When Dorothy Benson saw a news segment about Veterans receiving service dogs, she felt something stir in her heart. She and her husband had been breeding German Shepherds for years. Watching story after story about dogs changing lives, she saw a new purpose for their work.
"God had placed on my heart a thought about donating one of our puppies somewhere to be a service dog," Dorothy recalled. Her husband, a Vietnam-era Veteran himself, agreed immediately.
That decision would lead to an 11-year partnership with Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) and transform not only the lives of American Heroes but Dorothy's own life as well.
Dorothy's journey with dogs began over 35 years ago. With her husband working a seasonal job and money tight during the winter months, the couple searched for something Dorothy could do from home. They both loved dogs, and her husband had always wanted a Doberman.
"We did our research and ended up purchasing a female Doberman," Dorothy explained. "We bred our first litter, and I learned that I loved working with the puppies. I was hooked."
For years, Dorothy and her daughter raised and showed Dobermans together. When costs became restrictive, they transitioned to German Shepherds, continuing their commitment to ethical breeding practices, health testing, and producing well-tempered dogs.
"Most people would have classified us as backyard breeders because we did not have a large kennel," Dorothy said. "Even so, we did everything correctly. To be able to give the new families the best dogs we could provide was our passion."
After seeing those news stories, Dorothy called the station for leads about Veteran support organizations. They directed her to two Washington organizations, and the first one she contacted was NWBB. Soon after, founder Shannon Walker drove to Elk, Washington, to meet Dorothy's litter.
"I was so nervous that my puppies would not be good enough," Dorothy admitted. "She is a professional dog trainer, and I knew so very little."
Shannon selected two puppies: Onyx and Jade. While Jade didn't complete the program, Onyx thrived. At just four months old, he was on an airplane to Washington, beginning his journey as a future PTSD service dog.
"It was such an honor to watch him grow," Dorothy said. "Shannon would keep me updated on his progress, and I was blessed beyond belief [on] how well he was doing."
Over the following years, Dorothy donated 10 puppies to NWBB. Nine completed training and now serve as professionally trained PTSD service dogs for Veterans.
Dorothy's commitment to Veterans runs deeper than charity. Her husband served during the Vietnam War, drafted in the 1960s. That personal connection made saying yes to donating their first puppy easy.
"From that time we started donating and fostering the puppies, he would be totally involved in the training we did with them before they went to NWBB," Dorothy explained.
Eventually, her husband saw the benefit of having a professionally trained PTSD service dog himself. With Shannon's guidance, they trained one for him. He has now had two service dogs, one of which has passed. The other, Victory, accompanies him everywhere.
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Thanks to Operation Never Quit (ONQ), Veterans like Dorothy's husband can access this life-changing support without worrying about cost — something that's only possible through the generosity of supporters who understand what these heroes have given. |
Today, Dorothy serves as NWBB's puppy foster liaison, the first point of contact for families who want to raise future service dogs. She reviews applications, conducts background checks, and interviews potential fosters to ensure they understand what lies ahead.
"As the puppy foster liaison, I interview the people that have applied to become puppy fosters," Dorothy explained. "I get a sense as to whether they will be a good fit for the program."
Her responsibilities extend beyond screening. She tracks vaccinations, maintains paperwork, and provides around-the-clock support for foster families navigating the challenges of raising a puppy destined to serve.
"I let them know that I am available 24/7 if they need any help or guidance with their foster," she said.
Dorothy doesn't sugarcoat what it takes to foster a potential service dog. When she speaks with potential fosters, she's honest about the sleepless nights, the frustrations, and the heartbreak of saying goodbye.
"It is hard. Puppies are puppies, and they get into everything," Dorothy said. "There will be times when you do not think you are doing a good enough job. Then, when the time comes that they have to give that puppy up, after giving their heart and time to them, they will cry many tears."
But she also shares what makes fostering worthwhile and impactful.
"What they will learn from this experience will be one of the greatest blessings, which is to experience the meaning of sacrifice for someone that they do not know," Dorothy said. "In the end, they get to witness the puppy that they fostered grow and meet the need of a Veteran who can now experience a freedom that they have not had maybe for years. That is what makes it worth it."
The most rewarding moment, Dorothy explained, is when fosters attend graduation and see their puppy matched with their Veteran. "Their joy is complete," she said. "Then the circle is complete."
Looking back on 11 years with NWBB, Dorothy struggles to name just one defining moment of her journey. But when pressed, she returns to where it all began: watching Onyx grow from a puppy in her home to a professionally trained PTSD service dog helping a Veteran reclaim his life.
"It had started a journey that would change my life," Dorothy said. "I could not have asked God for more of a blessing than it has been."
Dorothy Benson's story shows the profound impact a foster can have — not just on one dog, but on the Veteran that dog will serve. From her first puppy to the dozens of fosters she's guided as an educator, Dorothy's dedication has changed the lives of our American Heroes.
If you've been moved by Dorothy's journey and want to play a similar role in a Veteran's healing, consider becoming a NWBB puppy foster. With guidance from experienced educators and a community of fellow fosters, you'll help prepare these pups for their life-changing work. Learn more about fostering a service pup today!