An american flag is flying in a field at sunset.

US War Dogs 25th Anniversary Event

A Year of Celebration

Our president, Chris Willingham, took to the stage to reflect on US War Dogs’ birthday year – which has provided a unique opportunity to add even more initiatives and moments to give back to the K-9 community.


From providing 25 retired MWDs the opportunity to enjoy wellness plans with Banfield Pet Hospitals to sending care packages and specialized gear to 25 dog teams across the world, we kept our mission at the heart of our birthday year.


In addition, our volunteer – combat veteran dog handler Ray Myers – wanted to lend his unique talents to one retired K-9 family, by building them a bespoke fence that would securely enclose their yard and provide peace of mind for their MWD’s safety. 



Ray, retired MWD Rider and his adopted parents, Josh and Rochelle, were all in attendance and after we played a special film to show Ray in action, Chris invited Ray to the stage to present him with a very special gift to thank him for his time and efforts to make US War Dogs’ birthday so special for MWD Rider and his family.

Chris commissioned a unique design on a barnwood star, handmade by Gold Star dad Kevin Wiens. The star depicted the specialized search dog (SSD) logo, which features Ray and his MWD, Eros. Kevin’s son Kory was also an SSD handler with the US Army when he – along with his SSD Cooper, were KIA in Iraq in 2007.

War Dogs volunteer Ray Myers and president Chris Willingham share a special moment of thanks


The opportunity to thank Ray – in the presence of the family who benefitted from his hard work and craftsmanship – was a really special moment in the ceremony.



Chris also talked about the last part of our 25th anniversary celebrations, due to take place in January 2026. Legacy Week will assemble 25 active-duty dog teams to undergo a week of specially curated training by some of the most respected and experienced K-9 mentors working in the field today. 

US War Dogs 25th Anniversary Ceremony: Honoring Our Fallen

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US War Dogs 25 th Anniversary Event Honoring Our Fallen

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US War Dogs 25th Anniversary: Reflections on a Quarter Century of Care

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US War Dogs 25 th Anniversary Event Reflections on a Quarter Century of Care

A Moment for MWD PPuritan

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US War Dogs 25 th Anniversary Event A Moment for MWD PPuritan

Honoring the K-9 Community: The Human Stories Behind Monuments and Memorials

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US War Dogs 25 th Anniversary Event Honoring the K-9 Community: The Human Stories Behind Monuments and Memorials

US War Dogs’ 25th Birthday Celebrations: Full Circle Moments

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US War Dogs’ 25th Birthday Celebrations: Full Circle Moments

US War Dogs’ Org Update – Q3, 2025

October 4, 2025
US War Dogs’ Org Update – Q3, 2025 As is our custom, War Dogs president Chris Willingham has penned an overview of what the organization has been up to over the summer months. As always, it’s been a busy one, so strap in and let’s get into it… What’s going on, K-9 fam?! I hope you have all had a great summer and feel ready to enjoy some cooler temperatures as we move into the fall. The team and I have been grinding and doing our thing to support K-9s – active and retired, while supporting the wider community by attending events and spreading the good word of US War Dogs. War Dogs Support  We were honored to welcome 41 new retired MWDs to our Rx Program and take care of over $34,799 worth of medications. Our Specialized Care program has evolved to cover the cost of certain long term treatments for RMWDs and Emergency Care program, which covers the cost of surgeries and emergency treatment, has continued to gather pace too: We covered $44,690 of treatments for 19 retired dogs across these two key programs, during the quarter. These initiatives are making a real difference to the lives of retired K-9s and their adopted families – we absolutely love hearing all the positive feedback about the programs and feel truly honored that we can play a practical role in caring for our K-9 heroes.

Making a Stand for K-9

October 4, 2025
Making a Stand for K-9 When second year law student Robert Finkbeiner was drafted to join the war effort in Vietnam, he had no idea what was in store for him and the impact that his combat deployment would have on the rest of his life. US War Dogs was honored to speak to Robert about his service and how he used his unique skillset in fierce defence of military K-9s, whose sad plight we know all-too well. Robert’s son David, reached out to us to feature his dad’s story – we are so grateful for the chance to share his experiences.

In Conversation With… US Army Veterinarian, Jim Giles

July 2, 2025
In Conversation With… US Army Veterinarian, Jim Giles The K-9 community is blessed to have a richness and diversity of the skillsets within it – and this is something that we at US War Dogs is always keen to spotlight. In this interview, we were honored to chat with former US Army Veterinarian, Jim Giles, about his career that spanned the height of Operation Enduring Freedom.  Jim helps us to peer behind the surgical curtain of what life was truly like for the professionals who were charged with saving our injured MWDs in military theater. He also introduces us to one of the MWDs whose story he is honored to be part of.

Q2 2025: Talking War Dogs

July 2, 2025
Talking War Dogs Q2, 2025 Update As we bid farewell to another busy three months, it’s my pleasure to give you a round-up of what we’ve been up to: From support provided to our active duty and retired K-9s, to spreading the good word of War Dogs at events and supporting important fundraising efforts that help us to continue our vital mission… Read all about it, right here! Supporting our MWDs Delivering our vital programs of support to our active duty and retired MWDs is at the very heart of what we do. Our team of volunteers help to facilitate life-saving veterinary care through our Emergency Care Program; sign up new dogs to the Rx prescription medications program and much more. During April, May and June we saw: 30 new Rx sign-ups Supported 19 dogs through our Emergency Care program, to the tune of $24,000 Sent out 13 MWD Service Awards, in grateful thanks and recognition for a career of service to our nation Supported six families through our Rainbow Bridge Assistance program, covering the cost of euthanasia, cremation and providing personalized urns to the families who wanted them We also spent in excess of $38,000 on Rx medications over the last quarter, alleviating the financial burden for the families of our retired MWDs and making sure they get the meds they need to stay happy and healthy. For every person and business who supports our mission, know that you are part of something very special!