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.
Determined to end veteran suicide, K9s for Warriors provides highly-trained Service Dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. K9s for Warriors is the nation's largest provider of trained Service Dogs for disabled American Veterans.
HOW IMPACTFUL ARE SERVICE DOGS?
The Dogtopia Foundation was established to “enable dogs to positively change our world” and they do just that. Professional studies and evidence further validate what many people already know to be true. Animal companionship helps support beneficial physical and mental health outcomes including:
Assistance with Physical Disabilities: Service dogs are trained to assist veterans with mobility concerns, such as those who use wheelchairs, by opening doors, picking items up from the floor or another surface, and providing balance and stability.
Improving Mental Health Conditions: Service dogs provide support to veterans with mental health conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety. They offer emotional support, interrupt panic attacks, provide a sense of security. Helping veterans feel more connected to the world around them.
Increased Socialization: Veterans with service dogs find it easier to interact with other people as the dog acts as a social bridge and helps them feel more comfortable in social situations.
Regain a Sense of Independence: Service dogs enable veterans to perform tasks that they may not be able to do on their own. Therefore increasing their sense of independence.
Companionship: Service dogs offer companionship and unconditional love, which is particularly beneficial for veterans who may feel isolated or alone.
MEET OUR SERVICE DOGS
Beamer
K9s For Warriors
10/20/2022
Beamer’s Journey: From Training to Transforming a Veteran’s Life
Beamer is a proud Fetch It Forward service dog, supported by the Dogtopia Foundation and funded through the generosity of Dogtopia of Viera pet parents. Through engaging, fun in-store activities, our pet parents contribute to a powerful mission—helping dogs like Beamer become life-changing companions for military veterans.
The Dogtopia Foundation empowers service dog programs that transform lives, and Beamer is a shining example. He was acquired from U.S. Veterans Service Dogs and trained by professional trainer Denae Jernukian. After completing his intensive service dog training, Beamer was matched with his Warrior, Harold, on October 7, 2022. The pair officially graduated on October 20, 2022.
Thanks to your continued support, dogs like Beamer are giving veterans the opportunity for healing, independence, and a brighter future.
Beamer’s Journey: From Training to Transforming a Veteran’s Life
Beamer is a proud Fetch It Forward service dog, supported by the Dogtopia Foundation and funded through the generosity of Dogtopia of Viera pet parents. Through engaging, fun in-store activities, our pet parents contribute to a powerful mission—helping dogs like Beamer become life-changing companions for military veterans.
The Dogtopia Foundation empowers service dog programs that transform lives, and Beamer is a shining example. He was acquired from U.S. Veterans Service Dogs and trained by professional trainer Denae Jernukian. After completing his intensive service dog training, Beamer was matched with his Warrior, Harold, on October 7, 2022. The pair officially graduated on October 20, 2022.
Thanks to your continued support, dogs like Beamer are giving veterans the opportunity for healing, independence, and a brighter future.
Angel
K9s For Warriors
09/21/2023
Angel and Devlin: A New Leash on Life
Angel is the second service dog sponsored by Dogtopia of Viera, and we’ve had the absolute honor of supporting her journey. Through extensive service dog training, Angel successfully passed her final skills test and was proudly matched with her Warrior, Devlin—an Army veteran from Illinois.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated team and incredible pet parents, we’re able to continue contributing to the life-changing mission of K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained service dogs for veterans. Angel’s journey is a testament to the impact your support makes.
Together, we’re giving veterans like Devlin a new leash on life—one service dog at a time.
Angel and Devlin: A New Leash on Life
Angel is the second service dog sponsored by Dogtopia of Viera, and we’ve had the absolute honor of supporting her journey. Through extensive service dog training, Angel successfully passed her final skills test and was proudly matched with her Warrior, Devlin—an Army veteran from Illinois.
Thanks to the unwavering support of our dedicated team and incredible pet parents, we’re able to continue contributing to the life-changing mission of K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained service dogs for veterans. Angel’s journey is a testament to the impact your support makes.
Together, we’re giving veterans like Devlin a new leash on life—one service dog at a time.
Cowboy
K9s For Warriors
05/23/2024
Cowboy's Journey: From Fluffy Pup to Lifesaving Service Dog
Cowboy, a Goldendoodle, was generously donated at 11 weeks old by Ellie Nunez of Mount Doodles Farm in Fruitland Park, Florida. He began his service dog training journey at the K9s For Warriors Puppy Launch program as a mischievous and rambunctious ball of fluff. Cowboy was then raised and trained with love and dedication by experienced volunteer Deanna Fisher—her 10th puppy raised for K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for veterans.
