Tag Archive for: MBTR

Finding connection through canine companionship: Veterans and the power of puppy socialization

For many Veterans, adjusting to life after service comes with unique challenges. Through a partnership between Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Veterans are finding healing, connection and camaraderie in an unexpected way—through adorable puppies.

Exposure to people, touch, sound and other stimuli are a crucial part of a puppy’s development. That’s why WCC starts the socialization of its future service dogs when pups are just 4-5 weeks old. WCC’s puppy socialization program takes place multiple times a week, offering Veterans, including those involved in WWP’s programming, military families and those on the waitlist for a service dog, the chance to interact with these adorable puppies.

But as Lauren Tyler, WCC’s Breeding and Puppy Development manager, who helps coordinate the sessions, will tell you, beyond puppy enrichment and training exercises, these gatherings are providing another deep impact—a space for Veterans to connect with one another in a meaningful way.

“The program is really about connection,” Tyler says. “Yes, we’re working with future service dogs, but what also stands out besides the puppies is the sense of community being built. It’s a space where Veterans can bond, share experiences, make new friends and find support from people who truly understand them.”

One of those WWP participants is retired Air Force Major Idola Gunn, who retired in 2014 after 28.5 years on active duty. Major Gunn learned about WCC’s puppy socialization program through WWP. After losing her 11+ year old dogs in 2017 and 2019, Gunn was eager to learn more about the program. Fast forward a couple of years, and she has since participated a half-dozen times and attended two WCC service dog graduations.

“I left military service with mental and physical disabilities,” said Gunn. “Throughout my career, I have met several Department of Defense working dogs, however, they are doing just that, ‘working.’ WCC’s puppy socialization program is a feel-good activity that allows you to spend time with and eventually help train the dogs. I have seen the interactions with other Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and to see their faces while they are cuddling and snuggling these pups, it is simply great. It was something I truly needed in my life.”

For retired Army Chief Warrant Officer 3 Sarah Gooch, the program provided an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling outlet after sustaining head trauma and lengthy rehabilitation.

“If we lived closer, I’d be there all the time,” Gooch says. “It doesn’t matter what kind of day I was having—when I got to go in and work with the puppies, I couldn’t help but smile. It was my nirvana.”

Her connection with WCC became even more personal when WCC service dog, “Sarah Lu,” was named after her through its namesake program.

“It was such an honor,” said Gooch. “The puppy parents were incredible, and they even brought her to my retirement. That moment meant everything to me.”

Gooch believes that programs like this, and many others than WWP offers, not only help Veterans focus on something positive but also serve as an opportunity to reconnect with a part of themselves that may have been lost.

“It helps to refocus, to bring some joy back into your life,” she says. “And the best part? You’re never alone in it. There’s always someone there who understands what you’re going through.”

While each Veteran’s journey is different, one thing remains the same—the importance of connection. Whether it’s sharing stories over a training session or simply sitting with a puppy and finding a moment of peace, WCC’s puppy socialization program provides a unique kind of healing and connection.

“There’s always a different group of people volunteering,” Gunn says. “You meet people from different branches of service, different walks of life—it’s a great opportunity to share. Even just the ride out there is soothing.”

For many, this program is more than just an event on a calendar. It’s a lifeline. It’s a place where Veterans can find understanding, companionship and a sense of purpose—all while helping to ready some adorable puppies for their first stages of training.

“If you’re on the fence about it, just try it,” Gunn encourages. “It’s an awesome program. Pick and choose what resonates with you and take that step. You never know how much it might change your life.”

To learn more about Wounded Warrior Project’s programs, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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Warrior Canine Connection’s pup ‘Jimmy’ pays visit to namesake Jimmy Stewart Museum

A year after being introduced to the public, ‘Jimmy’—a service dog in training—visited the Jimmy Stewart Museum days before Christmas. Jimmy is being trained by Maryland-based nonprofit, Warrior Canine Connection, and is currently in training at Duquesne University. Read more about Jimmy’s journey in the Indiana Gazette.

Kearney & Company Paws-itively Impacting Veterans

Since its founding in 1985, Kearney & Company has built a reputation as a premier audit, consulting, and technology firm focused on the government. But the work Kearney does goes beyond just the numbers—it’s about making a real difference. The firm’s commitment to community outreach is at the heart of its culture, with a special emphasis on supporting military and Veteran communities.

A perfect example of Kearney’s commitment to the military community is its 12+ year partnership with Warrior Canine Connection (WCC). Over the years, Kearney has raised more than $530,000 for the nonprofit, helping fund programs that are literally changing—and saving—the lives of wounded Veterans. But it’s not just about the money—Kearney team members have also volunteered with WCC and supported the organization through various events—a true testament to their dedication to giving back.

