USO Canine Volunteer of the Year

by USO Canine Program · 2 months ago

Vote for the therapy dog you think should be the USO's Canine Volunteer of the Year celebrating their support in 2024!

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Hoagie, USO Central Europe

Hoagie isn’t just a Golden Retriever—he’s a beacon of joy, a pro at making new human friends, and a certified expert in tail wags and cuddles. Whether he’s playing fetch, showing off his best tricks (like spin, speak, and his signature "come front"), or snacking on his favorite treat—peanut butter—Hoagie is always ready to brighten someone’s day. Born just one day after his owners landed in Germany, Hoagie has embraced the adventure of military life, traveling to three countries outside of Germany. Though he was the sleepiest pup of his litter, his boundless energy and sassy personality today make that hard to believe! In 2024, Hoagie and his fellow therapy dog friends supported 20 USO programs, reaching nearly 700 service members and their families throughout Germany. His wagging tail and gentle nuzzles bring a sense of peace, reminding men and women in uniform of the warmth of family and home. Many deployed service members found comfort in comparing Hoagie to their own pets—sometimes even FaceTiming their furry friends back home! One of Hoagie’s most memorable moments happened in a hangar at an Army installation, where he single-pawedly transformed the mood of the entire space. What started as a room filled with stress and exhaustion quickly turned into a place of laughter and relief for more than 40 service members. As he continued to walk through the community, he brought that same joy to another 200+ troops. Hoagie may not have enlisted, but his mission is clear: to bring smiles, comfort, and a whole lot of love to those who serve. As he puts it: "I was only making new friends! But, since you say that, can I have some peanut butter as a 'congratulations'?"

Leader, USO Fort Eustis (Virginia)

Whether she’s comforting service members or pulling her wagon full of kids, Leader’s impact is undeniable. A Grand Champion show dog, Crisis Response Canine, and multi-title Performance competitor, she’d happily spend every day babysitting kids and supporting service members. Since August 2023, Leader and her handler, Renice, have volunteered 136.5 hours with the USO’s Canine Therapy Dog program at Fort Eustis. She regularly attends deployments, homecomings, and morale-boosting events, always bringing joy. Leader is especially valued at deployment and homecoming ceremonies, where she provides emotional support to soldiers at any hour. Beyond the USO, Leader has comforted over 600 children at the TAPS National Seminar, Good Grief Camp. She also volunteers with the Red Cross at VA hospitals and Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs) and visits Sailors aboard Navy ships through Mutts with a Mission. Her talents go beyond therapy—Leader is a pro at catching food in the air, especially her favorite treat, freeze-dried liver. During the USO’s Friendsgiving dinner for AIT soldiers, Leader’s surprise visit lifted spirits. Soldiers gathered around, calling family members to share the moment and expressing how much her presence helped them cope with being away during the holidays. And if Leader could sum up her mission? “I do it all because I love helping my service members.”

Lily, USO Okinawa (Japan)

Lily is always ready for adventure, whether it’s beach outings, car rides, or making new friends through her therapy dog visits. But her biggest mission? Spreading smiles and comfort to service members and families across Okinawa, Japan. Over the past two years, Lily has completed nearly 100 volunteer hours, making regular visits to DoDEA schools, Single Marine Programs, and USO Okinawa’s six centers. She and her handler travel across the island several times a month to bring joy to service members stationed far from home. Moving to Okinawa with pets, especially dogs, can be a difficult process, and many families must leave their four-legged companions behind. Through her visits, Lily provides a sense of home, companionship, and comfort to those missing their pets. During her most recent visit to the Camp Courtney barracks, Lily spread holiday cheer to over 30 service members right before Christmas. A young Marine, spending their first holiday away from home, shared with a USO staff member that interacting with Lily was one of their favorite memories, helping them feel closer to their family and beloved dog back home. When she’s not on therapy dog duty, Lily takes her role as a professional food inspector very seriously, especially when sweet potatoes and green veggies are involved. Unlike most dogs, Lily embraces every veggie opportunity, proving that nothing so far has earned a "pawful" review. She’s also a crowd favorite for her high fives and paw shakes, making her one of the most popular guests at every visit. Lily’s impact is undeniable, but if you ask her, she’ll say: “Wow, me? A finalist? I was just doing what I do best, sharing smiles, bringing joy, and having fun.”

Izzy, USO Warrior Center, Germany

Izzy, a devoted Black Lab, isn’t just a therapy dog—she’s a best friend, a healer, and a source of endless joy for service members. Alongside her handler, Mr. Andrew Wilder, Izzy has dedicated over 346 volunteer hours at the Warrior Center, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, and Ramstein PAX terminal, bringing comfort to wounded, ill, and injured service members, as well as hospital staff and military families. In recognition of her incredible impact, Izzy was named Volunteer of the Month (November 2023) and Volunteer of the Quarter (Q1 2024). Izzy’s presence goes beyond simple visits—she has a natural gift for sensing when someone needs support. During one memorable Warrior Center dinner, she noticed a service member sitting alone, looking down. Without hesitation, she nudged his hand, sat quietly beside him, and waited for him to engage, creating an emotional bond that turned into a healing conversation. Beyond her official duties, Izzy is her dad’s #1 supporter in life and an expert in handshakes and being a calming presence. She enjoys hanging out, posing for photos, and belly rubs—though she has some quirks, too! She snores more when she sleeps on her right side, and despite her gentle nature, she’s not a fan of vacuums—cleaning always pauses when she’s around to keep her comfortable. And then there’s the time she racked up a $4,000 vet bill just from doing zoomies—proof that even therapy dogs have their wild moments! Izzy’s gentle nature and boundless compassion create a sense of unity and belonging, making the Warrior Center feel like home for service members. Whether greeting families at Ramstein PAX, brightening hospital wards, or offering quiet support during tough moments, Izzy proves that love and comfort come in four-legged form. And as Izzy herself might ask… "Does the award come with treats? And can I eat it?"

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