounding to both clients and staff.
“Having Ralphie on site, especially with potential clients in the exploratory phase, immediately takes the edge off and calms the room,” says Lyons. “It’s probably also something that helps people connect to us as a firm outside of the legal issue.”
But Facility Dogs like Ralphie aren’t just friendly office companions, they are highly trained working dogs with a specific job to do. And while they provide some of the same emotional benefits as Service Dogs, they serve a very different purpose.
Unlike Service Dogs, Facility Dogs like Ralphie don’t have public access rights under the ADA. They’re only allowed in places connected to their handler’s job—like an office or specific worksite.
In her role at the law firm, Ralphie greets guests, lounges in meeting rooms and offers quiet companionship to those navigating legal challenges. She instinctively knows when to engage and when to hang back, settling under Lyons’ desk when it’s time to work, or offering a warm nuzzle when tensions are high.
“She’s got a great read on people,” says Lyons. “She engages when it’s welcome, and she steps back when it’s time to be quiet.”
Warrior Canine Connection has placed Facility Dogs in a range of environments, including the Frederick Veteran Services Center, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Veterans Treatment Courts and a Veteran homeless shelter. These dogs are matched with primary handlers—often Veterans, military spouses or professionals who work in Veteran-serving roles—who take the dogs home each night and bring them to work each day.
While Facility Dogs complete the full training cycle the way their Service Dog counterparts do, they typically chose their career path after showing signs of stress in constantly changing environments. However, they thrive in familiar environments and enjoy interacting with people of all ages. Their role isn’t to perform specific disability-related tasks, but to enhance well-being, relieve stress and foster a more welcoming, relaxed environment.
Lyons sees that firsthand every day.
“Everyone in both of our offices knows her, and people are always asking if she’ll be in that day,” he says. “Staff love to see her, clients connect with her—it’s hard to explain how big a difference she makes until you’ve seen it.”
Outside of work, Ralphie is an integral part of the Lyons’ family. His daughters Nora and Abby, 8 and 6, adore her. Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or snuggling on the couch for movie night, Ralphie is always by their side.
“She’s a great family dog,” says Lyons. “She’s their best friend.”
She’s been good for Lyons, too. A self-described Type A personality, he says Ralphie forces him to take short breaks—whether it’s a walk outside, a stretch away from his desk or just a few quiet minutes.
“Before Ralphie, I probably wouldn’t have stopped working all day. Now I have to get up, take a break, move around. It’s helped more than I expected,” said Lyons.
Facility Dogs like Ralphie are quietly reshaping the environments they serve—bringing compassion and calm to places where it’s needed most. And while their work might go unnoticed by some, the Veterans and teams they serve feel their impact every day.
Warrior Canine Connection is currently accepting applications for new Facility Dog placements. Ideal applicants include Veteran-focused offices or programs with a stable, dog-friendly environment and the ability to meet the dog’s daily care and structure needs.
To learn more or apply to bring a WCC Facility Dog to your organization, reach out to wccdog@warriorcanineconnection.org.
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Daughter of Jimmy Stewart Meets Service Dog “Jimmy” at Museum Celebration
The Jimmy Stewart Museum celebrated its 30th anniversary on Saturday, and in attendance was one of Jimmy’s daughters and the service dog that bears his name. Check out the full story from WCCS Radio here.
Warrior Spotlight: Jonathon & Hutton’s Journey
Jonathon doesn’t remember the crash. In fact, he has limited memories of his life before it. But what he does remember is what’s come since—especially the impact of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and Warrior Canine Connection (WCC).
Jonathon is an active participant in WWP’s Independence Program, which provides long-term support for Veterans with moderate-to-severe brain injuries. Through the program, he receives help with transportation, attends music and art therapy and participates in adaptive sports like rock climbing, Soldier Ride and his personal favorite—golf.
“I won’t say I’m any good, it’s just for fun,” shared Jonathon.
The Independence Program not only supports Jonathon with connections, appointments and daily needs—it also gives his parents, Micha and Paul, a much-needed break to focus on their own responsibilities and well-being.
Jonathon also regularly attends WWP’s virtual peer support groups and finds connection and motivation among other Warriors walking similar paths.
It was through WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program that Jonathon met Hutton, the dog who would become his constant companion and a key part of his healing journey—providing daily support, comfort and stability. Veterans in the program help train service dogs for fellow Warriors, and Jonathon and Hutton officially graduated as a WCC Veteran Service Dog Team in 2022.
“He’s very loyal,” says Jonathon. “He predicts things I need and does them without me asking—like picking up dropped items or getting my cane. He’s given me another responsibility. I think about him more than myself sometimes.”
