December 2025 Newsletter
Pictured above left is SDiT Kiwi, on the right is SDiT Kona, sponsored by Clyde "Cash" Barber
What a year 2025 has been! Thanks to the dedication of our Puppy Raisers, the continued support of our sponsors and donors, the commitment of our volunteers, the partnership of our incredible community supporters, and the hard work of our staff, Mutts With A Mission has continued to expand our program and strengthen our training. As we take a moment to reflect on this past year, we are reminded of the powerful, collaborative impact we have made together.
Thank you for being part of the MWAM family, and for helping
Serve Those Who Keep Us Free.
⚓USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72)⚓
WELCOMES MWAM EXPEDITIONARY FACILITY DOG FATHOM
Fathom, a 3-year-old fox red (yellow) Labrador Retriever, has officially joined the crew of the aircraft carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in San Diego, CA, as an Expeditionary Facility Dog (EFD). The USS Lincoln, the fifth Nimitz-class carrier, is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and has been in service since 1989.
As an EFD, Fathom will help break down barriers that may prevent Sailors from seeking support from onboard mental health professionals. He will help alleviate stress and depression throughout deployment and will be available to travel by helicopter to visit other ships within the Lincoln Strike Group.
Fathom is supported by a dedicated team of volunteer handlers aboard the ship, all of whom have completed the required MWAM training. Like all MWAM EFDs, he reported for duty fully equipped with a packed seabag containing bedding, ear, eye, and paw protection, a life vest, food, treats, and toys.
We are excited to watch Fathom bond with the ship’s 5,500 Sailors and make a positive impact on their daily lives.
Click the button below and order your very own Plush Fathom pup. All MWAM plush pups come with a training vest just like our SDITs wear.
🐶Order yours today!🐾
➡️CLICK TO ORDER YOUR PLUSH PUP⬅️
⚓WELCOME HOME USS NIMITZ (CVN 68)🐾
After nearly nine months at sea, Sailors aboard USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are home! The crew manned the rails as the ship pulled into San Diego to offload Carrier Air Wing 17 before returning to Bremerton, WA. Captain Poseidon, the ship’s Expeditionary Facility Dog (EFD) trained by MWAM, disembarked to begin a month-long respite in Virginia, where he will undergo veterinary checks before returning to his handler team in January 2026.
This was Poseidon’s first full-length deployment, and he assisted in stress relief, worked with individuals to decrease anxiety and depression, facilitated social interactions, and enabled mental health professionals to begin conversations with Sailors and Marines on board. From visiting Sailors on watch to flying by helicopter to other ships in the Strike Group, Poseidon played a vital role in supporting the mental well-being of the crew during the long months at sea.
Before returning to port, the crew enjoyed an on-board concert by country music artist Chase Rice, where Poseidon wasted no time in welcoming the singer by sharing wiggles and smooches with his new friend.
The USS Nimitz, the Navy’s oldest aircraft carrier, has now completed its final deployment after 50 years of service.
Pictured below is Captain Poseidon greeting Chase Rice and a friend.
READ ABOUT: USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) FINAL DEPLOYMENT & POSEIDON'S IMPACT
⛳VB VETS GIVE BACK - DID IT AGAIN!
THANK YOU!
On a beautiful October afternoon, VB Vets Give Back hosted a golf tournament at Heron Ridge Golf Club in Virginia Beach. Our SDiTs and Puppy Raisers were happy to greet and speak with the participants, and SDiT Willow, sponsored by VB Vets Give Back, was all tail-wags when some of her favorite people stopped by for a few pats on the head and, of course, photo opportunities.
We were thrilled to welcome the group to our training center this past month, where they spent time with the puppies, chatted with staff, and presented MWAM with a check. We are proud to be the recipient of the proceeds for the second consecutive year and appreciate working with this dynamic and dedicated group.
Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and generosity, and for making this tournament an amazing day for all!
Pictured below are golf participants, VB Vets Give Back Team, and MWAM Staff with VB Vets Give Back Team and their sponsored SDiT, Willow
🎉THANK YOU SPONSORS!🎉
Year-end gift giving is a meaningful way to make a difference, and we hope you will consider supporting Mutts With A Mission. Your donations and sponsorships directly impact our training program. From dog beds and cots to food, toys, safety gear, and veterinary care, every dollar goes straight to our Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs). All donations are tax-deductible.
MWAM is an ADI Accredited organization, ensuring recipients can feel confident that their Service Dog has been trained to the highest standards of excellence.
Thank you, donors and sponsors, for your generosity. Happy Holidays!🐾
Pictured above is SDiT Rivet, right is SDiT Steele sponsored by Atlantic Bay Mortgage Group
❄️ 🐾 ❄️ 🐾 ❄️ 🐾 ❄️🐾
🐶MUTTS MERCH🎄
LAST-MINUTE HOLIDAY SHOPPING?
Hoodies • Beanies • T-Shirts & More
🎁 FREE GIFT with $35+ purchase
December 15–17 ONLY
⏰ HURRY—Limited Supplies!
➡️CLICK HERE & SHOP TODAY⬅️
MWAM PLUSH PUPS MAKE PERFECT STOCKING STUFFERS!
Integrity Wine
Saude Creek Vineyards
Wasserhund Brewing
More Information
➡️Click and read all about the Norfolk Admirals/MWAM Partnership
❄️MISSION MOMENT ❄️
MWAM participated in the annual Holiday Parade at the Beach on December 6. A huge thank-you to our NFCU volunteers, Puppy Raisers, and SDiTs for coming out to help ring in the holiday season. We were also glad to have a few EFDs, Facility Dogs, and seasoned Service Dogs join us along the parade route, making the event even more special. 🔔
FOLLOW OUR EXPEDITIONARY FACILITY DOGS (EFDs)
⚓Stationed Aboard U.S. Navy Ships⚓
Click the buttons 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)
Mutts With A Mission
2700 Shirley Landing Dr
Virginia Beach, VA 23457
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