Provided by Semper K9
September is National Service Dog Month—a time to honor the incredible impact that service dogs have on the lives of veterans, individuals with disabilities, and their families. Every day, Semper K9 sees firsthand how these highly trained dogs provide independence, confidence, and healing for the nation’s heroes. This month, they celebrate not only the remarkable dogs who serve but also the dedicated trainers, volunteers, and supporters who make their mission possible.
Help give a veteran their service dog.
Doc Heads to Capitol Hill
Recently, Semper K9’s own Doc and the Executive Director, Christopher Baity, stood alongside fellow service dog providers and partners at Purina Dog Chow on Capitol Hill to advocate for the SAVES Act.
Together, they met with lawmakers to highlight the critical role service dogs play in supporting disabled American veterans living with PTSD and other challenges. The SAVES Act is a vital step toward expanding access to highly trained service dogs, ensuring that more veterans receive the support they need to heal, reconnect with their families, and thrive in civilian life. Semper K9 is proud to be part of this national effort and deeply grateful to Purina Dog Chow for raising awareness and championing this cause—because every veteran who could benefit from a service dog deserves that chance.
Win Commanders Tix with the All American Steakhouse 
The veteran-owned All American Steakhouse & Sports Theatre in Manassas is hosting a special raffle to benefit Semper K9 Assistance Dogs and Patriots for Disabled Divers. They’re giving away six pairs of Washington Commanders home-game tickets—each with premier parking, Touchdown Club access, food, and beverages. Winners will be drawn one week before each selected game from now til the end of the season!
100% of proceeds go directly to support Semper K9’s mission. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an unforgettable game-day experience while helping veterans and their families.
Support Team Semper K9 MCM Athletes
This October, Team Semper K9 athletes will lace up for the Marine Corps Marathon in our Nation’s Capital—not just to run, but to make a difference. Each mile they cover helps raise awareness and critical funds to support the mission of training and placing service dogs with wounded veterans and their families, at no cost to those we serve.
You can support Team Semper K9 in two ways:
Donate to Team Semper K9: Make a donation to the team’s fundraising page and cheer them on as they run in honor of our nation’s veterans. Every contribution fuels athletes’ efforts and strengthens Semper K9’s mission.
Run With Us: Already registered for the MCM? Make your race even more meaningful by joining Team Semper K9. With a Semper K9 bib, your miles will directly support veterans and their service dogs.
Help Remember, Honor and Teach!
Semper K9 is proud to support Wreaths Across America at Quantico National Cemetery, where each December, thousands of veterans are honored with a wreath laid in their memory.
This year, Co-Founder Amanda Baity is serving as the new Location Coordinator alongside longtime volunteer and board member Tisa Newhouse—and YOUR is needed help to make this year’s ceremony the most impactful yet.
Sponsor a wreath today in honor of a veteran and help Semper K9 reach their goal. For every $17 wreath sponsored, Semper K9 receives $5 to support its mission of providing service dogs to disabled American veterans—at no cost to them.
Veteran Voices: Sheila
“Mattie makes me feel more secure and independent. She gets me out with other people and I’m more social. During the Covid pandemic, Mattie was a lifesaver—I talked to her, sang to her, and shared secrets with her just to stay sane. I would feel so lost without her. I encourage veterans that need a service dog to please contact Semper K9 Assistance Dogs.” – Sheila, Graudate of Semper K9 Service Dogs for Veterans Program
The goal of Semper K9’s mission is to make stories like Sheila’s possible by training service dogs for wounded warriors and their families. Semper K9’s Mattie is just one of the many amazing service dogs that are changing lives every day.