The match has been life-changing, not only for Jonathon but for his entire family. His parents Micha and Paul, who have been active in his recovery since the accident and took over as his full-time caregivers after his divorce, also went through WCC’s advanced handler training so they could better support “Team Hutton.”
“He now has responsibilities,” said Paul. “He makes sure Hutton is fed, and we team up for baths and nail trims. Hutton’s become a big part of our lives.”
Jonathon’s involvement with WCC didn’t stop at graduation. He continues to participate in MBTR and helps socialize future service dogs, giving back to the community that has given him so much.
In recognition of his perseverance and spirit, Jonathon was honored as the first recipient of WCC’s “Spirit of Gabe” award at the organization’s inaugural Ruff Mudder event. When he’s not working with Hutton or training other dogs, you might find him lifting weights or hanging out with the drone club at Walter Reed.
The road hasn’t been easy. But through WWP, WCC and the loyalty of a dog named Hutton, Jonathon Kohl has found healing, independence and a renewed sense of purpose.
To hear Jonathon talk about his relationship with Hutton, visit https://youtu.be/D-FuoOj5Mu0?si=m8d6MXWZVvGDDqGd.
Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project’s Veteran programs and support here.
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At the Ready: Ralphie and WCC Facility Dogs
At Patriots Law Group, where Ralphie reports to work with managing attorney and Air Force Veteran Mike Lyons, she offers stress relief and grounding to both clients and staff.
“Having Ralphie on site, especially with potential clients in the exploratory phase, immediately takes the edge off and calms the room,” says Lyons. “It’s probably also something that helps people connect to us as a firm outside of the legal issue.”
But Facility Dogs like Ralphie aren’t just friendly office companions, they are highly trained working dogs with a specific job to do. And while they provide some of the same emotional benefits as Service Dogs, they serve a very different purpose.
Unlike Service Dogs, Facility Dogs like Ralphie don’t have public access rights under the ADA. They’re only allowed in places connected to their handler’s job—like an office or specific worksite.
In her role at the law firm, Ralphie greets guests, lounges in meeting rooms and offers quiet companionship to those navigating legal challenges. She instinctively knows when to engage and when to hang back, settling under Lyons’ desk when it’s time to work, or offering a warm nuzzle when tensions are high.
“She’s got a great read on people,” says Lyons. “She engages when it’s welcome, and she steps back when it’s time to be quiet.”
Warrior Canine Connection has placed Facility Dogs in a range of environments, including the Frederick Veteran Services Center, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Veterans Treatment Courts and a Veteran homeless shelter. These dogs are matched with primary handlers—often Veterans, military spouses or professionals who work in Veteran-serving roles—who take the dogs home each night and bring them to work each day.
While Facility Dogs complete the full training cycle the way their Service Dog counterparts do, they typically chose their career path after showing signs of stress in constantly changing environments. However, they thrive in familiar environments and enjoy interacting with people of all ages. Their role isn’t to perform specific disability-related tasks, but to enhance well-being, relieve stress and foster a more welcoming, relaxed environment.
Lyons sees that firsthand every day.
“Everyone in both of our offices knows her, and people are always asking if she’ll be in that day,” he says. “Staff love to see her, clients connect with her—it’s hard to explain how big a difference she makes until you’ve seen it.”
Outside of work, Ralphie is an integral part of the Lyons’ family. His daughters Nora and Abby, 8 and 6, adore her. Whether it’s a walk through the neighborhood or snuggling on the couch for movie night, Ralphie is always by their side.
“She’s a great family dog,” says Lyons. “She’s their best friend.”
She’s been good for Lyons, too. A self-described Type A personality, he says Ralphie forces him to take short breaks—whether it’s a walk outside, a stretch away from his desk or just a few quiet minutes.
“Before Ralphie, I probably wouldn’t have stopped working all day. Now I have to get up, take a break, move around. It’s helped more than I expected,” said Lyons.
Facility Dogs like Ralphie are quietly reshaping the environments they serve—bringing compassion and calm to places where it’s needed most. And while their work might go unnoticed by some, the Veterans and teams they serve feel their impact every day.
Warrior Canine Connection is currently accepting applications for new Facility Dog placements. Ideal applicants include Veteran-focused offices or programs with a stable, dog-friendly environment and the ability to meet the dog’s daily care and structure needs.
To learn more or apply to bring a WCC Facility Dog to your organization, reach out to wccdog@warriorcanineconnection.org.
