Happy National Dog Day! We’ve been dreaming about this for 10 years, but final plans have been taking place behind the scenes over here at Red Door Three, and we are finally able to share some great news. Some of you may know that my dedication to supporting veterans runs deep. Inspired by my family members’ service, I have sought meaningful ways to give back. I have a long list of veterans in my family. Currently my niece and nephew serve in the Marines. Their dad, my brother, was in the US Navy for almost 24 years.
When I started my company, I knew that I wanted to give back to a veteran, I just wasn’t sure how to do it. After having many lengthy conversations with my brother, I decided I wanted to sponsor a service dog for a veteran. My goal was to do this at the 5-year anniversary of my company, but that was right after the pandemic hit and it was tough just keeping the doors open. It has taken a little longer, but it was worth the wait and is finally becoming a reality.
My journey began by calling Tunnel to Towers and asking for a recommendation on a service dog company that I could contact to sponsor a service dog. They recommended Working Mission Dogs in Maine, and I reached out to them last summer. The company was 4 years old at the time, and a female veteran named Christie Gardner is the owner. She is also a Team USA athlete on the Women’s Para Ice Hockey Team and the USA Para Surfing Team. Because of her own service dog, Christie has been able to accomplish so much with her business and gives back by training service dogs for other veterans. I told Working Mission Dogs when we first spoke that I wanted to sponsor a service dog for a veteran. The application process is grueling, and the vetting process takes a very long time.
I traveled to Maine a few months ago to see the Mission Working Dogs facility, meet their team and see all of the amazing things they do. Spending a weekend with the owner and her staff at Mission Working Dogs was such an incredible experience. I even got to help train the pups at a local mall.
I look forward to heading back to Maine soon to meet the veteran recipient and the service dog that we are sponsoring for them when they meet for the first time. We will be sure to keep you posted!