Map is the 4th service dog sponsored for a veteran though our Dogtopia Foundation partnership with K9s for Warriors!

Hello from Map, your newest Service Dog in training at Camp K9s! I hope you’re having a tail-wagging kind of day — because I sure am! I’ve been staying busy with my training as a future service dog for a U.S. veteran living with PTSD, MST, and TBI, and thanks to you, I’m making great progress.

Every day is a new chance to grow, learn, and practice being the steady, reliable partner my future Warrior will need. From big adventures to quiet moments of focus, I’m soaking it all in (along with the occasional belly rub).

Here’s what I’ve been up to lately…

The Mall:
This place is packed with people, sounds, and smells — which makes it the perfect training ground. I worked on keeping a calm, focused heel through crowds, ignoring food distractions (yes, especially near the food court), and staying attentive to my handler while practicing commands in a busy environment.

Costco:
Talk about sensory overload! Huge carts, stacked shelves, and a symphony of beeping scanners and rolling wheels. I practiced walking calmly next to the cart, ignoring dropped food (no easy task!), and holding my “down-stay” in the middle of the action. My trainer says I handled it all with confidence and focus. Plus, I didn’t flinch when someone dropped a giant pack of paper towels!

Historic Downtown St. Augustine:
What a place! Cobblestone streets, busy sidewalks, street musicians, bicycles, dogs, and even horse-drawn carriages — and I stayed cool through it all. I walked with my handler past big groups of people, loud sounds, and new distractions, keeping my eyes on the job and my paws steady. My trainer says I’m building exactly the kind of confidence and calm I’ll need in real-world situations.

With grateful paws and a happy heart, Map