The Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation and the Houston Astros welcomed local veteran and his Service Dog to throw out first pitch during Sunday’s game

HOUSTON (Aug. 29, 2022) — K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans, today announced that Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. will sponsor the nonprofit through the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation. The sponsorship will support K9s For Warriors in rescuing a dog from a high-kill shelter and training it to be a Service Dog for a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.

“I truly feel like this partnership combines two of my passions together, saving animals and supporting our military members,” said Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. “There is no greater importance than taking care of those who fought for our freedoms when they return home. We are grateful for our partnership with K9s For Warriors and will continue to support its efforts of saving dog and veteran lives.”

As thanks for his support, K9s For Warriors will provide the McCullers with regular updates on the dog’s journey from shelter to service. This incredible partnership gave a local Houston Warrior and his Service Dog an opportunity of a lifetime Sunday. Houston veteran and K9s For Warriors’ graduate Jodie –a die-hard Astros fan– and his Service Dog Donna threw out the first pitch during Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Jodie said, “I can now die a happy man.”

Click here to download video of Jodie and his Service Dog Donna throwing out the first pitch with McCullers catching!

More veterans like Jodie will be paired with rescue dogs turned Service Dogs like Donna thanks to the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation.

“We are excited to partner with Lance McCullers and his foundation to further our mission of rescuing dogs from high-kill shelters and giving them new purpose as a Service Dog,” said Rory Diamond, CEO of K9s For Warriors. “The generous donation from the Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation will allow us to pair a Service Dog with a deserving veteran who is struggling with the invisible wounds of war.”

Founded in 2011, K9s For Warriors has rescued approximately 1,500 dogs across the country and paired more than 755 veterans with trained Service Dogs to mitigate symptoms of post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injuries and/or military sexual trauma. To learn more and support the nonprofit’s programs, visit K9s For Warriors.

Photos of the first pitch: https://we.tl/t-85pxgOexvg

About K9s For Warriors

Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. With most dogs coming from high-kill rescue shelters, this innovative program allows the K9/Warrior team to build an unwavering bond that facilitates their collective healing and recovery. This treatment method is backed by scientific research (from Purdue University’s OHAIRE Lab) demonstrating Service Dogs’ ability to help mitigate their veteran’s symptoms of PTSD while simultaneously restoring their confidence and independence. Founded in 2011 as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors remains committed to bringing widespread awareness to veterans’ mental health and contributing to policy-level reform.

The organization’s facilities include: K9s For Warriors National Headquarters (Ponte Vedra, FL), Davis Family Mega Kennel (Ponte Vedra, FL), Gold Family Campus (Alachua, FL), Petco Love K9 Center (San Antonio, TX), and K9s For Warriors at Heidi’s Village (Phoenix, AZ).

Find more information at www.k9sforwarriors.org | Facebook | Twitter

About Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation no-kill city.

The Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Lance and his family to invest, bring awareness, and create programs to advocate for stray and homeless animals across the country. The goal is to support shelters and programs that promote pet adoptions and continue on the journey to make Houston a no-kill city. Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation operates under the umbrella of the Athletes and Causes Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that helps professional athletes and artists achieve their philanthropic goals. Athletes and Causes has several partnerships with K9s For Warriors.

Find more information at www.athletesandcauses.org