SERVICE DOG GIVES HOPE TO INJURED ARMY VETERAN
MEET CAPTAIN RYAN KULES:
Captain Ryan Kules, USA, Ret. served for four years, from 2003 to 2007. In 2005, his vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device, cutting the truck in half and taking the lives of the two other soldiers in the vehicle. As a result of the attack, Ryan lost his right arm and left leg.
Along with extensive therapy to re-learn how to walk and write, Ryan's service dog Griff has been a vital part of his recovery.
“To know that GRIFF helps me keep my body as good as it’s going to be for as long as it’s going to be is a real comfort.”
FINDING NEW LIFE WITH THE GIFT OF A SERVICE DOG.
Griff is a Labrador Retriever bred and nurtured by Project 2 Heal, receiving all of the enrichment each of our puppies receive through our Early Neurological Stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, and Puppy Prodigy programs. Griff was donated to Fidos for Freedom—a service dog training organization based in Laurel, Maryland—and officially graduated from service dog training in 2021.
Ryan and Griff are a wonderful partnership, because without use of his right arm, Ryan sometimes needs assistance with things like zippers on clothing or taking off socks and shoes. Griff has been trained to pull down on the bottom of Ryan's jacket so that he's able handle the zipper with ease. Additionally, Griff is trained to help Ryan take off socks and shoes, as well as retrieve these items when he's ready to put them back on.
"Some of the daily things you wouldn’t even think a service dog would be beneficial for, like I’ll be helping out with the dishes in the kitchen and a dish will drop on the ground… he’ll be across the house and come running to grab it and pick it up for me. To know that Griff helps me keep my body as good as it’s going to be for as long as it’s going to be is a real comfort knowing that he’s there to help me with that stuff.”
Captain Ryan Kules
United States Army
Monthly donors—which we call, "Healing Pawtners"—are the foundation of Project 2 Heal and our mission of reducing the cost and time it takes to place a service dog with a person in need. We're the only nonprofit in the country dedicated to breeding, nurturing, and donating Labrador Retriever puppies to become service dogs for veterans, children with special needs, and adults with disabilities. Our work can change—and in some cases, save—lives of people in need.
Through your monthly donation of $10, $30, $50 or $100, you provide Project 2 Heal with a consistent and reliable source of funding to allow us to meet our mission.
As a Healing Pawtner You'll Enjoy:
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Knowledge that your donation will be immediately put to work.
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Monthly "Pup-Dates" via email.
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Opportunity to tour and visit our facility.
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Access to playtime with our service puppies in training.
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Car magnet to display and show your support.
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Ability to change or suspend your donation at any time.