Dr. Kyle Richards, Kearney’s Director of Employee Engagement, is also a member of WCC’s Board of Directors and an ardent supporter of the nonprofit. He explains why the partnership is such a natural fit.

“At Kearney, we believe in the concept of WCC’s clinical approach to Mission Based Trauma Recovery training,” said Dr. Richards. “There are a lot of organizations that pair Veterans with service dogs, and they’re doing incredible work. But as CPAs, we bring an auditor’s lens to everything we do. So, when you bring in that clinical approach, you can ensure that every part of the program is studied rigorously—that’s when real progress happens. From selecting the right dog to tracking outcomes and gathering data that can inform future research, WCC is committed to the same level of rigor in its work as Kearney is in ours. We’re deeply invested in the process and the impact it has. The entire firm takes such pride and delight in it.”

To date, more than 9,000 Veterans have participated in WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program, which enlists Warriors to help train service dogs for their fellow Warriors. By interacting with the dogs as they move from puppyhood to training to adult service dogs, Warrior Trainers benefit from a physiological and psychological animal-human connection. As a result of their efforts, Veterans with visible and invisible wounds receive the finest in trained service dogs.

“Kearney’s partnership and Kyle’s leadership on our Board have been invaluable,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Their support, both financial and through their expertise, has played a critical role in helping us enhance and expand our programs. The insights and guidance Kyle has provided have helped make a lasting impact on WCC, enabling us to serve Veterans and their families more effectively. We are incredibly grateful for Kearney and Kyle’s ongoing commitment to our mission and the difference they’re helping us make in the lives of those who have served.”

Kearney was recently recognized on Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Employers list. The list highlights organizations that are evaluated based on their policies, practices, and benefits for veterans. Notably, more than one in six Kearney team members have served in the Armed Forces. This strong Veteran presence across the firm including in leadership roles helps Kearney truly understand and embrace the mission-driven culture that Veterans bring.

“It’s been a long and fruitful partnership between Kearney and Warrior Canine Connection, and we look forward to continuing it for years to come because the mission was, is, and remains critical for the amount of need out there,” said Richards. “The more we can do to support WCC, the more the organization can do to support Veterans, their families, and the lives of our community members. It really creates a ripple effect that both impacts our Veterans and those who love and care for them.”

 

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Dogs Helping Veterans, the Warrior Canine Connection

Listen in to The Dog Dad podcast, as host Joel David sits down with Sarah Delcore from Warrior Canine Connection to dive into their transformative work connecting service dogs with veterans. Sarah shares insights into the organization’s unique mission, including how they train these exceptional dogs and the healing impact they have on veterans’ lives. We also discuss ways you can get involved, from becoming a puppy foster to supporting programs that even extend into the prison system, where inmates help train future service dogs. Tune in to learn how you can be part of this inspiring journey, supporting both veterans and our loyal canine friends.
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Carolina Moment: Warrior Canine Connection a valuable resource for recovering veterans

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — Warrior Canine Connection is a nonprofit organization that enlists recovering veterans, called “Warriors,” in a therapeutic mission of learning to train service dogs for their fellow veterans. Click here to check out the full story from WLOS 13 News.

WCC 2024 Graduation: Veterans and Service Dogs to Celebrate Paw-some Achievements

Warrior Canine Connection happily invites current and past graduates, their families, our amazing volunteers and supporters to join us for WCC’s Class of 2024 virtual ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 21. 
 
For those who wish to continue the celebration from online to in-person, WCC will also host a post-graduation ceremony reception later that afternoon. Our graduating teams and extended pack will enjoy good food, live music, barn tours, WCC store items for sale, a photo booth, fun activities and plenty of dogs! 
 
The virtual graduation ceremony will take place online Saturday, Sept. 21 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The post-graduation reception, including a special barn dedication ceremony, will follow at WCC’s Healing Quarters in Boyds, Maryland at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Registration for the reception is required and will open Aug. 21 on the WCC website—stay tuned for the link and more details! This promises to be a fantastic celebration, we hope to see you there! 

Warrior Canine Connection Receives Another $10,000 Grant from Veterans Help Group

Funding to Support WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery Training Program

BOYDS, Maryland – Veterans Help Group (VHG) has generously donated $10,000 for a second consecutive year to Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) to help support placement of skilled service dogs with wounded Veterans, and the organization’s unique Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) program. The MBTR program enlists Service Members and Veterans to help train service dogs for fellow Warriors as part of their own treatment for invisible wounds of war.

“Warrior Canine Connection deeply appreciates the continued support from Veterans Help Group,” said Rick Yount, founder and executive director, Warrior Canine Connection. “Their unwavering dedication, care and resources are truly making a difference in the lives of Veterans and their families, and we are immensely thankful not only for their support but to have such an amazing partner in them.”

WCC’s MBTR program teaches Veterans how to work with service dogs in training, which fulfills a time-honored military tradition of Warriors helping Warriors. In doing so, the Veteran 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.

