Maygan Huff, of American Family Insurance, is sponsoring a matching gift challenge through MCHF to raise funds for two causes she is especially passionate about, veterans and dogs.
Retrieving Freedom, Inc., a partner of MCHF, will be the recipient of the matching gift. Retrieving Freedom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans with disabilities and children with autism by training and placing exceptional service dogs, always at no cost to their clients. Retrieving Freedom’s veteran program is designed to support those facing PTSD, mobility challenges and other service-related conditions by pairing them with a dog trained to meet their unique needs.
Every contribution you make is matched dollar for dollar, up to $500. Your gift directly supports the training and placement of service dogs for veterans living with PTSD, mobility challenges and other service-related disabilities.
Connecting more people to the outdoors
Service dogs connect veterans to the outdoors by encouraging physical activity and providing a sense of security that helps veterans overcome social anxiety and isolation. The dog’s routine needs and their presence as a calming companion act as a catalyst for veterans to become more comfortable with exploring nature, including:
- Daily walks and exercise: Regular, daily walks with their dog establish a healthy routine, giving veterans a consistent reason to get out of the house. This routine can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with isolation and a lack of purpose.
- Outdoor engagement: Encouraged to visit parks, walking trails, and other green spaces with their dogs, veterans get more time outdoors. Studies show that spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
- Providing a sense of security: The presence of a service dog can address many of the anxieties that prevent veterans from enjoying public outdoor spaces. For veterans with PTSD, a service dog can be trained to “watch their handler’s back” in crowed or open spaces, providing a sense of security allowing the veteran to feel safer and more comfortable in outdoor environments.
Changing lives, one service dog at a time
Each dog goes through more than two years of specialized training, learning to perform specific tasks that increase independence, provide emotional grounding and improve overall quality of life. More than that, their service dogs offer unconditional companionship and support. They don’t just assist, they understand.
Unlike one-size-fits-all programs, their training is tailored to prepare each dog for the specific challenges and responsibilities of their future handler. With training facilities located in Waverly, Iowa, and Sedalia, Missouri, their dogs undergo personalized training to ensure they meet the unique needs of each individual they will serve.
Veterans deserve the same loyalty they gave in service to our country. Through this program, Retrieving Freedom isn’t just training dogs, they are restoring hope, stability and freedom to the lives of those who served.
Donate now to double your impact and join Maygan as she supports the Retrieving Freedom and helping connect more people to nature!
Ivan & RB
As a Vietnam Veteran, Ivan mentioned that RB has been assisting him with his nightmares, and they often enjoy napping together on the couch, “although RB seems to occupy most of the space,” says Ivan. These two are inseparable, always together like two peas in a pod.
See more examples of how veterans and others are impacted by their paired service dogs