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A Hero’s Legacy: Wilbur Meets WCC’s Wilbur
The adorable yellow Labrador Retriever puppy was named after Wilbur “Jack” Myers through WCC’s Namesake Program, which honors the legacies of Veterans past and present by naming each service dog in training after a Veteran. It’s a gesture of remembrance and respect, but more than that, it’s a way of weaving each Veteran’s story into the next generation of healing and service. The meeting between the two Wilburs was a powerful reminder of the deep connections and impact behind each name.
Jack Myers is one of the last surviving members of the Battle of the Bulge, one of the most significant and harrowing campaigns of World War II. Drafted in 1943, Myers served as an anti-tank gunner with the 692nd Tank Destroyer Battalion, supporting the 104th Infantry Division and later joining Patton’s Army. His battalion played a critical role in defending along the Ruhr River and advancing through Europe. For his valor, Myers was awarded the Bronze Star. Like many Veterans of his generation, he carried the emotional toll of the war silently for decades, only later sharing the full weight of his experience.
“Meeting a World War II Veteran is an incredible honor—humbling, really,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “These heroes are living links to history, to stories we may never fully know but should never forget. With each handshake, you’re reminded why they’re called the Greatest Generation. It’s a privilege to share even a moment in their presence.”
Now, more than 80 years later, his name will continue to serve—through four paws and a wagging tail. WCC’s Wilbur is being raised to become a service dog for a fellow Veteran, carrying with him not just a name, but a legacy of courage, resilience and dedication.
WCC’s Namesake Program ensures that stories like Myers’ are never forgotten—they live on through every command learned, every Veteran comforted, and every life changed.
As WCC continues to expand its reach and impact, the heart of its mission remains the same: honoring those who have served by training future service dogs who will support and heal their fellow Veterans. It’s a mission that begins with a name—and continues with a lifetime of service.
Jack Myers is set to return to Normandy for the 81st D-Day Remembrance later this year—his 20th visit to the historic site.
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Ongoing Health Initiative Foundation grant supports Warrior Canine Connection’s MBTR Program
“We are grateful to the Healthcare Initiative Foundation for its steadfast support of our MBTR program,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director of Warrior Canine Connection. “This partnership has helped us bring meaningful, evidence-informed support to Montgomery County’s Veterans. With HIF’s continued investment, we’re able to bring the healing power of the human-animal bond to even more Warriors—and help them rediscover a sense of purpose through service to others.”
With support from HIF, WCC launched its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic in Silver Spring in 2020. The goal was to complement traditional counseling services with a unique, hands-on approach to healing. MBTR taps into the power of the human-animal bond by having Veterans train service dogs for fellow Warriors. Along the way, those participating in the program often experience their own therapeutic benefits, building connection and a renewed sense of purpose, while also improving sleep, emotional regulation and impulse control, and reducing stress, depression and hypervigilance.
“HIF is honored to be able to continue our partnership with Warrior Canine Connection,” said Kathy Stevens, president & chief executive officer, HIF. “Since 2015, HIF has invested $168,000 into this work, ensuring that our nation’s military veterans and their families have access to innovative therapeutic programming here in Montgomery County. This most recent grant to Warrior Canine Connection will continue to allow the Mission Based Trauma Recovery program to flourish, for people and puppies.”
Building on the success of its programming at the Cohen Clinic, with the help of HIF WCC is now expanding the MBTR model to the Silver Spring Vet Center (SSVC), which serves 400 to 500 Veterans and family members each month—many of whom seek support for post-traumatic stress. The addition of MBTR to SSVC’s suite of therapeutic offerings—which already includes yoga, meditation and equine therapy—will further enhance the center’s ability to support Veterans’ behavioral and mental health needs.
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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 the Healthcare Initiative Foundation
The Foundation’s mission is to support organizations that offer solutions to improve the quality and delivery of health and wellness services for residents of Montgomery County, Maryland. Within our geographic and focus area, HIF considers efforts to improve the quality and delivery of healthcare, expand the availability of comprehensive healthcare, build appropriate capacity in the healthcare network, and grow the healthcare workforce. To learn more, please visit: http://www.hifmc.org.
World War II veteran meets his service dog namesake
By Julia LeDoux
World War II Battle of the Bulge and Army veteran Wilbur “Jack” Myers recently met his namesake, “Wilbur,” a Warrior Canine Connection service dog in training. Read the full story in Connecting Vets.
Veterans could get service dogs for free under proposed legislation
By LINDA F. HERSEY
WASHINGTON — Army veteran Bob Ouellette and Cooper, a 9-year-old golden retriever, were outside the Capitol on Wednesday to support a bill that would fund $10 million annually for grants to provide service dogs to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries. Read the full Stars and Stripes article here.
Sit, Stay, Say Goodbye
Volunteer “puppy raisers” are chipping away at a shortage of service dogs, one short-term adoption at a time.
