“ We discovered that we could use dogs to address so many challenges that folks with psychological issues are struggling with. To have a non-pharmaceutical, more natural way of improving the lives of Veterans, how could we not?”
—Rick Yount, WCC Founder and Executive Director
Rick Yount, the executive director of Warrior Canine Connection, trains a young golden retriever at one of the group’s sites in Brookville, Maryland. (U.S. Air Force photo/Sean Kimmons)
WCC intends to continue serving our nation’s heroes
for years to come. Its vision for a new headquarters became reality in 2016 with the establishment of the new Bob & Renee Parsons Healing Quarters, an 88-acre parcel in Boyds, Maryland. Te space will allow WCC to advance its mission to serve more recovering Warriors and their family members. As part of its development, the new Healing Quarters
will also include the rehabilitation of a historic barn on the property, which will be converted to temporary housing for Veterans who are engaged with the WCC program. Te property will also provide more space for the crucial work being done on behalf of our service members. Some of that crucial work includes the breeding of
puppies. WCC exclusively breeds and trains Golden and Labrador Retrievers, citing their laid-back temperament, intelligence and innate drive to be people pleasers. Te ample space will provide more room than in years past to allow for proper breeding, care and training of the puppies.
These two golden retriever puppies are some of the newest recruits for Warrior Canine Connection. (U.S. Air Force photo/ Sean Kimmons)
And with growth comes the demand for more well-
trained trainers. Yount says it’s imperative to have trainers with the proper expertise to not only work with the dogs, but also with the service members. A new internship program introduced through the generosity of Te Shultz Family Foundation is helping with that: Tree Veterans and a mili- tary spouse began participating in the one-year internship program in 2016 to help train future staff. “Terapy comes in many forms, and one of the best walks on four legs and has a wet nose,” says Yount.
To learn more about Warrior Canine Connection or to make a donation, please visit
www.warriorcanineconnection.org.
AFSA • WINTER 2017 21
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