As we celebrate Veterans Day, we pause to honor the courageous individuals who have served in our armed forces. This day is a powerful reminder of the dedication, sacrifice, and resilience demonstrated by Veterans across generations.
Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the values that our Veterans have safeguarded and the freedoms they have defended. It is also an opportunity for us to express our appreciation to those who served and their families, recognizing the impact of their service.
Canines for Service’s mission is to inspire Veterans through life-changing canine partnerships. These dogs help Veterans regain independence, confidence, and a sense of peace. By bridging the gap between military service and civilian life, Canines for Service allows Veterans to lead fuller more connected lives.
One of these Veterans is Marty and his service dog Maverick. Marty, an Air Force Veteran, received his service dog in September 2024. Since then, the team has thrived. Marty says that with Maverick he is less anxious at work and in public. His service dog even notices Marty’s anxiety before he does. “I will just be driving down the street and I guess he can smell it because he will lay his head on my shoulder to let me know he is there.” Marty has also been sleeping through the night. Maverick will pull off the covers when Marty is having a night terror and lay on top of him until he calms down. In fact, during their first night together at team training Maverick interrupted a nightmare. Maverick’s favorite thing is going to work with Marty. He is now their team’s mascot! After Marty was placed with Maverick he said, ” You aren’t giving me a dog, you are giving me a chance.”
The need for organizations like Canines for Service is growing. Within the last year, there has been a 21% increase in Veteran inquiries for a service dog through CFS. Ten veterans have been approved and are awaiting their service dog. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 5.3 million Veterans are currently living with a service-connected disability. 6% of Veterans with a service-connected disability are unemployed.
Join us in honoring our Veterans like Marty by gaining the support they deserve through these amazing dogs.
Our mailing address is:
Canines for Service
221-1 Old Dairy Road
Wilmington, NC 28405
