In the quaint town of Boyds, Maryland, there exists a matchmaking service like no other. Welcome to “D-Harmony,” where dogs and humans find their perfect match. But this isn’t your typical matchmaking service—it’s Warrior Canine Connection (WCC), a nonprofit organization that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with Veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

Much like the algorithms of online dating platforms, WCC’s “D-Harmony” uses a carefully crafted process to match Veterans with service dogs tailored to their specific needs—sort of like the equivalent of swiping right, only using a lot more data, along with a human touch.

“Every match is unique and highly individualized, as we consider each Veteran for every dog in our program,” shares Sarah DelCore, Veteran and Military Family Services Manager, WCC. “We meticulously analyze the skills needed, capabilities, personalities, energy level, lifestyles and more, of both the Veterans and the dogs to ensure a perfect fit.”

Navy Veteran Geoff Beatty was matched with WCC service dog McKee three years ago and says the process was “amazing—almost magical.”

“We’re on the same wavelength … our energies have matched each other,” said Beatty. When I have energy, he is very much the same; on days when I’m grouchy, he’s more low-key as well. I think he can feel me and how I’m doing and has an innate ability to adapt. I can’t imagine my life without McKee, he’s my constant companion who helps me navigate daily challenges.”

Beyond the chemistry and personality that just “clicked” for them, Beatty says that although unrelated to WCC, there were other signs during his initial visit to Boyds for the matching process that put him at ease.

“At the hotel, I was randomly assigned to room #815, which coincidentally is the area code where I live,” said Beatty. “McKee’s namesake, Donald McKee, was a medic in the Army and a fellow member of the American Legion. McKee trained at Camp Grant during WWII, which is only about 10-15 minutes from where I live. There were too many coincidences to be a coincidence, some things are just meant to be. I’m just WCC’s biggest fan … What a great organization they are, such good people, I just can’t say enough.”

Retired Army Captain Melissa Smith waited 2+ years before being matched with service dog Healy.

“We were committed to WCC and however long it took because of who WCC is and getting a pup who is paw-fect,” said Smith.

The duo graduated as part of WCC’s Class of 2023. Smith says the process of being matched was seamless from beginning to end.

“I felt very seen as an individual in the process,” said Smith. “I knew I was going to love any dog I received, but I trusted Sarah and the team to find the best match for me, that was the main thing. At the end of the day, I knew WCC was going to put me with someone who was the right fit me for me. I cannot imagine my life without Healy. Healy is a gift from G-d … I am truly thankful for him each and every day. I can’t thank WCC enough for how they have treated me, and also for Healy.”

Smith credits Healy for helping her get back to doing all the things she loved before her military service.

“He keeps me engaged, communicating and I’ve even become very friendly with my neighbors because of him. My PTSD has made me very hesitant to engage with people and not entrusting of folks. Healy is the complete opposite in that way of me, he’s super friendly, always super excited to see everybody, and he kind of takes the pressure off me to have something to say, and I can just enjoy him enjoying people and it takes the focus off me. Knowing he’s by my side when I need him helps me with everything I do. People don’t remember me, but they always remember Healy.”

Beyond the initial connection, WCC provides ongoing support to ensure the relationship between Veteran and service dog flourishes. Through training sessions, personalized coaching, and follow-up care, WCC’s team ensures that both human and canine are equipped to thrive together. It’s a commitment to fostering lasting bonds built on trust, empathy, and unconditional love.

Since its inception in 2011, WCC has placed 149 assistance dogs with Service Members and Veterans. Each relationship is a testament to the unbreakable bond between humans and dogs forged through “D-Harmony’s” unique matchmaking process. And just like finding love online, sometimes all it takes is a little bit of magic—and a whole lot of heart—to find your paw-fect match.

 

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