Some “Pup”-dates from our Sites!

Written by Michael Hughes
Our site have been busier than ever working with Veterans and sharing our mission!

PENNGROVE, CA

Paws for Purple Hearts was invited to drop the puck for the Barracuda game at their Pucks and Paws event on November 21st, 2025. Poppy practiced weeks in advance to retrieve the puck and drop it for the players. This is a command that a mobility client is able to use with their service dog to help in everyday life. 

Photo Credit San Jose Barracuda’s

SAN DIEGO, CA

Sharp Hospital Visit

With our furry companions Nitro, Uhler, and Ullrich, we recently paid a visit to Sharp Hospital, where our dogs provided much-needed stress relief through a social therapy visit. These interactions offered healthcare workers a moment of calm and connection during busy workdays, while also giving our dogs valuable exposure to real-world environments. Our super-friendly pups loved greeting staff members and spreading smiles, laughter, and positive energy throughout the hospital

MENLO PARK, CA

Ohana II performed superbly during a training outing to a bowling alley, confidently adapting to new surroundings and the loud noises of the environment. Trips like this are essential for helping our dogs generalize settling behaviors in public and highly stimulating settings. Ohana demonstrated excellent focus and composure, maintaining a solid down-stay while her handler stepped away to select a bowling ball. She remained peaceful and poised throughout the entire visit and was not fazed by the noise and activity around her.

TACOMA, WA

Our Northwest Team has been making vital connections throughout the community by partnering with local businesses, organizations, and neighbors. Recently, our dogs visited Redd Dog Brewing to support University of Washington Veterans Groups and attended the VFW Northwest Mid-Winter Convention. Additional outreach included participation in the Katie’s Way + Tacoma Open House and a visit to the Olympia Children’s Museum, where our dogs engaged with families and staff while continuing their training in diverse, public-facing environments. The Washington Site has also been enjoying a close connection to the Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers (BOSS

Thank you JBLM Boss for keeping the Washington Site sparkling!

RUTHER GLEN, VA

Our dogs recently spent valuable time with students and staff at Virginia Peninsula College, providing stress and anxiety relief during finals week. These visits are warmly received by the campus community and offer important benefits for our dogs, including enhanced socialization, adaptability to new environments, and the ability to remain calm and focused amid distractions.

Ruther Glen Service Dogs in Training at Virginia Peninsula College.