Why We Believe in K9's For Warriors
Simply put, K9s For Warriors rescues dogs to rescue veterans. They provide highly-trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. K9s For Warriors is the nation's largest veteran service organization that provides trained Service Dogs to American heroes. They deliver real, lasting results - empowering their veteran graduates with confidence, independence and freedom from their invisible disabilities.
Throughout the Foar From Home journey, we have had the honor of meeting many of the K9s For Warriors trainers and warrior dogs. Our campaign would not be where it is today without the support and generous spirit of Deidre, one of K9s For Warriors puppy trainers. Deidre tirelessly attended countless campaign events while training Chewie, a Service Dog in training. While we were not the sponsors of Chewie, our supporters were able to see and interact with them both - bringing a personal and human element to our cause.
In August of 2021, Chewie graduated from the K9s For Warriors program. We could think of no better way to reinforce our mission and show "our why" than sharing words directly from Chewie's Warrior.
My name is Aurora, and I am one of the many veterans who struggle with PTSD/TBI. It is hard to put into words how much everyone at Foar From Home and K9s For Warriors has changed my life, but I will do my best to share my story.
Prior to receiving my service dog Chewie, I struggled daily to do simple tasks that so many people take for granted. I slept between 2-4 hours a night, and had frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and panic attacks. I was at rock bottom my kids and husband were being affected as well. I was out of options. I’d tried everything else,and was close to calling it quits. Too close. It’s hard to explain how hard it is to be trapped in a brain that doesn’t listen to logic and a body that is constantly in pain. I never had a moment of true peace. I was at my breaking point. I was tired.
None of which would have been possible without the unwavering, selfless, heroic support of the team at Foar From Home and their partnership with K9s For Warriors.
And then I met Chewie.
This enormous fluff ball of unconditional love who somehow knew how to fit all my broken pieces back together. Within a week he was “booping” me awake so I could stop the cycle of nightmares. He became in tune with my breathing and let me know when I needed to leave an area. He sat next to me and watched my back, and leaned into me when someone was coming up so I wouldn’t be startled. He began my long road of healing with a bat of his eyelashes and an ear lick.
This enormous fluff ball of unconditional love who somehow knew how to fit all my broken pieces back together. Within a week he was “booping” me awake so I could stop the cycle of nightmares. He became in tune with my breathing and let me know when I needed to leave an area. He sat next to me and watched my back, and leaned into me when someone was coming up so I wouldn’t be startled. He began my long road of healing with a bat of his eyelashes and an ear lick. 
Each and every one of you have played a part in saving me. You’ve given me back my confidence, and helped me to remember why it’s worth fighting through the pain and hard days. You’ve helped to give my children their mother back; and my husband his wife back. And maybe best of all, you’ve given me my sparkle back 
I remember now what life can be. I can feel it again. I wake up with hope instead of dread. I see the stars through the darkness. 
Please use this story to push you through your own hard times, and let it remind you that what you’re doing is amazing, and profound.
I remember now what life can be. I can feel it again. I wake up with hope instead of dread. I see the stars through the darkness. Please use this story to push you through your own hard times, and let it remind you that what you’re doing is amazing, and profound.You are literally saving lives; and every life you save has a trickle effect, like a pebble thrown in a pond. So many people in my life are feeling the ripples from Chewie and your kindness💕 Thank you will never be enough 💕 But thank you anyway.
Your selflessness has inspired me to create a non-profit pottery business which will allow me to give back to K9s For Warriors in a small, but hopefully significant way. Before Chewie, pottery was my lifeline. Each piece is unique and will have a stamp of Chewie’s paw print on the bottom. I will also be donating $22 from each sale directly to K9s For Warriors in honor of the 22 veterans who take their lives each day. I hope to have the website up and running with new products by the end of January.
Thank you so much for everything.
Love, Aurora
