On a recent episode of Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services’ “Service Before Self” Podcast, Colonel (Ret.) Sam Whitehurst interviewed Carl Cricco, the CEO for K9s For Warriors, and John Tappen, a Navy veteran who has been paired with a service dog from K9’s for Warriors.

The podcast kicks off with the inspirational story of Shari Duval, and how a mother’s love for her son became the catalyst for the founding of K9’s For Warriors, the largest provider of service dogs for service members and veterans in the country.

John Tappen candidly shares his personal story of struggle after his service in the Navy and how at the lowest moment of his life, K9s For Warriors, stepped in and paired him with a service dog, Henry, that has literally transformed his life. John’s story is not unique—too many veterans encounter isolation and disconnection after military service. Carl Cricco describes K9’s approach in detail and the role that a service provider like K9s for Warriors can play in addressing that isolation and disconnection.

To hear more about how K9s for Warriors is changing the lives of veterans and their families, like John, in communities across the country, listen to Episode 21 of the Service Before Self Podcast on your favorite podcast platform.