May 2026 Newsletter
Pictured below, left to right, are SDiTs Javelin, Phoenix and Hudson. Hudson is sponsored by ODU Athletics. These photos were taken during a recent visit with Sailors on board the USS Lassen (DDG 82), Norfolk, VA.
May is National Military Appreciation Month, a time dedicated to honoring the courage, resilience, and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our country. Established by Congress in 1999, this month observes Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, and Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Together, these dates remind us of the profound commitment made by our service members and their families who stand beside them.
At Mutts With A Mission, we believe honoring our military is more than just saying “thank you”; it means providing the tools for a life of independence, healing, and dignity after service. Our specially trained Service Dogs provide life-changing support by helping Veterans and First Responders:
• Mitigate symptoms of PTSD and mobility limitations
• Restore a sense of safety and confidence in public spaces
• Retrieve dropped items, find keys, phones, remotes, open doors, and assist with daily tasks
This month, we invite you to pause and join us in gratitude. Whether you attend a local Memorial Day ceremony, thank a Veteran in your community, or support our mission, your involvement makes a lasting impact.
Together, we can continue giving back to those who
Serve To Keep Us Free. 🐾
Pictured above, left to right, are Service Dogs Deke and Billie, who enjoyed visiting with Sailors on the USS Roosevelt (CVN 71) in San Diego, CA.
Mutts With A Mission is proud to announce that the American Humane Society is officially sponsoring two of our hardworking Service Dogs in Training, Crockett and Moose. 🐾
Crockett is a 6-month-old Yellow Labrador Retriever living in sunny Florida, while Moose is a 1½-year-old Greater Swiss Mountain Dog residing in Virginia’s Roanoke Valley. Through a combination of virtual and in-person training, these owner-trained dogs are making progress on their paths to success.
We are grateful to the American Humane Society for its commitment to supporting our mission and the people we serve. Thank you for being a Blue Level Sponsor! 💙
💚 Camouflage Sponsors 💚
Batchelder & Collins and
My Rehab Consultants
Thank you to these two incredible businesses for joining our mission and investing in the future of our Service Dogs in Training.
Their sponsorships help cover an entire year of food and essential safety gear for a Service Dog in Training, ensuring these dogs have the resources they need to grow and thrive.
We are truly grateful for your kindness, generosity, and commitment to supporting Veterans and First Responders.
Help us welcome the newest recruits to our program: Ghost and Buster! This Black Labrador brother duo comes to us from Vicklan Labradors of Virginia Beach, and they have already begun their learning with name recognition and potty training.
We are thrilled to announce that Ghost is sponsored by Raytheon, an RTX Business. Ghost is the second MWAM Service Dog in Training to be sponsored by them, and we are grateful for their continued generosity and partnership.
Want to make a lasting impact like RTX? If you or your business would like to sponsor Buster or any of our SDiTs, please reach out today! 🐾
Pictured below, left to right, are Ghost, sponsored by Raytheon, an RTX Business, and Buster.
I WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT SPONSORSHIPS!
I WANT TO BECOME A MONTHLY DONOR!
We are proud of the relationship we have built with Navy Federal Credit Union and are grateful for their continued support of Mutts With A Mission. Each month, their volunteers arrive with smiles, enthusiasm, and a willingness to jump right in wherever needed.
From cleaning our training room to organizing puppy cots, crates, towels, toys, and treats, their hard work helps create a safe and welcoming environment for our SDiTs. Their dedication behind the scenes plays an important role in ensuring our dogs are ready to learn and succeed.
Thank you, Navy Federal Credit Union volunteers, for your time, energy, and commitment to our mission! 🎉
If you, your business, or organization would like to volunteer, reach out!
liz@muttswithamission.org
🐶Tail wags are almost always guaranteed. 🐶
Recently, CDR Ike, one of our Expeditionary Facility Dogs (EFDs) stationed on board the USS WASP (LHD-1) and his handlers were interviewed by Scripps News to talk about the MWAM Expeditionary Facility Dog program. Click the link to watch. 🔗
SCRIPPS NEWS
US Navy Deploys EFDs - Watch The Amazing Story Here!
Shop our online store for all your Father's Day and Graduation needs!
Choose from a wide selection of hoodies, tumblers, t-shirts, plush pups, and more! Every item purchased directly supports our mission of providing highly trained Service Dogs to Veterans and First Responders.
Enjoy FREE shipping on every order!🚚
CLICK TO ORDER MUTTS MERCH - THANK YOU FOR YOUR PURCHASE! 🐾
⚓MISSION MOMENT⚓
Mutts With A Mission is excited to welcome home the Sailors and crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and we are especially happy to welcome home Expeditionary Facility Dog (EFD), CAPT Sage!
This marks CAPT Sage’s 2nd deployment aboard the USS FORD. As an EFD, her job is to break down the stigma of speaking to a mental health professional, build social and relationship skills through engagement and participation in social activities, and decrease stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms through participation in goal-directed, purposeful, and meaningful activities.
Mutts With A Mission currently has six Expeditionary Facility Dogs serving aboard U.S. Navy ships. Some of CAPT Sage’s fellow EFDs and Service Dogs in Training (SDiTs) were waiting pier side on May 16th to welcome her home after an extended deployment.
🎉Bravo Zulu and Welcome Home! 🐾
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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