On July 22nd, we were honored to celebrate the graduation of three Assistance Dogs: Chapman, Reid, and Booth aboard the USS Hornet. This special ceremony followed our two week client training where each Assistance Dog team worked together to build their bond and learned to work as a unit.

We are happy to say that Booth was placed as a Service Dog alongside her forever Warrior, Reid was placed as a Facility Dog alongside Kristin in the Menlo Park VA, and Chapman was placed as a Facility Dog alongside Kimberly in the Palo Alto VA. It was an honor for our team to witness the bond between each pair over the two weeks and we could not be more proud of their partnerships. We can’t wait to see all that they do in their new roles as placed Assistance Dogs!

During this special ceremony, we were thrilled to have special speakers Jean Gurga, Palo Alto VA Medical Director, Melissa Puckett, Menlo Park VA Recreation Therapist, Welcome Center, and Canine Corner Program Manager. Gurga discussed the impact of our San Antonio and Anchorage Paws for Purple Hearts’ sites participation in the PAWS Pilot Program, as well as the important role that Facility and Service Dogs play in the VA system. Puckett discussed our long history with the Menlo Park VA and the crucial relationship between Warriors and canines.

We would like to give a special thanks to the USS Hornet for allowing us to hold our Graduation onboard their historic ship. It was an honor to have our Assistance Dog teams take their first steps together in the same place so many great figures walked before. Thank you to May the Art Be With You Photography for capturing the joy throughout our client training and graduation. Thank you to the NAMES Foundation for generously providing housing during client training. A special thank you to Flowers 4 A Cause for providing all the beautiful flowers for our graduation and reception. We would also like to thank the Presidio Daughters of the American Revolution chapter for their generosity in donating all items given to our clients in preparation of taking their new Assistance Dog home. Each and every one of you played an integral role in our graduation and made it a one-of-a-kind experience for our Assistance Dog teams!

Thank you to all our amazing sponsors:
The Dmarlou Foundation
Art in Rescue
Diablo Valley Porsche Club
Erik’s Deli Cafe
Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Costco
Semifreddi’s
San Jose Barracuda
Golden State Warriors
BARK

We would also like to thank every single one of you for your support! Without the support of our readers, supporters, and donors we would not be able to help our Nation’s Warriors.