US War Dogs 25th Anniversary Event
Reflections on a Quarter Century of Care
The evolution of US War Dogs as an organization that provides a lifetime of practical support for MWDs, was a story that had to be told during our 25th birthday celebration. Two sections of the program were dedicated to detailing the ways our mission grew to meet the needs of the K-9 community.
With the organization formed in 2000 to raise funds for the first MWD monument in New Jersey, the mission quickly pivoted following the deployment of dog teams to the Middle East, in response to 9/11. Our volunteer board member and vice president, Chuck Rotenberry, addressed the audience about how US War Dogs worked in partnership with K-9 units at home and abroad to make sure that we were fulfilling practical needs while bringing a welcome taste of home to those who had taken up the fight.
As part of his speech, Chuck said: “We are proud to have provided over 20,000 care packages since 2002 and since 2021, have sent packages to 31 K-9 installations in 19 countries, across three continents.
US War Dogs vice president Chuck Rotenberry talks about the organization’s care package program
“Crucially, in collaboration with active-duty handlers, we have continued to evolve our offering to make sure our support furthers the K-9 mission.”
War Dogs care coordinator and volunteer board member, Aaron Stice, took to the stage to outline how – as MWDs who had served their country with faithfulness were retiring from duty – the mission of US War Dogs shifted again. Aaron detailed how our Rx prescription program has provided over $1.8 million in medications for retired dogs since 2014. He outlined how our Specialized Care program – in partnership with Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in New Jersey covered over $634,000 of treatments since 2014. He also talked about the other programs that were brought in to support the specific needs of the K-9 community, from help with PTSD therapies to wheelchairs and financial support to cover the cost of end-of-life care and cremation, through the Rainbow Bridge Assistance program.
US War Dogs volunteer board member and care coordinator, Aaron Stice, talks about the evolution of our programs to support retired MWDs
Finally, Stice explained about yet another evolution in US War Dogs’ care of this community, with the introduction of the Emergency Care program, designed to cover the cost of emergency treatments in the retired MWD’s hometown. The impact of this initiative has – we know – been remarkable for the dogs and the families who have been on the receiving end of support. To demonstrate this impact, we were lucky enough to speak to a selection of families from across the country, who were happy to share their stories with us.
This film received an incredible reaction from the audience during the ceremony. We’d like to thank each and every person and MWD, who took the time and effort to help us make this very special film:
