A Vital Link to Mental Health

For U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Kele, the transition following military service was overwhelming. “Going from the Marine Corps to the civilian world was an absolute nightmare,” he says. After serving as an infantryman in Afghanistan and Japan, Kele found himself struggling with PTSD, anxiety and depression.

Overcoming MST: How a Service Dog Helped One Warrior Reclaim Her Life

Toye joined the Marine Corps to escape the abuse in her small hometown. What she didn’t know was her enlistment would start another cycle of trauma and hardship. This is her story of overcoming the unthinkable, thanks to her inner strength and her Service Dog, Bake.

K9s For Warriors Hosts Annual Clay Shoot

K9s For Warriors marked its 14-year anniversary with the fifth annual K9s For Warriors Clay Shoot, raising enough money to sponsor a Warrior and Service Dog team on their journey toward healing and recovery.

She Represents Everything to Me

It’s been nearly seven years since Becca arrived at K9s For Warriors and met her Service Dog, Bobbi. Becca says the Yellow Lab represents her road to recovery.

“There is so much gratitude”: the House Mom Role at K9s For Warriors

Veterans who come to K9s For Warriors are often stepping out of their comfort zone.

It can be daunting to arrive at a new place, live in an unfamiliar environment with several new people for three weeks. All the while, these Veterans are learning how to navigate life with a new Service Dog and welcome a new member into their family.

Luckily, someone is already on campus to cheer them on.

Beating the Holiday Blues: Prioritizing Veteran Mental Health

It’s known as the most wonderful time of the year, but the holidays can often invoke feelings of anxiety and stress, especially for military Veterans. Holiday traditions often come with a lot of pressure, which can make them less enjoyable for some, especially for those struggling with mental health issues.

You Gave Tim a New Leash on Life

The holidays leave little to celebrate when you’re struggling to cope with anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Just ask Tim, an Army Veteran from South Carolina. Before he found K9s For Warriors, he could barely leave his house. He wanted to socialize, but his PTSD symptoms made him feel like a burden to others. He says that for 15 years, he felt like he hadn’t really lived at all.

Skonce Was a Stray Dog. You Helped Us Give Him Purpose.

Skonce used to live on the streets. He found a temporary home by a motel in Brunswick, Georgia before someone found him and took him to a shelter.

He Changed Our Lives

This is a personal account written by Ashley, the wife of one of our Warrior/K9 teams, Miles & Frisco.

I’m Learning to Embrace the Person I Am

For years after retirement, I buried my wartime experiences. Anger, outbursts and distrust became a daily reality, something I felt I just had to endure.

A series of life events woke me up to the need for a deeper approach. I started equine therapy and met other Veterans with Service Dogs. Witnessing their unconditional love
sparked a change within me. It wasn’t just about feeling better about my life, it was about rediscovering self-worth.