K9 Partners for Patriots is a 501(C)(3) Nonprofit Organization devoted to ending veteran suicide with the help of rescue dogs. And thanks to a big donation from a local organization, the special helping mission of this Hernando County-based nonprofit is only set to expand.
“A dog is a friend to a veteran,” said founder and executive director Mary Peter, a Certified Master Dog Trainer (CMDT). “A dog is a hug for a veteran.”
When Jan Remington, director of the now dissolved Berkeley Manor HomeOwners Association, needed a nonprofit beneficiary for the association’s remaining funds, she thought immediately of her friend Mary Peter, and the association she founded to train and raise service dogs for vets in need.
“Mary is amazing,” said Remington. “She does so much for the veterans of our community.”
On Sept. 12, members of the Berkeley Manor HomeOwners Association gathered at the K9 Partners for Patriots headquarters and dog training facility, 15322 Aviation Loop Dr., Brooksville, to present a $13,000 donation check to the organization.
“The Board of Directors decided with great pleasure to donate our remaining monetary funds to Mary Peter, founder of K-9 Partners for Patriots, to help her continue the wonderful partnership she has with Vets in need of specially trained dogs for their well-being,” read a letter read aloud by Frank Dembeck, member of the now dissolved Berkeley Manor HomeOwners Association. “You and your staff of volunteers are a tremendous asset to the men and women that served our country. And your knowledge of training dogs is a gift you use from your heart.”
Peter, flanked by her own dog Justice, choked back tears as she accepted the check.
“This is a blessing,” she told those gathered. “You are a blessing.” This donation, Peter revealed, is larger than most. “We appreciate all donations, and this is not a typical amount,” she said. “This is enough to train a dog and place it with a veteran.”
Indeed, donations such as this one also will help K9 Partners for Patriots to facilitate their upcoming move to their new, larger facility on County Line Road, and all of the expenses and supplies involved in providing the best trained canines for the patriots who need them.
Gregg Laskoski, Communications Director of K9 Partners For Patriots, explained to the group the process of training dogs to become K9s for patriots. “I’m in awe,” exclaimed Gigi Guzman, member of the now dissolved Berkeley Manor HomeOwners Association.
Laskoski himself was in awe of the association’s K9 Partners for Patriots
Donation. “This will help us so much,” he said. To lend your own help to K9 Partners for Patriots, visit https://k9partnersforpatriots.com/get-involved/.