Matt Sauerwald, President of Veterans Help Group, stated: “We think Warrior Canine Connection is one of the best veterans’ nonprofits in the country and are privileged to be able to support them again. We also look forward to helping educate their veterans about Social Security and VA disability benefits in a forthcoming newsletter.”

Veterans Help Group was founded more than 15 years ago to advocate for disabled Veterans in securing their disability benefits.

For more information, please contact Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection, at beth.bourgeois@warriorcanineconnection.org or 719-216-3206.

 

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 Veterans Help Group
Veterans Help Group is committed to improving the quality of life for Veterans and their families by aggressively advocating for the favorable and timely resolution of their disability claims. The group is able to serve Veterans in all 50 States.  For more information, visit www.veteranshelpgroup.com.

 

Keisha Peterson-Anderson: A Healing Journey Through Warrior Canine Connection

We are privileged to introduce you to U.S. Navy IT3 Keisha Peterson-Anderson, whom we met through Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). We are honored to share her Warrior story. 

U.S. Navy IT3 Keisha Peterson-Anderson was working at the Pentagon on September 11, 2001—the day American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the building, killing all 64 people on the plane and 125 people in the Pentagon.

Two weeks would pass before Keisha received official confirmation that Kevin, a dear friend and colleague who worked in another side of the building, had died in the horrific tragedy. 

“I did what most people do, you grieve and try to move on,” said Keisha. “But I wasn’t really grieving, I was in shock. I got up and went to work every day … I look back now and wonder how I was functional. I literally went to work the day after 9/11.” 

Keisha served 8 years and 10 months of active duty before separating from the Navy in late 2001. She remained in the D.C. area and became a government contractor working in various organizations in the IT and intel field. But emotionally, Keisha says she was just ‘going through the motions.’ 

After some persuasion from a friend, Keisha attended a Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) event. She felt great camaraderie with fellow brothers and sisters in arms, and attended multiple functions, including an Odyssey (retreat), Soldier Rides, and other local activities and outings. Slowly but surely, the events became the impetus for Keisha to start therapy. 

It was at one of those local events that Keisha heard Sarah Olson from WCC speak about the organization’s MBTR training program. 

“Every day on Earth is an ongoing sense of therapy,” says Keisha. “When things happen to you as a person, you can’t just go to eight therapy sessions and be healed. I was really living a half-normal life because of the trauma I experienced.” 

Not only did Keisha complete the 8-week MBTR program, but so did her son, Taryn, 15.   

“Being at WCC was so therapeutic to me,” said Keisha. “We were never really into dogs before, but it made me feel like I had a need, and this animal was here to help and had a need itself. The training was freaking amazing for me and my son. That training, although completed, is still soothing to me, and helping me to get over something that happened 22 years ago. It brought a lot of wonderful feelings and resolve to our every day.” 

In fact, the experience, coupled with her ongoing therapy, impacted Keisha so much that she is now on the WCC waitlist for a service dog. 

To learn more about WWP’s programs, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information about WCC’s MBTR program, visit www.warriorcanineconnection.org. 

 

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Healing Through Dogs: WCC’s MBTR Program

Warrior Canine Connection’s (WCC) MBTR training program, short for Mission Based Trauma Recovery, is the cornerstone of its mission. This unique volunteer-based, animal-assisted therapy involves Service Members and Veterans in training future service dogs. Besides knowing the dog will one day go on to help a fellow Veteran, many Warriors involved in MBTR cite their own benefits, including enhanced communication, confidence, accountability, emotional regulation, and patience.

Mar Leifeld, WCC’s Veteran training program manager, who spearheads the MBTR program, says while MBTR volunteers have been instrumental in helping to train hundreds of WCC dogs, it has also been transformative in helping Veterans transitioning out of the military to restore a sense of purpose.

“This program is 100% voluntary, and the volunteer piece is really at the heart of what’s driving our Veterans to be involved in it,” said WCC Veteran Training Program Manager Mar Leifeld. “Everyone who is coming to engage in the program, whether they have a personal reason to be engaged, they’re all coming to an increased sense of purpose and community and to give back.”

In 2023, a total of 1,310 Veterans participated in MBTR across all locations, collectively contributing 10,077 hours of voluntary training. On average, each Veteran dedicated approximately 7.7 hours to the program.

The numbers don’t lie—MBTR is impactful. In fact, testimonials from previous participants inspired lawmakers to tap Rick Yount, founder and executive director, WCC, and Veterans Affairs to help draft the original language for what would become the current PAWS for Veterans Therapy Act, which President Biden signed into law in 2021.

Now in year three of a five-year pilot program, the impact of MBTR is being seen at five program sites that provide service dog training to benefit Veterans diagnosed with PTSD; WCC hosts two of the five sites.

