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We are back with another edition of The Paw Print! Read on for all the updates from the last few months about Hero Dogs programs, placements, events, and new puppies. As always, thank you for your support!
Spend some quality time with Hero Dogs therapy dogs and future assistance dog puppies—and be entered to win a surprise giveaway— while supporting our mission!
Tickets to this 21+ event are $35 and include one drink voucher. Purchase yours today!
Hero Dogs Clifford Paulsen is a service dog partnered with Randy, a retired first responder with Prince William County, Virginia.
Hero Dogs service dogs are trained to assist veterans and first responders with physical disabilities, mobility limitations, hearing loss, and psychiatric disabilities.
Service dogs help people with disabilities achieve independence. They reduce a person’s reliance on others people by doing tasks that the person cannot do without assistance.
Cliff's partner, Randy, spent 10 years as a Prince William County firefighter, followed by 14 years as a police officer serving the same community. He had a full career working on serious cases such as the DC sniper and 9/11.
Randy, who retired after a serious car accident led to a disability, describes some of the ways his service dog assists him: "Cliff helps me daily with balance and physical mobility tasks. He helps me get up and down out of bed, chairs, or off the ground."
"He picks items up off the floor, and provides support while walking. He is also trained to get help for me, including finding my cell phone, should I fall or need assistance. He has increased my confidence in public to help me get out more."
“People often thank me for my service, but I say – Thank him. Because of Cliff, and the people who brought him to me, I am able to get out and enjoy life again. It is through the hard work, dedication, love and support of the puppy raisers, trainers, sponsors, supporters, and kennel and office staff, that Hero Dogs is truly changing lives one paw print at a time.”
We want to echo Randy's appreciation of Cliff's puppy raiser, Tobi, his sponsor, the estate of Clifford Paulsen, and his puppy scholarship provider, Sterling Point Advisors.
Follow Cliff and Randy's adventures—they love to get out in the community to share their story—on either Facebook or Instagram at @herodogscliff.
Four Hero Dogs Find Their Perfect Placements
From left to right: Service Dog Sparky, Service Dog Tripp, Facility Dog Kelly, Service Dog Bea
We are so proud of these four Hero Dogs teams and are so grateful for every person who had a part in their journeys!
Our 5th Annual Hero Dogs 5K9 was a Hit!
Thank you to everyone who helped make our 5th Annual Hero Dogs 5K9 on May 17th a success! Check out race results here and a few photos here. Thanks again to our event sponsors, volunteers, race participants, and staff who made it a really fun and memorable event!
Out & About
Hero Dogs love to get out in the community and explore new places! Thank you to our volunteers for attending events, for giving the dogs these training opportunities, and for representing Hero Dogs!
In late April, several Hero Dogs participated in Take Your Kid to Work Day around the region! They enjoyed sharing more about assistance dogs with both children and adults! The photo above shows therapy dog Hero Dogs Zoe at the Henry Jackson Foundation's event on April 24th.
Six therapy dogs and their wonderful handlers visited Montgomery County Police in Silver Spring on June 4th! From left to right: Hero Dogs Alfie, Ivy, Bernard, Fame, Ashley, and Zoe.
Welcoming a Pair of Hero Dogs Puppies!
Hero Dogs Watson (left) and Whiskey (right)
In May, we were thrilled to welcome two new puppies two our ranks: black Labrador retrievers born in early March to Hero Dogs Bertha.
Hero Dogs Howard Watson Phillips, Jr., USN is sponsored by Phillips Charitable Foundation and is named after the foundation’s late benefactor, philanthropist Howard Phillips, Jr. Hero Dogs Whiskey is sponsored by Arcfield.
In early June, In early June, Hero Dogs Elsie delivered nine healthy, future assistance dogs! The mama, her seven girls, and her two boys are all doing well. We are proud to be part of Assistance Dogs International's North American Breeding Cooperative!
Hero Dogs Class of 2025
Save the date for the next Hero Dogs Graduation! The Class of 2025 will cross the stage on Sunday, November 9th, 2025 from 2-4PM at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, MD.
Raise a Puppy, Save a Life.
Interested in giving back to veterans and first responders by raising a future assistance dog?
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