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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Inside the Mission Healing Veterans with Puppies
On a recent episode of Coffee with Ken Biberaj, host Ken visits Warrior Canine Connection in Boyds, Maryland to sit down with founder Rick Yount and explore how this pioneering nonprofit is transforming the way we support veterans. Through an innovative model, Warrior Canine Connection enlists service members to help train future service dogs—giving them purpose, connection, and a path to healing from PTSD and combat-related trauma. Watch the full interview on Coffee with Ken Biberaj here.
Navy Veteran From Calvert Honored With Service Puppy Named In Her Honor
BOYDS, Md. — U.S. Navy veteran Lt. Mary Pat Collins was surprised to learn that a puppy had been named after her. It’s not every day you get the honor of passing along your name to someone with four paws, a wagging tail and a noble mission. Read the full story in The BayNet News here.
WCC’s Jimmy Meets Namesake’s Daughter
WCC’s Jimmy is one of the Service Dogs-in-Training at WCC’s program site located at Duquesne University—and the only dog with a name that honors a beloved local legend. The on-campus site offers WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program to Veteran students and community members. 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.
At the event, Kelly Stewart-Harcourt, daughter of the late U.S. Army Veteran and Hollywood star Jimmy Stewart, had the chance to meet WCC’s Jimmy in person. She shared how moved she was when she was first approached about naming a future service dog after her father.
“All I thought was dad would be so happy—dad would be so proud to be working with this organization,” shared Stewart-Harcourt.
WCC’s namesake program was created to honor and celebrate our nation’s heroes. Each of its service dogs in training is named after a Service Member or Veteran, both past and present, who has served our country. Jimmy Stewart was not only a treasured actor but also a decorated World War II pilot—known for his strong sense of patriotism and his deep love of animals, something some fans may remember from his touching poem, Beau, written about his own dog.
At the museum that bears her father’s name, Stewart-Harcourt said it felt especially fitting that his legacy now includes helping Veterans in such a meaningful way.
As she patted WCC’s Jimmy’s head, she added, “It’s just a perfect match.”
Perfect, indeed.
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Intern John’s “Chuy Forever” comedy to support WCC
Catch him live in Arlington, Virginia on Friday, June 20, and for two more shows on Saturday, June 21. Since 2017, Intern John has raised more than $100,000 to support Veterans. Don’t miss the chance to laugh for a great cause—get your tickets now at InternJohnComedy.com.
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PTSD Awareness Month: Honoring Veterans and advancing healing
At WCC, we know that healing doesn’t always happen in a hospital room or through words alone. Sometimes, it happens through a quiet moment shared with a service dog in training. Through our Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program, Veterans engage in a unique form of therapy—one that involves training future service dogs for fellow Warriors.
The efficacy of MBTR training is becoming increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for those managing PTSD. The benefits are well-documented: reduced anxiety, improved social engagement, strengthened sense of purpose and the development of meaningful, trust-based connections.
One Veteran who recently completed WCC’s 8-week MBTR program reflected on the impact it had on him.
“It was an awesome experience with WCC. The ladies are awesome, the dogs are awesome. What else can you say about my amazing experience. Training the dogs and learning how to train them in some of their tasks really helped me with concentration and slowing my mind down. I suffer from PSTD, TBI and anxiety amongst other things. My wife literally said the one day I was always in a good mood was the day I had an hour with the dogs. Before or after going.”
WCC’s MBTR program is grounded in science, empathy and connection (and adorable dogs). Veterans participating in the program often report improvements in mood, social functioning and overall well-being. While a service dog is not a quick fix for PTSD, the structured interaction, responsibility and emotional bond created during training can make a lasting difference.
“It can be extremely challenging for many who have served to ask for, or even accept, assistance for themselves,” said Mar Leifeld, assistant director of MBTR programs, WCC. “I think the power of WCC’s MBTR program is in the fact that we are not saying ‘you need this to improve your PTSD symptoms,’ but rather, ‘we need YOU to help us prepare these dogs for a fellow Vet.’ We want our Veterans to know that they are valued, and their service is still needed in this country—even if what that service looks like may change as they progress through life.”
This month serves as a reminder: PTSD is real, and help is available. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to healing, but for many, programs like MBTR are a critical step forward.
If you or someone you know could benefit from WCC’s MBTR training, please reach out to Mar Leifeld at mbtr@warriorcanineconnection.org. And if you or a loved one needs immediate support, the Veterans Crisis Line (1-800-273-8255) is available 24/7.
Let’s use PTSD Awareness Month not only to recognize the challenges Veterans face but also to advocate for compassionate, evidence-based solutions that support their recovery—one paw at a time.
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New Faces at WCC: Sheila Jackson and Vivian Leven
As summer approaches, we’re excited to share two new faces who have joined the WCC team in recent months. Each brings valuable experience and a shared commitment to our mission. Take a moment to get to know them—and join us in welcoming them to the pack!
Please join us in welcoming Sheila to WCC—this time in a new role as part-time Government Contracts Specialist! While this may be her official title, Sheila is no stranger to the WCC family. She’s been a devoted volunteer since 2017, helping as a puppy sitter, puppy raiser and whelping box volunteer. She and her husband Gerry, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Reserve Commander, are also proud pup parents to WCC’s Andrea.
Sheila brings decades of experience in government contracting and business development, including leading large-scale programs supporting the Department of Labor and managing wellness programs for federal agencies. Most recently, she worked with 4S-Silversword, where she managed WCC’s Animal-Assisted Therapy contract at the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) at Walter Reed—the very same program she’ll now support directly as WCC steps into the prime contractor role.
Sheila comes from a proud military family, with a father who served as a WWII Army paratrooper and brothers who graduated from West Point and the Naval Academy, making her commitment to serving Veterans deeply personal.
“I love WCC because I see the direct and powerful impact the dogs and this mission have on Veterans and their families—including mine,” she says. “It’s an honor to support this work.”
Outside the office, you’ll find Sheila traveling with Gerry to visit their daughters, hiking, training her dogs or volunteering with her church.
We’re pleased to welcome Vivian Leven as our newest Service Dog Training Instructor supporting the Northern Virginia (NoVa) region. Based at Fort Belvoir, Vivian joined WCC in February and is already making an impact by combining her deep experience in dog behavior and training with a passion for helping people.
Originally from Sweden, Vivian has called Alexandria, Virginia home for more than 20 years. Her career began in animal welfare policy and research, and a chance adoption of a behaviorally challenged Doberman set her on a path to becoming a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant. She went on to lead training programs, run her own consulting business, and even served as a court-certified mediator focusing on sensitive family and youth cases. Whether she’s training dogs, supporting Veterans, or finding resolution in high-stakes situations, Vivian brings compassion, insight, and steady leadership to everything she does.
“I joined WCC because I love the idea of combining the people side with the animal side,” Vivian says. “There’s always more to learn. Dogs are incredibly present — they draw us into the moment with their honesty. People wear many masks, but dogs are just who they are.”
Vivian shares her life with her daughter Isolde, two dogs, two cats and two horses.
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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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