Nonprofit Providing Support And Care For Elite Canine Heroes
The Warrior Dog Foundation cares for military and law-enforcement working dogs after their service is over
Photos courtesy of The Warrior Dog Foundation | SEAL Team 10 K9 Miki enjoys his retirement with his handler Chris Cappa after years of service on the front lines
The Warrior Dog Foundation is a unique nonprofit that provides support, care and sanctuary for our country’s most elite canine heroes.
Founded 12 years ago by Mike Ritland, a former Navy SEAL and canine handler, the foundation was established to care for military and law-enforcement working dogs that have served on the front lines. These highly trained dogs play an indispensable role in law enforcement and military missions, using their intelligence, training and loyalty to protect human lives in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable.
But when their service ends, many of these brave dogs face challenges in transitioning to civilian life, and some are in need of specialized care. The Warrior Dog Foundation steps in to provide that much-needed support, giving these dogs the retirement they deserve.
Ritland understands firsthand the courage and sacrifice these dogs em- body. Having worked alongside military K9s in the field, he witnessed their bravery and loyalty under extreme conditions. He founded the Warrior Dog Foundation to not only to provide them with a peaceful retirement but also to raise awareness about their contributions and sacrifices.
Working dogs often experience high-stress situations and grueling training regimens that take a physical and mental toll. From detecting explosives and locating adversaries to sniffing out illegal drugs, these dogs face dangers that very few can imagine. And while they’re highly valued on missions, once their service ends, finding a place where they can adapt and thrive can be challenging.
“Many working dogs can retire with their handlers; our dogs are different,” says Laura Sellards, president of the foundation’s board of directors and executive director. “The dogs that come to us to retire are a very unique and small percentage of canines with the highest drive and determination to never fail. The nature of their training is similar to that of the men who serve in the Navy SEALS—they are the most aggressive, skilled and fierce working canines, and they need specialized attention.”
Because the Warrior Dog Foundation is dedicated to honoring and pre-serving the extraordinary bond that exists between handlers and their K9 companions, they aim to make certain that this partnership endures well beyond their active-duty service, if possible. The foundation recently launched the Home with Handler program, which helps to establish a safe and nurturing environment that facilitates a smooth transition for both the dogs and handlers who want to adopt them.
Ben is an 8-year-old Dutch shepherd who retired to the Warrior Dog Foundation in April 2018. Ben served alongside the men and women who protect our country’s leaders and dignitaries
K9 Miki served on SEAL Team 10, and when it was time for him to retire, his former handler and Navy SEAL veteran Chris Cappa decided to adopt him, despite the challenges that he knew would arise.
“When Miki entered his new home, he immediately scoured the house for explosives, running right over furniture and people in his way. This is what these dogs have been trained to do, and why it is extremely difficult for them to adapt to civilian life,” Sellards shares.
The Home with Handler program addresses issues like Miki’s by implementing secure habitats within the handlers’ homes. The program supplies qualified handlers like Cappa with a kennel structure for placement at their homes, enabling them to adopt their K9 partners and bring them into retirement. This program ensures a conducive environment for both the K9 and the handler’s family to coexist seamlessly.
At the Warrior Dog Foundation’s kennel facility outside of Dallas, Texas, a team of skilled trainers provide individualized care tailored to each dog’s personality and experiences. Some dogs require extra exercise, while others benefit from quiet spaces where they can unwind. By paying close attention to each dog’s needs, the foundation ensures that the canines feel valued and supported.
The Warrior Dog Foundation envisions expanding its facilities and capabilities to care for more retired canine heroes. By providing a compassionate home for the dogs that once stood bravely beside soldiers, the foundation sends a powerful message: No hero is forgotten, and everyone deserves an honorable retirement.
“These dogs are instrumental in bringing our men and women home from their missions. Our modern technology still hasn’t created anything that can replicate a dog’s nose to sniff out explosives or enemies. And these dogs are extremely loyal. They, like all veterans and law-enforcement officials, deserve everything we can give them—they deserve a chance at a peaceful life after service,” says Sellards.
Holly Shrewsbury loves bringing big ideas to life, crafting stories that connect people. When she’s not creating campaigns or building partnerships, you’ll find her exploring the outdoors with her family, coaching youth dance or planning her next adventure.