In the year since Pat and Jane Hipsley brought home Pogo, they’ve spent hours teaching the Labrador puppy how to walk by their side and ignore cooing strangers; how to roll, retrieve her leash and ride an escalator. Read the full story in The New York Times.
Heroes with Heart: Honoring WCC Volunteers
In 2024 alone, 885 volunteers generously gave 142,803 hours of their time—an estimated value of $4,782,472.47. Their dedication directly impacts every aspect of WCC’s mission, from raising and training future service dogs to supporting events, administrative efforts, and community outreach. Their time, talents, and passion ensure that Veterans and their families receive the life-changing support of expertly trained service dogs, making a lasting difference in countless lives.
But what truly drives them to give so much of themselves? We asked, “What is your WHY?” and here’s what our amazing volunteers had to say.
“The change that happens after just a few visits in every Veteran we encounter. The smiles, conversations, hugs. I work with two very open and fun trainers, who don’t take themselves too seriously but always put the Veterans we serve first.”
– Robin Martin, WCC Asheville
“It brings me so much joy to see these dogs grow and learn, and to know how much they will help their veteran one day. The men and women of our Armed Forces give so much to all of us and deserve more given back to them than we provide. WCC helps bridge this gap but helps give people their lives back while creating an amazing community for all who volunteer in any capacity. These dogs touch every life they are a part of, and I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this fantastic organization.”
– Hailey Swisher, WCC UMD/College Park
“Working with dogs is my dream job. Working with dogs that help other people is my dream fantasy. I’ve always wanted to help people, but I’m not much of a people person. Working with dogs that will eventually make the difference in someone’s life is the best way I can think of to contribute and to help repay those veterans who have sacrificed so much for us.”
– Anne Pickle, WCC NoVA
“I do because I can. This is how I give back to those who served our country. And puppies. Whose why isn’t puppies, right?”
– Jessica Rabin, WCC Baltimore
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact WCC dogs have—not only on the Veterans who are matched with and receive a service dog, but also on those who participate in their training through the Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. These dogs possess a special ability to connect with humans in ways that often transcend human-to-human interaction.”
– Karen Chiu, WCC Menlo Park
“Each of my todays = snuggles and puppy kisses for me. Each of my tomorrows = snuggles and puppy kisses for a Veteran.”
– Karen O’Malley, WCC NoVA
“I love the fact that the abundance of love I have in my heart for the dogs is translated to major impact on an individual’s quality of life or an organization’s quality of work.”
– Renee French, WCC Healing Quarters
“We come from a family of Veterans and have close friends who are Veterans. We joined WCC to give back to the community of heroes who have helped our country.”
– Stephanie and Fred Short, WCC Philadelphia
“I just love being a part of an organization that gives back. The WCC volunteers and staff have been so welcoming. I love going there and seeing the dogs and people. The setting is so peaceful.”
– Diane Fox, WCC Healing Quarters
At WCC, our volunteers aren’t just helping out—they’re making a real, lasting impact every single day. Their dedication brings comfort, healing, and hope to the Veterans we serve, and we simply couldn’t do this work without them. While National Volunteer Month is a great time to say thank you, we’re grateful for their commitment all year long. To every volunteer who plays a role in our mission—thank you for your time, passion, and unwavering support!
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New Faces at WCC: Sue Watson
Sue is WCC’s new Area Program Manager & Service Dog Training Instructor at our Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania location, where she supports Veterans and Puppy Parents at Duquesne University. As the daughter of WWII Marine Sergeant Jack Watson, Sue has always been deeply connected to the Veteran community. She practices what she calls “upstream, compassion-first” advocacy—listening to the needs of Veterans and their families, connecting them to resources, and creating pathways for growth and resilience.
“This brings together two of my greatest passions,” says Sue. “Dogs and Veterans just go together. Being part of WCC allows me to support both in a meaningful way, and I couldn’t be more excited.”
Many in the WCC family already know Sue as a dedicated Puppy Raiser, having started with WCC’s Retzer and now raising WCC’s Jimmy Stewart. A lifelong dog lover, Sue found her passion for service dogs after losing her beloved Golden Retriever, Eli, a trained therapy dog. Wanting to continue making a difference, she became Pittsburgh’s first Puppy Raiser, embracing WCC’s mission to support Veterans through the healing power of dogs. And now, we’re proud to have her as a member of our team.
Outside of work, Sue enjoys hiking and spending time outdoors, catching up with friends over coffee, and helping others in any way she can. A retired teacher, she also has a love for antiques, upcycling and fitness—especially kettlebell workouts. Please join us in welcoming Sue to the WCC team!
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