Working Dogs For Vets: Fighting to reduce veteran suicide

Hello, I'm Crystal Gulley, Administrative Assistant at Working Dogs For Vets—and a proud military mom. I'm reaching out today to share the heart and mission behind Working Dogs For Vets and invite you to join us in making a life-changing impact.

Every day, 22 veterans across our nation are lost to suicide—tragic, silent battles fought by heroes who endure both visible and invisible scars. At the same time, nearly 700,000 shelter dogs in the United States are euthanized each year, often without ever getting the chance to become a cherished companion. At Working Dogs For Vets, we are determined to break this heartbreaking cycle. We rescue these shelter dogs and transform them through specialized training into loyal service partners for our veterans—completely free of charge. Our mission is to empower our heroes with the courage, support, and independence they richly deserve.

Since our inception, we have proudly served over 3,600 veterans nationwide, creating invaluable bonds that help our heroes reclaim hope and dignity. From our service dog partnerships to our innovative programs—like the prison dog program and the Ambassador Program that extend support to the entire family—our work touches life after life. In our organization, the commitment is clear: no veteran is ever left behind, and every shelter dog is given the chance to become a life-saving companion.

Right now, we urgently need your help to continue this vital work. Your contributions will be used for:

• Facility Enhancements: Upgrading our training center with handicap-accessible ramps and climate-controlled environments to ensure safe, effective, and year-round training conditions for both our veterans and their new canine partners.

• Essential Training Supplies: Procuring leashes, collars, toys, and other necessary items that enable us to train these wonderful dogs to become effective service animals.

• Ongoing Operations: Ensuring that we can continue our life-saving programs at no cost to the veterans who have already sacrificed so much for our country.

I know from a military mom’s perspective that watching a child step forward to serve is both a profound source of pride and a wellspring of concern. Every news cycle and every talk of conflict makes my heart race—not just for the possibility of my own child being deployed, but for the safety and well-being of every soldier. I see the transformation in my son every day—a journey marked by courage, dignity, and resilience. It's this transformation, repeated in every veteran we serve, that fuels our commitment to reducing the unacceptable reality of loss and despair.

At its core, this fundraiser is not just about money. It's about protecting lives—lives of our heroes, and lives of dogs that can serve as guardians of hope. But without the support of compassionate communities like yours, our mission would be impossible to sustain.

Every donation, every cent, and every shared message counts. Whether you're contributing a few dollars or simply spreading the word, your support helps ensure that our veterans receive the care and respect they deserve. It brings us one step closer to a day when no hero, and no loyal companion, is ever left without hope.

From a military mom’s eyes, every sacrifice is a sacred promise—an unwavering vow that our heroes will always have the support to rise, to heal, and to carry on the legacy of bravery. Your generosity is not only a donation; it's a commitment to a future where hope outshines despair.

Thank you for standing with us and for your continued support.

With heartfelt gratitude, Crystal Gulley Administrative Assistant, Working Dogs For Vets