Even Heroes Need Heroes
We are committed to uniting service dogs with military veterans. We do this by generating awareness of the benefits of service dogs, and hosting fundraisers throughout the year so we can help sponsor their training. Thanks to the continuous generosity of our pet parents and community supporters, we're making an impact.
We're honored to highlight our furry, four-legged heroes who have graduated from training as loyal, hardworking companions for the brave men and women who served our country. It's hard work to become a service dog for a veteran and only the best make the cut. The need for service dogs among veterans is great and with your support, we hope to sponsor many more.
MEET OUR SERVICE DOGS
Jessie
K9's for Warriors
02/24/2022
SOUTH ELGINS 1st SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN!
Jessie was our first sponsored Service Dog for a Veteran through our Dogtopia Foundation partnership with K9's for Warriors. We chose K9's for Warriors as our partner based on their mission to adopt dogs and train them to become life partners for Veterans.
Jessie was sponsored by Steve Scopellite and the Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Foundation. They truly understand the value that a dog brings as a companion to our veterans. Jessie was also supported by Dogtopia of South Elgin.
K9's for Warriors shared Jessies progress with us. It was truly amazing to get to see how fast the process was for Jessie as she made her way through training.
Jessie graduated from training in February 2022 and has been assigned to one of our amazing Veterans, Elizabeth.
To learn more about Jessie and Elizabeth's journey together, we have a book in our lobby all about it!
SOUTH ELGINS 1st SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN!
Jessie was our first sponsored Service Dog for a Veteran through our Dogtopia Foundation partnership with K9's for Warriors. We chose K9's for Warriors as our partner based on their mission to adopt dogs and train them to become life partners for Veterans.
Jessie was sponsored by Steve Scopellite and the Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Foundation. They truly understand the value that a dog brings as a companion to our veterans. Jessie was also supported by Dogtopia of South Elgin.
K9's for Warriors shared Jessies progress with us. It was truly amazing to get to see how fast the process was for Jessie as she made her way through training.
Jessie graduated from training in February 2022 and has been assigned to one of our amazing Veterans, Elizabeth.
To learn more about Jessie and Elizabeth's journey together, we have a book in our lobby all about it!
Cody
K9's for Warriors
06/22/2023
SOUTH ELGINS 2nd SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN
Cody was our second Service Dog who was proudly sponsored by Matt Attanasio through Lt Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund as well as Dogtopia of South Elgin. Cody is also a Fetch It Forward dog through the Dogtopia Foundation.
Cody met his Veteran, Stephanie, at the beginning of June 2023 and they started training together. K9's for Warriors kept us updated with his progress which we posted on our social media.
Cody graduated June 22nd, 2023 and they have been together ever since.
To learn more about Cody and Stephanie, we have a book proudly displayed in our lobby!
SOUTH ELGINS 2nd SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN
Cody was our second Service Dog who was proudly sponsored by Matt Attanasio through Lt Dennis W. Zilinski II Memorial Fund as well as Dogtopia of South Elgin. Cody is also a Fetch It Forward dog through the Dogtopia Foundation.
Cody met his Veteran, Stephanie, at the beginning of June 2023 and they started training together. K9's for Warriors kept us updated with his progress which we posted on our social media.
Cody graduated June 22nd, 2023 and they have been together ever since.
To learn more about Cody and Stephanie, we have a book proudly displayed in our lobby!
Brisket
K9's for Warriors
09/21/2023
SOUTH ELGINS 3rd SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN!
Brisket was our third sponsored Service Dog for a Veteran through our Dogtopia Foundation partnership with K9's for Warriors. Brisket was also sponsored by the Fletcher High School Interact Club and ABBQ which is a local favorite BBQ restaurant.
Kit and Brisket met in September of 2023 and began their partnership and training. We have been kept up to date on the progress Brisket has made which has been amazing!
Brisket graduated training at the end of September 2023 and the pair are enjoying their lifelong friendship in Florida.
To learn more about Brisket and Kit's journey, we have a book in our lobby to tell you more about it.
SOUTH ELGINS 3rd SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN!
Brisket was our third sponsored Service Dog for a Veteran through our Dogtopia Foundation partnership with K9's for Warriors. Brisket was also sponsored by the Fletcher High School Interact Club and ABBQ which is a local favorite BBQ restaurant.
Kit and Brisket met in September of 2023 and began their partnership and training. We have been kept up to date on the progress Brisket has made which has been amazing!
Brisket graduated training at the end of September 2023 and the pair are enjoying their lifelong friendship in Florida.
To learn more about Brisket and Kit's journey, we have a book in our lobby to tell you more about it.
Douglas
K9s for Warriors
06/05/2024
SOUTH ELGIN'S 4th SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN
Douglas graduated on June 5th of 2024 from K9s for Warriors and has been assigned to Warrior Johnathan. We were getting regular updates on him - he's training to help a veteran with PTSD; he initially had a fear of ceiling fans but after a rewarding trip to Home Depot, he eased up and was not fixated on them; he's been socialized at several parks and is very friendly with people and other pups.
Your dedication to our foundation ensures that Douglas and Johnathan will continue to receive vital support and resources they need to thrive long after graduation. He did very well throughout his training and really grew as a dog. It's truly amazing to see him learn everything that he does now and how well he is able to help Johnathan. These two will be best buds for a lifetime. Congratulations Douglas and Johnathan!
SOUTH ELGIN'S 4th SERVICE DOG FOR A VETERAN
Douglas graduated on June 5th of 2024 from K9s for Warriors and has been assigned to Warrior Johnathan. We were getting regular updates on him - he's training to help a veteran with PTSD; he initially had a fear of ceiling fans but after a rewarding trip to Home Depot, he eased up and was not fixated on them; he's been socialized at several parks and is very friendly with people and other pups.
Your dedication to our foundation ensures that Douglas and Johnathan will continue to receive vital support and resources they need to thrive long after graduation. He did very well throughout his training and really grew as a dog. It's truly amazing to see him learn everything that he does now and how well he is able to help Johnathan. These two will be best buds for a lifetime. Congratulations Douglas and Johnathan!
