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K9s for Warriors
MEET WINSTON
Some dogs are born into comfort while others earn it. Follow Winston’s path from surviving to serving.
Scars & Second Chances
Our first sponsored dog from K9FW named Winston didn’t come from a shelter or breeder. He came from the streets—rescued from a hoarding situation, flea-bitten, filthy, and spray-painted pink. He had a gash over his eye and layers of trauma beneath his coat. When K9s For Warriors met him, he didn’t look like a service dog. But he looked like he wanted a reason to trust again. And that was enough. He was wary but gentle—rare for a dog from such unstable conditions. Beneath all the dirt was heart.
“It’s no longer bittersweet, only sweet… Seeing one of our K9s meet their veteran is everything I look forward to when I come to work.”
— Karen Sweeney, Winston’s Trainer
THE BREAKTHROUGH
At two years old, Winston was already an adult. As a standard poodle, he was smart, sensitive, and bred to bond—but trauma made him cautious. The first six weeks of training were slow. He resisted structure. Avoided cues. But then, something clicked. A glance. A tail wag. A quiet willingness to try. And just like that, Winston began to change.
READY TO SERVE
Winston trained for nearly nine months. Slowly, consistently, his true self emerged—a service dog who could be counted on.
In January, he graduated and was paired with his warrior, Josh. It’s a perfect match. Some might say Winston was lucky. But anyone who’s met him knows—he earned every step of the life he has now.
Stay tuned as we share more about Josh and Winston’s journey. Their next chapter is just getting started.
Show Your Support
If you’re looking to stand behind our veterans and the brave dogs that support them, check out our K9s For Warriors merch in the Rewards store.
Next Up
MEET DAVE & BERT