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We are back with another edition of The Paw Print, covering your favorite pups! Read on for updates from the last few months about Hero Dogs programs, placements, and staff. We hope to see you at our November 9th graduation ceremony and, as always, we thank you for your support!
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 by assisting with tasks that the person cannot do alone.
Enlisting as a Law Enforcement Specialist straight out of high school, Rob worked his way up through the ranks, eventually achieving such distinguished roles as the Air Force Office Special Investigations representative on an FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force. After selflessly serving his country through countless operations, he retired from the Pentagon in 2013.
Rob describes some of the ways Ducky helps him every day: "She alerts to my night terrors by jumping on the bed and gently nudging my face until I acknowledge her, then she lays across my chest to calm me down."
"During the day," Rob continues, "she picks up on my 'tells', like when I wring my hands when something triggers me and anxiety starts to settle in."
"Ducky is truly a lifesaver for me. Some people see a dog. I see the reason I can face each day with a little more peace."
We are so appreciative to those who helped Ducky on her journey to finding Rob. Our thanks to Milltowne Labrador Retrievers for donating her to our program as a puppy. Thank you to Mary-Beth G. and her family for their love and dedication to puppy raising. Finally, our gratitude to Barb Baumann and Mike Conrad for sponsoring her training and to the Laura J. Niles Foundation for her scholarship.
From left to right: Service Dog Ruth, Skilled Home Companion Jody, Facility Dog Olivia
We are proud to share the recent placement of three Hero Dogs! In July, we proudly introduced a new team: U.S. Marine veteran and retired law enforcement officer Sgt. Lloyd and his service dog Hero Dogs Ruth.
Congratulations to these three hardworking dogs and those who have supported them on their journeys!
Graduation is Around the Corner!
Now is the time to RSVP for our upcoming graduation ceremony and reception on Sunday, 11/9/25, from 2-4pm, at Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Olney, MD.
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!
Brew Belly invited us back this year to be a beneficiary for their annual 4th of July Cheesesteak Eating Contest! Service dogs Hero Dogs Cliff and Anita attended alongside their partners and everyone had a great time!
Hero Dogs therapy dogs made several visits to 911 call centers this summer, including to Montgomery County Emergency Communication Center. Pictured here is Hero Dogs Shanna with a hardworking dispatcher!
One of our favorite annual events took place on July 12th—Towson American Legion Post 22's Legion Riders for Hero Dogs! Thank you to the organizers and riders, and to Hero Dogs Billy, Cliff, and Anita and their handlers for representing Hero Dogs!
Thank you to everyone who attended our August 2nd event, Paws & Pints! Both therapy dogs and our youngest puppies were spoiled by attendees, and the event also served as a way to socialize these puppies, an important part of their training. Our thanks to Johnny Pistolas for hosting!
Our latest yellow Labrador retriever, Hero Dogs Willey, was born exactly 30 days after Elsie's puppies! He just recently went home with his puppy raiser and is soaking up everything she is introducing to him!
In recent months, we have been lucky to have three new additions to our staff. Morgan Stroup and Nancy Newman joined as dog trainers and Alina Beruff is our new Director of Development. Visit the Staff page of our website to read more about each new team member!
Two New Dogs in "College"
This past quarter, we welcomed two Hero Dogs toAdvanced Training! In late July, Hero Dogs Tara moved into the kennel, followed by Hero Dogs AC in mid-August. With daily professional training, both dogs are learning so much in this next step toward finding their careers!
Spirit's Latest Litter!
We are proud to announce that Hero Dogs Spirit delivered six healthy puppies in September. The third-time mom, her four boys, and her two girls are doing well and are graciously being cared for by Patriot Paws Service Dogs through Assistance Dogs International's North American Breeding Cooperative.
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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