After coming home from war, many veterans carry invisible scars through conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder. But with K9s for Warriors, they no longer have to battle alone.
Since 2011, K9s for Warriors in Ponte Vedra, Florida has rescued dogs from shelters in the Southeast, trained them to be service dogs and paired them with veterans – or “warriors” – for free. The organization has saved more than 1,300 dogs and paired them with 671 veterans. They are also the nation’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans. But sustaining such a large program requires many resources. That’s why associates with our parent company, JM Family Enterprises, in our Jacksonville, FL offices have been sponsoring dogs to help the program succeed since 2014.
“JM Family and Southeast Toyota's partnership with K9s for Warriors combines two of our favorite areas of giving – supporting our country's veterans and helping to find loving homes for animals in need,” said Kimberly Agnello, JM Family’s Manager of Volunteer Engagement and Community Outreach. “[It’s] truly a life-changing experience for everyone involved."
JM Family has given more than $130,000 to K9s for Warriors, donating the funds to support seven dog and veteran teams. Sponsoring a dog means paying for training, equipment and veterinary care. Since the first naming contest, every JM Family sponsored dog has been named “Ace.”
JM Family has sponsored many dogs named "Ace," including the one above.The process of selecting dogs with veterans is both an art and a science, said Tim Crosby, the organization’s Strategic Partnerships Manager.
“For many of these young men and women … this is a last resort. They’ve tried everything,” Crosby said. “The goal is to give the warrior an opportunity to get out of the house, to live a normal life.”
The dogs selected must be under two years old, weigh at least 50 pounds and stand at least 24 inches high at the shoulder. That’s because they learn various physical tasks during the three to six months of training to become service dogs, Crosby said. The organization then brings in about a dozen veterans from around the country. They discuss their needs with the trainer, match them with a dog, and then train with that dog for three weeks before returning home with their new friend.
Crosby said these relationships, both with the dog and with the peers they meet during the program, can help save lives. An estimated 22 veterans die from suicide every day.
Crosby never forgets the success stories he sees at K9s for Warriors. Once, the wife of a veteran emailed the organization to thank them. She said that she finally saw the man she married again, who had been missing for 20 years.
JM Family is proud to serve local organizations like K9s for Warriors in the areas where we work and live.
“It feeds the soul,” Crosby said. “It’s the least we can do. And it wouldn’t happen without the support of your family at JM Family Enterprises.” Crosby said.
Get involved
There are several ways you can also help K9s for Warriors! Take a moment to learn more about the organization and how you can help.