Animal Welfare United States Project #5156

Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

by Canines With a Cause

Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

Project Report | Jun 15, 2026
The People, Dogs, and Stories That Built CWAC

By Christina Martinez | Project Leader

CWAC First Volunteers

For 15 years, Canines With a Cause has witnessed the incredible impact of the human-animal bond. As we celebrate this milestone, we want to share a select group of heartfelt stories—stories that capture the hope, healing, and second chances that have defined our journey. Each one has been made possible through the many forms of support that sustain our mission, from financial contributions and volunteer service to community partnerships, advocacy, and the unwavering belief that lives can be changed through the bond between people and dogs.

The people who helped build this program:
Before Canines With a Cause became the organization it is today, our dogs lived at the ranch and a dedicated group of volunteers made the program possible. Between training classes, they spent countless hours teaching life skills, building confidence, and introducing dogs to the community—from Main Street in Park City to rides on the local trolley.

Our early success was made possible through the support of Best Friends Animal Society, which funded our trainers, and Friends of Animals Utah (now Nuzzles & Co.), where the program first began. Just as important were our pioneering volunteers: Mary Ellen Hunter, Bridgett Brown, Jennifer Gardner, Rebecca Love, Katherine Kwic, and Eric Kwic, who showed up week after week because they believed in the mission.

Among them, Mary Ellen Hunter has remained a constant presence since attending our first volunteer orientation in 2010. From helping at the ranch to later running our prison program, her dedication reflects the spirit of the volunteers who helped build the foundation of Canines With a Cause.
Our very first team!
In 2010, before Canines With a Cause became its own nonprofit, the program operated under Friends of Animals Utah (now Nuzzles & Co.) at the Rescue Ranch in Peoa, Utah. The remote location offered a beautiful setting, but the long drive and isolated landscape created challenges for many veterans. For some, the terrain brought back difficult memories of deployment. Despite those obstacles, Anthony continued showing up week after week.

After learning about the program through word of mouth, Anthony took a chance and was paired with Dug, a pit bull mix from our first group of service dogs. Together, they became the first team in CWAC history—before we were even Canines With a Cause. Their partnership helped shape the future of our program and reinforced the importance of creating accessible, supportive environments where veterans can succeed.
The Human-Animal Bond...
Not every success story involved a veteran. Years ago, a young boy named Ethan struggled with trauma and sleepless nights. As a child in the foster care system, he faced uncertainty and challenges that no child should have to endure. When he was paired with Marshall, a quirky Border Collie-Basset Hound mix, everything changed.

Marshall provided more than companionship—he offered comfort, stability, and a sense of security during a difficult time in Ethan’s life. Through their bond, Ethan found a trusted friend who helped him feel safe, sleep more peacefully, and begin to heal. Their story is a powerful reminder that the connection between humans and animals can bring hope and healing in unexpected ways.
Operating in Prison:
One of the most unique chapters in CWAC history took place at the Utah Women’s State Prison, where incarcerated women helped train and care for service dogs in training. The women poured their creativity and compassion into the program, crocheting matching maroon sweaters for dogs like Honor, Glory, and Valor, complete with "DOC" stitched across the back. These dogs received not only training, but also an abundance of love and attention.

Years later, we learned that Valor had passed away, bringing back memories of where his journey began. While resources were limited, the prison program was filled with heart, connection, and moments of joy—from handmade sweaters to the occasional colorful dog makeover. It was a powerful reminder that healing, purpose, and the human-animal bond can flourish in the most unexpected places.

As you might imagine, over the past 15 years, hundreds of dogs, veterans, volunteers, supporters, and community partners have become part of the Canines With a Cause story. And every rescue, every graduation, and every life changed has been possible because of people like you.

Your generosity keeps our organization running, the lights on, and our mission moving forward each and every day. Because of your continued support, we can rescue deserving dogs, provide life-changing training, and create meaningful partnerships that bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

Thank you for being part of our story and for helping us create the next chapter.

Anthony & Dug

Ethan & Marshall

A DOC inmate & a CWAC pup

Links:

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Feb 16, 2026
Celebrating 15 Years of Transformation

By Christina Martinez | Project Leader

Veteran team Nick & Puzzola

This year, Canines With a Cause proudly marks its 15th anniversary, a significant milestone that invites us to reflect on the incredible journey and countless lives touched since our founding. We’ve given countless rescue dogs a second chance at life, connecting them with veterans and witnessing transformations that go far beyond just training a dog.

