July 31, 2025 – K9s For Warriors celebrated a remarkable milestone this summer. With the help of our generous donors, supporters and dedicated staff, the 100th Warrior from our Texas campus graduated with a life-changing Service Dog.
The Warrior Ranch, north of San Antonio, serves as the primary facility for Warriors on the West Coast to train and bond with their new Service Dogs. Since its opening in 2022, we have remained committed to pairing Veterans in need with Service Dogs.
Air Force Veteran Daniel became the 100th Warrior to graduate with a Service Dog from our Warrior Ranch. After serving for more than three years as a hazardous materials specialist, Daniel returned home with PTSD. He often faced horrific emergency response situations. When he returned home, Daniel found himself struggling to enjoy the things he once loved. He then came across K9s For Warriors on Facebook and thought a Service Dog would give him the tools to live the life he once knew.
“I thought having a Service Dog would help me deal with my PTSD symptoms and add more joy to my life,” he said. “I hope by having a dog to care for and bond with, that I can focus on the future rather than the past.”
K9s For Warriors paired Daniel with Dandy, a dog rescued from the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The two formed an unwavering bond and are looking forward to the journey ahead.
“My Service Dog has given me something to focus on as we establish our relationship,” Daniel said.
K9s For Warriors hosted a celebration for the 100 Warriors who graduated from Texas. Fourteen Warriors returned to the campus with their Service Dogs to join in on the festivities.
Navy Veteran and San Antonio Warrior graduate Chris shared his story about his journey with his Service Dog, Astro. The pair has come a long way since graduating from the San Antonio campus in 2023.
“I am broken, but look at those two letters in the middle. I am okay,” said Chris. “To my fellow Warriors here today who may have felt they were too broken, I hope you too are now okay.”
Chris also gave a special thank you to Warrior graduate Jodie and his Service Dog, Donna. This pairing was the reason Chris learned about K9s For Warriors and decided to apply for his own Service Dog.
K9s For Warriors would like to give a special thank you to the more than 100 supporters who were in attendance for the celebration. We couldn’t have met this amazing milestone without you.
We’d also like to thank the Helotes Chamber of Commerce for helping us bring the celebration to life, and to Bill Taylor from KENS5 for reporting live during the event, sharing this story with the community.
We’d like to give a big congratulations to our 100 Warriors who graduated from Texas and the over 1,000 graduates who no longer walk alone. Thank you for your trust, your courage, and for allowing K9s For Warriors to be a part of your healing journey.
