January 2026 Newsletter
🎊HAPPY NEW YEAR! 🎊
MUTTS WITH A MISSION
EXPANDS TO SAN DIEGO
We are excited to share that Mutts With a Mission has officially launched operations in San Diego, California. This expansion marks an important milestone as we continue to grow our impact nationwide.
In June of 2025, it became known to MWAM that another ADI-accredited program with a mission very similar to ours in San Diego was shutting down. After discussions with their former director, we decided to offer qualified graduates of Next Step Service Dogs (NSSD) the opportunity to transfer to MWAM. The unfortunate timing of this event coincided perfectly with our timeline to begin operations in San Diego. We warmly welcome their graduates, clients, volunteers, and supporters into the MWAM family. This growth strengthens our mission and ensures continuity of care, training, and support for Service and Facility Dog teams. Through our San Diego training operations, MWAM will increase access to highly trained Service and Facility Dogs, while continuing our unique role as the only approved organization authorized to place Expeditionary Facility Dogs (EFDs) aboard U.S. Navy ships. All this is done while upholding the high standards, integrity, and mission focus you expect from MWAM.
This growth is made possible by supporters like you. Here is how you can be part of our mission:
*Become a Sponsor or Monthly Donor to support the training and care of Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs)
*Volunteer at our training facility or become a Puppy Raiser
Spread the word with friends, family, and colleagues; like and follow us on social media; attend upcoming events; purchase Mutts Merch; and shop with our local community partners
Together, we continue to Serve Those Who Keep Us Free.
➡️RSVP - PUPPY RAISER/RESPITE SITTER INFO SESSION - FEBRUARY 19TH! ⬅️
🎉WELCOME🎉
EPICUR PHARMA STOKES PHARMACY &
HIGHLAND GROOMING
We are happy to welcome two new sponsors to kick off 2026!
*Blue Level Sponsor - Epicur Pharma Stokes Pharmacy from Mt. Laurel Township, NJ! Stokes Pharmacy was founded in 1975 and has evolved from a small, hometown operation to a respected nationwide pharmacy, offering online ordering and overnight shipping. Your sponsorship will cover the cost of one of our recipients to attend a two-week Transfer Camp, including lodging and meals.
*Camouflage Level Sponsor - Highland Grooming from Moyock, NC! A woman and Veteran-owned company, Highland Grooming is a professional salon offering grooming services to help pets look and feel their best. Your sponsorship will cover the cost of food for one year for one of our SDiTs!
Thank you, Epicur Pharma Stokes Pharmacy and Highland Grooming, for your generosity.
We are excited to welcome you to the MWAM family!🐾
Pictured left is SDiT Sparrow, right is SDiT Trit with Highland Grooming
🐾FIND OUT HOW TO BECOME A MWAM SPONSOR! 🐾
Pictured above are SDiTs Jade, Kona, sponsored by Clyde "Cash" Barber, Rivet and Willow, sponsored by VB Vets Give Back
💞VOLUNTEER WITH US!🐾
Is volunteering on your 2026 to-do list? We invite you to join us at the MWAM training center. Individuals and groups are welcome to lend a helping hand while making a difference. (Plus, puppy sightings are just about guaranteed!)😊
✨ Volunteer Opportunities Include:
• Vacuuming and washing the training room floor
• Freshening up our puppy spa
• Washing windows, puppy cots, and crates
• Light landscaping (spring, summer, and fall)
If you, your business, or your company would like to volunteer, please email
Liz@muttswithamission.org
We are so grateful for the incredible relationships we’ve built with our volunteers and look forward to welcoming familiar faces—and new ones—throughout the year.
🧺 Laundry Volunteers Needed!
We are looking for a towel/laundry volunteer every other week.
It’s simple: take towels home, wash, fold, and return them.
For more information, contact Liz@muttswithamission.org
Volunteers must be over 18.
Thank you for your support!
VOLUNTEER SIGN UP GENIUS LINK!
Pictured above are NFCU Volunteers with Patriot, Sponsored by Raytheon, an RTX Business, and a volunteer from the
USS Wasp with Kona, Sponsored by Clyde "Cash" Barber
♥️FALL IN LOVE WITH MUTTS MERCH🐾
Show your love this Valentine’s Day with a gift that gives back! From cozy hoodies to warm beanies, every purchase directly supports our mission of providing specially trained Service Dogs and Facility Dogs to Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement Agencies.
💝Skip the standard box of chocolates this year and choose
a gift with a mission.💞
➡️MWAM wine at
Waters Edge Winery
➡️MWAM/Admirals Hockey Tickets!
🎉THANK YOU COMMUNITY PARTNERS!🎉
Thank you to Care A Lot Pet Supply, Diamond Springs Rd. location and the Tidewater Animal Clinic for collecting these generous donations through your Giving Trees. Also, a big thank you to those who shopped our Amazon Wishlist. Our Service Dogs in Training are so excited to use all the new toys and eat the yummy training treats! 🎄🐾
Pictured below is SDiT Jade
🎇🐾MISSION MOMENT 🐾🎇
Our Service Dogs in Training enjoyed rest time and new training adventures during this holiday season.
Check out how some of our pups welcomed in 2026. 🎊
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)
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