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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, and upcoming events. Thank you for your support of our work!
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.
Carol served eight years in the U.S. Coast Guard, responding to disasters including the Deepwater Horizon explosion. After ending her service, Carol struggled with anxiety, depression, and a severe foot injury.
Then, in 2022, Carol was matched with Hero Dogs Norm. “Norm has been life-changing,” she says. “He grounds me and keeps me sane. I appreciate things more, and I keep putting one foot in front of the other, all because of him.”
Norm even walked across the stage with Carol as she received her master's degree from The George Washington University in May 2024. We've included a picture of Norm holding a graduation cap—he even received his own graduation medal after attending class with his veteran!
Norm physically supports Carol if she falls and he alerts to her signs of anxiety—nudging his nose against her leg or placing a paw over her foot. He brings her immeasurable joy. "Norm is my everything."
We are so grateful to Carole and John R. for raising Norm and to Micki and Jay Alapati for sponsoring him. Finally, our thanks to The Kahlert Foundation for providing his puppy scholarship.
Hero Dogs Golf Tournament is on April 17th
It's your last chance to sign up for next week's golf tournament!
Join us for a day of fun on the fairways—whether you’re a seasoned golfer or brand new to the game! The Hero Dogs Golf Tournament on Friday, April 17th, includes tickets to an 18-hole scramble or a beginner-friendly clinic, followed by an early dinner, prizes, and a silent auction—all to benefit our programs. For more info, visit hero-dogs.org/golf.
Congratulations to Four Hero Dogs Teams
From left to right: Service Dog Neptune, Service Dog Tex, Service Dog Tara, and Facility Dog Ollie
We recently placed three service dogs and one facility dog! In January, we were proud to announce that Hero Dogs Neptune was partnered with U.S. Navy veteran, Mary, and that Hero Dogs Tex was partnered with U.S. Coast Guard veteran Brian.
Congratulations to these hardworking dogs, their handlers, and all those who have supported their journeys!
Join us for our 6th Annual Hero Dogs 5K9!
This year's 5K9 is on May 16th, 2026 at the Historic Congressional Cemetery in Washington, DC! Be sure to register by April 24th to guarantee you'll receive a t-shirt. All participants will receive a medal at the finish line! Click here for more details.
Therapy Dog Week
In the third week of February, we celebrated our own unofficial Therapy Dog Week by recognizing some of our loving and hardworking therapy dogs! Please read more about Hero Dogs Ivy, Hero Dogs Robbie, Hero Dogs Louie, and Hero Dogs Ashley on our Instagram.
Out & About
Hero Dogs love to get together and get out in the community to explore new places! Thank you to our volunteers for attending events, for giving the dogs these training opportunities, and for representing Hero Dogs!
Director of Development Alina was honored to visit a Baltimore Ravens fan club, the Ravens Nest 10 of Anne Arundel County, in January to receive a check in support of our work. The group makes positive contributions to the community and we are grateful to be one of many recipients!
On February 4th, therapy dogs Hero Dogs Fame and Zoe, and their handlers attended the annual convening of the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition, a group of leaders and educators who support high-quality, intentionally diverse public charter schools. We are so glad that Fame and Zoe could bring smiles to the attendees!
In early February, we welcomed a new puppy: Hero Dogs Warren L. Carpenter, USAF and USMC, also known as “Doc”! The black Labrador puppy is sponsored by BAE Systems and is named after a veteran of the U.S. Marines and the U.S. Air Force. Follow along on his assistance dog journey on Instagram at @herodogsdoc!
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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