Canines With a Cause Foundation

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$15,000 Goal

About

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OUR MISSION

Canines With a Cause (CWAC) pairs rescued dogs with veterans affected by PTSD, TBI, and MST, offering complimentary, personalized training classes to become psychiatric service dog teams.

WHY GIVE TO CANINES WITH A CAUSE?

Because the battle doesn't always end when a veteran comes home.

In 2023, 6,398 U.S. veterans died by suicide — an average of 17.5 veterans every day*.

For veterans living with invisible wounds like PTSD, TBI, and MST, everyday life can become a battle of its own. Sleeping through the night. Leaving the house. Going to work. Connecting with family. Feeling safe. Finding purpose. These struggles aren't always visible, but they can profoundly affect a veteran's ability to live the life they want.

Your support can help change that...

A psychiatric service dog can provide more than companionship. Through disability-specific tasks, a psychiatric service dog can help a veteran manage anxiety, ground during distress, interrupt nightmares, create structure, and navigate everyday situations with greater independence.

Service dog, Puzzola applies Deep pressure therapy (DPT) to his handler.
Applying gentle, sustained pressure by lying across a handler’s lap or leaning against their body to help them manage certain episodes of anxiety, panic, or emotional distress.

YOUR DONATIONS MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

A service dog doesn't come without a cost...

Every dog rescued, veterinary visit, training session, class, and resource provided to a veteran is made possible by generous donors who believe these lives are worth investing in. Your donations help cover the essential costs of building successful veteran-service dog teams—from professional training and veterinary care to mental health support, food, supplies, and facility expenses.

Here's a rough breakdown of what your donation will help cover:

$25 - Training Supplies
Supplies new program veteran with a treat pouch and training treats

$60 - Welcome Package
Supplies new CWAC dog with a new leash, collar, bowls and toy

$150 - Meals & Medicine
Funds a month's worth of food and needed medication for one CWAC dog

$200 - Health Package
Funds vaccinations and spay/neuter for one CWAC dog

$1,000 - Mental Health Matters
Sponsors mental health support by a Licensed Clinical Social Work/Therapist for one class of veterans

$5,000 - Service Dog Training
Funds training, basic vet services and mental health support for one veteran class

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM

IT ALL STARTED 15 YEARS AGO...

In 2010, Canines With a Cause (CWAC) began its journey as an "Animal Assisted Therapy" program at Friends of Animals, Utah, now known as Nuzzles, in Summit County, Utah. Witnessing the powerful bond between companion animals and individuals healing from trauma, CWAC identified an opportunity to pair rescued animals with veterans in need. As the demand for trained service dogs to support veterans with invisible wounds grew, CWAC transitioned into an independent nonprofit organization in May 2011.

Today, CWAC remains a vital resource for veterans in Park City and beyond, standing out as one of the few organizations in the area dedicated to serving those who have served.

"Our entire mission centers around getting our people back into the community."

- CWAC Trainer, Harleigh, CPDT-KA®

SOURCING FURRY FRIENDS LOCALLY

We believe helping our community can start with helping the lives right in front of us—including the ones waiting behind shelter doors.

CWAC identifies potential canine candidates from local and out-of-state shelters and rescue organizations, including South Salt Lake Animal Services. Each dog is carefully evaluated for health, behavior, temperament, energy level, and suitability for our training program.

When CWAC adopts a canine candidate, we make a commitment to that dog—not just to the possibility of becoming a psychiatric service dog. Every dog we bring into our program deserves a safe and loving forever home, whether they ultimately graduate as a service dog or take a different path.

CWAC USES POSITIVE TRAINING METHODS

CWAC uses positive, science-based training methods to help dogs learn through trust, clear communication, and reinforcement.

Rather than using fear, pain, intimidation, or harsh punishment, we focus on teaching dogs the behaviors we want and rewarding them when they get it right. Rewards can include treats, toys, praise, affection, play, or access to something the dog enjoys.

This approach helps build confidence and trust between a dog and their handler—an especially important part of developing a strong psychiatric service dog team. Our goal isn't simply to make a dog obey; it's to help the dog and veteran learn to communicate, work together, and become a reliable team.

Thank you for your consideration!
Your generosity keeps the program FREE for veterans.

You can learn more about Canines With a Cause by visiting us at: www.canineswithacause.org

Or by following us on social media:
www.Facebook.com/CaninesWithaCause & www.Instagram.com/CaninesWithacause