June is National PTSD Awareness Month which is the ideal time to spotlight the mental health challenges many veterans face and reinforce Dogtopia Foundation’s mission to provide life-changing service dogs to those who’ve bravely served our country.

At Dogtopia of Springfield, we believe dogs have a powerful role to play in healing and we’re proud to be part of a nationwide movement to support veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). As a valued pet parent in our community, you’re already helping us make a difference. But this month, we invite you to go even further.

Why Service Dogs Matter

For many veterans, transitioning to civilian life comes with invisible wounds. PTSD can impact every part of a person’s life including sleep, work, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Specially trained service dogs can help ease those burdens by offering emotional grounding, increased safety, and constant companionship. These dogs are trained to interrupt panic attacks, wake veterans from nightmares, and provide a comforting presence in moments of distress.

The Dogtopia Foundation funds the training of these remarkable dogs through generous donations from parents like you.  The Dogtopia Foundation is also committed to funding and promoting groundbreaking research that validates the benefits of dogs to humans, especially service dogs for veterans with PTSD.

How You Can Help This Month

Here are a few meaningful ways you can support veterans and our service dog mission this June:

 Round Up for the Cause

When you check out at Dogtopia of Springfield, consider adding $1 for the Dogtopia Foundation. Every cent of that extra dollar goes directly to our Foundation’s efforts to sponsor service dogs for veterans in need.

 Be a Hero Dog

A Hero Dog is a special pup (and parent!) who gives back to our community through a recurring weekly donation of $5 or more to the Dogtopia Foundation your pup gets;

– one free treat each week

-automatic complimentary participation in Foundation events (Makin’ Bacon, BFFF Day, except for Bathe it Forward!)

-your dog will be featured as a Hero Dog on our lobby display and social media

Donations are automatically processed every Sunday and can be paused or canceled anytime.  We would love to add your pup to our Hero dog wall of fame.

 Bring Your Dog to Daycare and support monthly fundraisers

Your dog’s daily play helps fund a greater purpose on days when we host Foundation events, such as Makin’ Bacon for the Dogtopia Foundation. Plus, your pup benefits from exercise, socialization, and enrichment—coming home happy, healthy, and better behaved. Look for special events benefiting the Foundation on our monthly calendar.

 Make a Direct Donation

Want to go above and beyond? Ask our team how you can make a direct contribution to the Dogtopia Foundation or visit DogtopiaFoundation.org to learn more. Dogtopia of Springfield has already sponsored ten service dogs and we would love your help sponsoring our eleventh.

A Community with Purpose

Being part of Dogtopia means more than just great care for your dog, it means joining a community committed to doing good. Together, Dogtopia daycares have already sponsored hundreds of service dogs nationwide. Let’s continue to grow that impact.

Thank you for helping us support the brave men and women who’ve served and for showing the world what a dog’s love can do.