April 2026 Newsletter
Pictured above is 24-year volunteer Puppy Raiser, Donna Kust, with Service Dog in Training, Bronco
In honor of April being National Volunteer Month, we are celebrating the inspiring 24-year journey of one of our Puppy Raisers, Donna Kust. Read on to discover how a simple desire to make a difference evolved into a lifelong commitment of providing independence and freedom.
Donna, why did you become a Puppy Raiser?
"In the wake of 9/11, I wanted to make a difference. One day, I was watching an episode of Animal Planet about raising Service Dogs, which sparked my interest. I decided to give it a try. Seventeen dogs later, having partnered with three different non-profit organizations, that initial "try it out" phase has transformed into a lifelong mission.
Raising Service Dogs over the past 24 years has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have a T-shirt that reads, 'There’s more to life than just dogs. Let me know when you find it.' Well, I realized I have found it by becoming a Puppy Raiser. By giving someone the gift of independence and freedom, I've learned that a Service Dog doesn't just change one life; it changes many."
Why do you continue to raise Service Dogs?
"I stay with Mutts With A Mission because I get to personally witness the transfer of the leash at graduation. I walk into every journey knowing the dog is never meant to be mine; it is always meant to be a lifeline for someone else. It is the perfect example of how it is better to give than to receive, and I feel like I am on the best side of that. I may not be an EMT, doctor, or surgeon, but through these dogs, I am helping save lives."
Thank you, Donna, and all of our volunteer Puppy Raisers, for your compassion and dedication. Your commitment to Mutts With A Mission is the foundation of new beginnings for our Veterans and First Responders. Together, we are Serving Those Who Keep Us Free. 🐾
🐾SAVE ME A SPOT AT PUPPY RAISER INFO NIGHT!
These adorable Labrador pups, Cruise and Lark, arrived just before Easter from Beach Bum Labradors in Virginia Beach and have already begun settling in with their Puppy Raisers as they begin training to become Service Dogs.
We are so grateful to the generous sponsors who are making their training possible and have even chosen their names! Cruise is proudly sponsored by VB Veterans Give Back, and an anonymous donor sponsored Lark.
Stay tuned for updates as Cruise and Lark grow, learn, and work. THANK YOU, SPONSORS!🎉
💚Camouflauge Level Sponsor - Hyatt Place, Virginia Beach
Did you know that Hyatt Place Virginia Beach Oceanfront is one of the only hotels at the beach that’s just steps from the sand and is pet-friendly? Of course, Hyatt Place proudly welcomes Service Dogs free of charge in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that guests who rely on a Service Dog can travel with confidence and comfort.
After touring our center and meeting some of our hardworking dogs, the Hyatt Place team saw exactly how their support makes a difference. Their contribution ensures that one of our Service Dogs in Training is fully fed and cared for for a whole year!
We are happy to have Hyatt Place as a generous sponsor. Thank you! 👏
Pictured below with the team from Hyatt Place are SDiTs Patriot, sponsored by Raytheon, an RTX Business, Phoenix, and Trit
Big news! Our friends at Poodles and Bob in Manteo, NC, have stepped up as our newest MWAM Puppy Spa and Wellness Sponsor! 🎉
This elite sponsorship level is brand new for 2026, and Poodles and Bob is already leading the way. By sponsoring our Puppy Spa, they are directly impacting the health and well-being of every Service Dog in Training that passes through our doors. Beyond their name gracing our spa walls, they will be joining us as VIPs for our upcoming graduation in the fall.
Thank you Poodles and Bob!
I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS!
I WANT TO BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR!
⚓USS WASP CHIEFS GIVE BACK⚓
April 1st marked the birthday of the Navy Chief Petty Officer, and the Chiefs on board USS Wasp (LHD-1) chose to celebrate by volunteering in their community. The Chiefs' Mess arrived at our training facility ready to work, tackling everything from mowing and edging our agility field to installing shelving in our puppy supply shed. They even rolled up their sleeves to scrub crates and cots. It was a beautiful 80-degree day, and we were honored that they shared the day with us. Of course, Expeditionary Facility Dog (EFD) Cmdr. Ike was on hand to offer his official supervision and plenty of tail wags.🐾
Get ready to rep MWAM in style from Coast to Coast! 🌎🐾
Shop our online store for our NEW Coast to Coast hoodies & crewnecks, comfy t-shirts, MWAM hoodies & zip-ups, water bottles, hats, and our adorable plush pups 🐶!
Don't forget your Old Dominion University/Team Hudson apparel! 🎉
Best of all? Enjoy FREE shipping on every order! 🚚✨
⏩ORDER YOUR MUTTS MERCH HERE!⏪
🏈Follow HUDSON on Instagram! 🐾
🙌MISSION MOMENT🙌
Volunteers are an essential part of Mutts With A Mission. From our dedicated Puppy Raisers to our local groups and individuals who come out to our training facility to help us keep our building and grounds clean and well-maintained, we could not do this without you. Your time and hard work create the perfect environment for our
Service Dogs in Training to grow and succeed.
❤️From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU! 🐾
FOLLOW OUR EXPEDITIONARY FACILITY DOGS (EFDs)
⚓Stationed Aboard U.S. Navy Ships⚓
Click below for EFD Instagram pages
CAPT. FATHOM
USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72)
CAPT POSEIDON
USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)
CAPT RUDDER
USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70)
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*|NPO_ADDRESS|*
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