While continuous research quantifies the impact of MBTR, participating Veterans have shared profound testimonials; from alleviating PTSD symptoms to enhancing concentration and fostering a sense of purpose, the MBTR program stands as a beacon of hope and healing for those who have served. But don’t just take our word for it, check out the Veteran participant testimonials below, all which have been shared anonymously.

“Training the dogs gave me time away from my PTSD symptoms. I was more focused on connecting with the dogs than my own symptoms,” shared one MBTR participant.

“Before I began the 8-week program, I was suffering from Major Depression. After numerous treatments including a variety of medications and 10 sessions of ECT, I was only minimally better. I was feeling numb for years and was unable to feel any joy.  I never left my home and did not want to do anything, even bathing was difficult. My occupational therapist recommended WCC. I honestly did not want to go, but I forced myself. After the first two sessions, I finally began to have some sort of feeling for the first time in years. I now leave my home several times a week and I want to do some things. It is a work in progress, and I have plenty of bad days, but this is a breakthrough,” shared a Veteran participant.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the program and used some of the skills to train my dog at home. It is very enlightening, and one feels like they are contributing their efforts for an excellent cause,” shared an MBTR participant.

“I appreciate the time I was able to spend with the pups & trainers. They are lovely & caring. It was a wonderful reminder to slow down pay attention and breathe into the positive or negative situation/what my inner voice was telling/yelling at me.”

“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 PTSD, 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.”

“Training the service dogs gave me a sense of purpose; connectedness with fellow veterans, instructors, and dogs; increased my mood; helped me be patient with my own dogs; gave me a sense of pride that I could contribute to society (I told my friends all about the program); made me more interested in other areas of my life again like sports and hiking with my dogs; it inspired me to take more dog training classes (animal CPR and obedience classes for my dogs); it made me feel like the VA cares about veterans with PTSD; I felt loved by the animals and instructors. Overall, this program made helped me feel good about myself again, purposeful and confident in myself.”

Learn more or get involved in WCC’s MBTR program here.

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Warrior Spotlight: Andrew Miller

Today we introduce you to U.S. Air Force Captain (ret.) Andrew Miller. He’s a Veteran who Warrior Canine Connection (WCC) had the pleasure of meeting through its Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program in partnership with Wounded Warrior Project (WWP). We are honored to share his story.

A horrific car accident in February 2021 prompted U.S. Air Force Captain (ret.) Andrew Miller to medically retire. Andrew has no recollection of the 4-5 months spent in the hospital immediately following the wreck. He underwent multiple surgeries, requiring 19 screws in his leg and treatment for a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As a pilot with a strong passion for flying, Andrew was grounded and felt disconnected and without purpose.

But Andrew says there are two things that have helped him on his continued healing journey: group workouts with WWP and working with WCC’s service dogs in training. 

While at Walter Reed recovering, Andrew attended workouts at the Under Armour Headquarters offered through WWP. The group workouts not only helped him feel connected but went a long way in his physical rehabilitation.

“It was really nice being able to have discussions with other people who speak the same language [military] as you,” said Andrew. “I went from those early days of not being able to walk at all to being able to run again.”

In fact, a few months back, Andrew completed the Army Ten-Miler. He openly shares, “It wasn’t through lack of effort. I took it slowly and steadily, one day at a time.” 

He also learned about WCC’s Mission Based Trauma Recovery (MBTR) training program through WWP. Andrew started by taking a class at its headquarters in Boyds, Maryland. He really enjoyed it, so he took more classes, and completed the eight-week MBTR training program. Soon after, he committed to classes to become an independent handler, meaning he helped care for the service dogs in training and assisted WCC service dog training instructors where needed. 

“When I see dogs, it just brings a huge smile to my face. When I learned about WCC’s program, I had just medically retired and was looking forward to an opportunity and something to do. It was super beneficial for me in reattaching and realizing I could still have a purpose, even if it was connecting with a dog—I still have a purpose and I found that to be very, very inspiring,” shared Andrew. 

Growing up, Andrew aspired to become an astronaut. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he learned to fly. While there, he flew gliders and taught survival school. Following graduation, he attended pilot training and completed six deployments —five flying and one on the ground.

“I wanted to learn to fly, but once I got there, I got to see a lot more purpose in being in the military,” said Andrew. “It really inspired me to find a deeper purpose for serving.” 

Although Andrew is currently unable to fly, he’s found another way to serve—by teaching others. Andrew is now working for​ ​a regional subsidiary of American Airlines using his experience to teach new pilots how to fly. He’s not only found purpose but has set two new goals for 2024: working with his next WCC dog and completing a half-marathon. 

To learn more about WWP’s program, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.  

Contact Us

14934 Schaeffer Road
Boyds, MD 20841

(T) 301.260.1111
info@warriorcanineconnection.org


Warrior Canine Connection
is a 501(c)(3)
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