Training Rescue Dogs as Service Dogs for Veterans

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.

1. 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.
   
   
2. 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.
   
   
3. 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.
   
   
4. 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.

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