With countless hours of commitment, Deanna helped shape Cowboy into a loyal and dependable Battle Buddy. He completed his final service dog training under the guidance of Puppy Program Trainer Jen Speran.
Cowboy is also part of the Fetch It Forward initiative through the Dogtopia Foundation, proudly supported by Dogtopia of Viera. In May 2024, Cowboy was matched with U.S. veteran Nathaniel, and the pair graduated together on May 23, 2024.
Follow Cowboy's incredible transformation and other life-changing stories by supporting service dog programs like K9s For Warriors and Dogtopia Foundation.
Cowboy's Journey: From Fluffy Pup to Lifesaving Service Dog
Cowboy, a Goldendoodle, was generously donated at 11 weeks old by Ellie Nunez of Mount Doodles Farm in Fruitland Park, Florida. He began his service dog training journey at the K9s For Warriors Puppy Launch program as a mischievous and rambunctious ball of fluff. Cowboy was then raised and trained with love and dedication by experienced volunteer Deanna Fisher—her 10th puppy raised for K9s For Warriors, the nation’s largest provider of trained service dogs for veterans.
With countless hours of commitment, Deanna helped shape Cowboy into a loyal and dependable Battle Buddy. He completed his final service dog training under the guidance of Puppy Program Trainer Jen Speran.
Cowboy is also part of the Fetch It Forward initiative through the Dogtopia Foundation, proudly supported by Dogtopia of Viera. In May 2024, Cowboy was matched with U.S. veteran Nathaniel, and the pair graduated together on May 23, 2024.
Follow Cowboy's incredible transformation and other life-changing stories by supporting service dog programs like K9s For Warriors and Dogtopia Foundation.
Mama Bear
K9s For Warriors
12/15/2022
Mark and Mama Bear: A Life-Changing Partnership
On December 2, 2022, U.S. veteran Mark met his service dog, Mama Bear, beginning a powerful journey of healing and companionship. Mama Bear, a Labrador Retriever, was acquired from Ridgeview Labs and expertly trained by professional dog trainers Haley Kenny and TJ Wright through the K9s For Warriors program—the nation’s leading organization providing trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.
Mama Bear is a proud Fetch It Forward dog, sponsored by the Dogtopia Foundation and supported by Dogtopia of Viera. She was named “Mama Bear” by Brenda and her family, who believed she would bring warmth, care, and fierce protection to her warrior partner.
Mark and Mama Bear officially graduated from the K9s For Warriors program on December 15, 2022, beginning their new life together as a bonded and unbreakable team.
Mark and Mama Bear: A Life-Changing Partnership
On December 2, 2022, U.S. veteran Mark met his service dog, Mama Bear, beginning a powerful journey of healing and companionship. Mama Bear, a Labrador Retriever, was acquired from Ridgeview Labs and expertly trained by professional dog trainers Haley Kenny and TJ Wright through the K9s For Warriors program—the nation’s leading organization providing trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma.
Mama Bear is a proud Fetch It Forward dog, sponsored by the Dogtopia Foundation and supported by Dogtopia of Viera. She was named “Mama Bear” by Brenda and her family, who believed she would bring warmth, care, and fierce protection to her warrior partner.
Mark and Mama Bear officially graduated from the K9s For Warriors program on December 15, 2022, beginning their new life together as a bonded and unbreakable team.
Al
K9s For Warriors
Meet Al: Dogtopia of Viera’s Fifth Sponsored Service Dog
Al is the fifth service dog that Dogtopia of Viera has had the honor of sponsoring through the Dogtopia Foundation. Thanks to generous donations from our Dogtopia family—including our dedicated pet parents—Al is receiving the expert service dog training he needs to one day be matched with a deserving military veteran.
We're proud to support programs like K9s For Warriors, helping give veterans a new lease on life through the power of highly trained service dogs. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on Al’s progress, training milestones, and inspiring journey toward graduation.
Meet Al: Dogtopia of Viera’s Fifth Sponsored Service Dog
Al is the fifth service dog that Dogtopia of Viera has had the honor of sponsoring through the Dogtopia Foundation. Thanks to generous donations from our Dogtopia family—including our dedicated pet parents—Al is receiving the expert service dog training he needs to one day be matched with a deserving military veteran.
We're proud to support programs like K9s For Warriors, helping give veterans a new lease on life through the power of highly trained service dogs. Be sure to follow us on social media to stay updated on Al’s progress, training milestones, and inspiring journey toward graduation.
