February 2025 Newsletter
💞FOR THE LOVE OF SERVICE💞
Service Dogs in Training pictured: Top row left to right - Poseidon and Wren. Bottom row left to right - Bronco, Trident, Stinger and Tater
"For the Love of Service" is defined as performing acts of kindness or helpfulness for others with genuine enthusiasm and care, essentially putting your heart into helping others without expecting anything in return. Mutts With A Mission Puppy Raisers are a true testament of this phrase.
Our Service Dogs and Facility Dogs change the lives of Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement Officers across the country as well as active duty military members. Without our incredible volunteer Puppy Raisers, Mutts With A Mission could not exist. Puppy Raisers open their hearts and homes to our Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs). These exceptional volunteers bring their puppies to class weekly, complete homework with them to reinforce their skills, and take them into the community to help them learn how to perform their tasks in real-world situations. Few things are more rewarding and heartwarming than witnessing a Service Dog Graduation, knowing that the recipients are now empowered to live the lives they truly deserve.
We would like to thank our loyal volunteers for the many hours of training, unyielding dedication and love they provide to help Serve Those Who Keep Us Free.
📣RSVP📣
PUPPY RAISER INFORMATION SESSION
🏀ODU ATHLETICS - BASKETBALL 🏀
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
Pictured above: SDiTs Radar, Poseidon, Raven, Flynn, Bronco and Trident
Thank you to all who came out to cheer on our ODU Lady Monarchs Basketball team on Saturday, February 22nd. It was an exciting game and a perfect opportunity for our puppies to get some real-life training. Squeaky shoes on the parquet floor, whistles, buzzers, cow bells, the smell of popcorn and hot dogs in the air, navigating bleacher style seating, loud music, cheering fans and arena lighting all contributed to a day of successful distraction training for our pups. Congrats on a great win ODU!
Thank you to ODU Athletics for the great seats. Follow MWAM/ODU Team Hudson and MWAM on social media. You never know where you will find us next!
🐶SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!🐶
ASK YOUR EMPLOYER TO SPONSOR OR
BECOME A GIFT MATCHER TODAY!
Mutts With A Mission is fortunate to have generous support from businesses who align with our mission. These organizations' contributions go toward daily operations and the training of our expertly trained Service Dogs who, when fully trained, go to America's Heroes, at no cost to them. To learn more about the benefits of becoming a MWAM Sponsor, please click the button below.
Did you know that thousands of companies match donations by employees to our organization? Please click the Gift Matching button below to see if your company will match your donation.
🐕MUTTS MERCH🐕
Always in Style - Always Free Shipping!
MWAM Hoodies, Tumblers and T-Shirts - Oh My!
These items plus Beanies, Plush Pups, and Zip-Up Sweatshirts
are all available for YOU at our online store.
Don't Delay - Get your Mutts Merch TODAY.
Each dollar raised goes directly back into our Service Dog training program.
Thank you for your support!
FREE SHIPPING (unless large quantities are ordered)
🎉PAWSITIVE PARTNERS🎉
Torchbearer Zeta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority of Virginia Beach held a Bunco Night in January to support Mutts With A Mission. This lovely group of ladies came and toured our facility last fall and could not wait to jump in and help our mission.
We are humbled and honored to be your nonprofit of choice for January. Thank you for your generosity and support!
SDiTs Left to Right (black labs): Trident, Vader and Poseidon.
Service Dogs Left to Right (yellow labs): Ike and Avenger
📣VOLUNTEERS!📣
Thank you Navy Federal Credit Union! We absolutely love when your employees come to visit and volunteer. They work hard making our facility shine! Our pups were thrilled to give them tail wags and spend time with them.
If you, your business, or your company is interested in giving back by participating in a
Volunteer Day, please email: Liz@muttswithamission.org
We enjoy the relationships we have built with our volunteers and
look forward to seeing them each time they work with us.
Pictured below: SDiTs Poseidon, Trident and Vader with members of the NFCU Team
❤️MISSION MOMENTS❤️
Puppy Raisers use treats and kibble to spell out names while the puppies demonstrate discipline and self-control. The puppies learn that by staying focused and in control, they will be rewarded with one or two treats once their kibble names are collected.
👏Nice job!👏
Mutts With A Mission is Proud to be 1 of 4 ADI Accredited Organizations based in Virginia
Assistance Dogs International, Inc. (ADI) is a worldwide coalition of non-profit organizations that train and place Assistance Dogs. Founded in 1986 from a group of seven small organizations, ADI has become the leading authority in the Assistance Dog industry. Members of ADI meet regularly to share ideas and conduct business regarding educating the public about assistance dogs, advocating for the legal rights of people with disabilities partnered with assistance dogs, and the setting of standards and establishing guidelines and ethics for the training of these dogs.
Glossary:
SERVICE DOG: A dog that has been specifically trained to perform tasks for an individual with disabilities.
MWAM FACILITY DOG: A specially trained dog that works with a Peer Support team member in a law enforcement agency. The dog must be trained to do specific, skilled tasks in a variety of different situations within the facility environment with multiple people; it must be more than just a presence within the facility.
EXPEDITIONARY FACILITY DOG (EFD): EFDs are trained to work with mental health professionals and other handlers to improve the well-being of military personnel. They work onboard U.S. Navy ships and are task trained to help reduce stress, anxiety and symptoms of depression while also encouraging those that need mental health treatment to seek it.
🥳THANK YOU, SPONSORS!🥳
❄️SDiTs Oscar, Radar, and One enjoying
the BIG SNOW in Hampton Roads, VA❄️
📶Connect With Us! 💻
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