May 2, 2025 – K9s For Warriors hosted its annual Salute To Moms event on Friday night, celebrating all the women who have left their mark on our organization and our women Warriors. The event took place at our Headquarters in Ponte Vedra, FL with a Kentucky Derby theme.
The event was inspired by our late founder, Shari Duval. Her love for her son started K9s For Warriors 14 years ago. Since then, so many amazing women have touched the lives of our Warriors and Service Dogs. While Shari is no longer with us, her legacy continues in every Veteran and dog that comes through our program. Salute To Moms also honored our women Veterans who have been through our program and those still on the waitlist, awaiting the moment they meet their Service Dog.
Each attendee had the opportunity to make their own flower arrangements at the Bouquet Bar by Saint Florals, customize jewelry from Kendra Scott and sample delicious wine from San Sebastian Winery. Dinner was provided by Biscottis with craft cocktails from Unbridled Bar. Official K9s For Warriors merchandise was also available for purchase. You can view our online store here.
The event started with a powerful testimonial from Marine Corps Veteran Toye about her rescued Service Dog, Bake. Toye is a mother of three and shared how her Service Dog has impacted her over the last five years of being paired.
Hear Toye’s story in her own words below:
“I communicate with my boys so much better now. I don’t try to hide anything from them,” Toye shared. “I don’t think I ever truly knew who I was. I was always on guard. I was always whoever I needed to be to be safe. In July 2020, I started to figure out who I was, and I’m a pretty good person.”
Then, Army Veteran Becca shared her story with her Service Dog, Bobbi. Becca’s mom joined us in the audience and there wasn’t a dry eye left in the house.
“I'm here today, and I'm the person I am today because of you,” Becca said to her mother.
“If I could be half the person that you and Dad are, then I would be happy and set with life. I love you.”
Watch Becca's full interview here:
Thank you to all our 2025 Salute To Moms vendors and sponsors: FIS, JM Family Enterprises and Southeast Toyota, Lisa Arens, Pivot CPAs, Kendra Scott, Saint Florals, San Sebastian Winery, Biscottis and Unbridled Bar. We couldn’t have done it without you!
We would also like to thank our supporters who attended the event with us. Your generosity will ensure we pair more Warriors with lifesaving Service Dogs.
You helped us raise more than $35,000 at the event, which is enough to sponsor the training of one Service Dog for a future Warrior.