It's important to note that this milestone isn't just about our past achievements; it's a stark reminder of the profound needs that still exist within the veteran community. With alarming statistics like the 6,398 veteran suicides in 2023 (as reported by the VA) and PTSD remaining a critical service-connected mental health condition, our mission to support veterans long after their combat service is more vital than ever.

Fifteen years in, our passion to help veterans find healing through the power of a service dog is stronger than ever.

Every day, we witness the incredible, life-changing power of the human-animal bond at Canines With a Cause—often, the true magic unfolds long before a dog is fully task-trained.

Take, for instance, one of our stroke survivor clients. He navigates the world with limited use of an arm and relies on a cane or scooter. While working with dogs demands dexterity and quick movements, modifying our training for him has been a rewarding challenge. What's even more inspiring? His joy in training fueled him to start swimming again, building strength just to train more. His dog isn't just a companion; it's a catalyst for his self-improvement.

Then there's the client battling depression so severe that getting out of bed was nearly impossible. He stopped working, dropped out of college, but he never missed dog training. He confided that our classes were the only reason he left his house for two weeks. By connecting him with board-certified LCSW Justyn Manley, he received the mental-health support needed, leading to a remarkable turnaround: he was back to work, back to classes, back to his kids' activities, and back to seeing the sun every day.

And the college client, pursuing a demanding science degree, overwhelmed by campus life due to PTSD. She even had to drop classes one semester. With focused task training, the next semester was drastically different. Her PTSD didn't vanish, but she was in class, engaged, and learning, rather than just surviving her symptoms.

Consider the client whose PTSD once made walking his dog around the block a monumental task. A year later, he enthusiastically asked if he could start walking his dog at the mall, "like the old mall ladies," because he wanted to be out and about more, avoiding the cold. His world has literally expanded, not just in ability but in desire and excitement.

We've also seen clients leave abusive situations, finding a healthier, happier life for themselves and their dogs. These profound shifts often happen before the specialized tasks. It's the connection, the progress, the unwavering bond. But make no mistake, the tasks themselves are equally transformative.

These stories aren't just about training dogs; they're about empowering veterans, rebuilding lives, and revealing the extraordinary healing power found in a dog's love.

As we celebrate 15 years of Canines With a Cause, we extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible donors whose support makes all of this possible. Help us continue this vital work by spreading the word about our mission to save rescue dogs and transform the lives of our veterans for another 15 years and beyond!

Veteran Team Sarah & Juniper

Veteran team John & Max

Veteran team Luann & Forest

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Oct 17, 2025
Building Bridges Through Community Initiatives

By Christina Martinez | Project Leader

Veteran Team, Nick & Puzzola

Happy Fall, everyone! As we're gearing up for the cooler season, CWAC is pushing forward with determination and purpose.

We've faced significant challenges this year, mainly due to the loss of our Wounded Warrior Service Dog Program (WWSDP) research grant. This funding has been vital to our organization and, more importantly, to the men and women we serve. Losing it will not only unravel years of progress but also close a door that, once shut, will not reopen. This funding currently supports 28 organizations across 23 states, serving veterans in all 50 states. That is an incredible impact for a very small amount of money — $16 million is approximately 0.0019% of the total DoD budget.

Despite this setback, our commitment to veterans remains strong. We're witnessing transformative progress in the veterans who dedicate themselves to the program. A powerful testament to this is a recent story shared by a spouse, who noticed that her husband has become more patient, considerate, and less angry. Another veteran found solace in his service-dog-in-training during a difficult time. Traveling to his brother's funeral, Nick was able to take his dog, Puzzola, on a plane for the first time, giving him the comfort and care required.

It’s worth noting that all program veterans receive mental health services from CWAC board member and licensed Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, Justyn Manley. Justyn’s background working on the PTSD team at the VA provides a basis of understanding and relatability among the veterans.

In an effort to provide even more mental resources to the community, CWAC is now offering QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) classes to anyone interested. QPR, like CPR, is a lifesaving skill used to recognize the warning signs of a potential suicide crisis. Nearly all staff at CWAC are QPR certified.

We're also offering FREE dog training classes on Tuesday evenings at our training center. These classes support community members with rescue dogs and specific behavior or training needs.

As we wrap up, we want to thank you for your generous support this year! Your donations make a difference in the lives of veterans, and we're honored to have you partner with us in this important work.

Wishing you a wonderful fall season!

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