By Kelly Murphy-Redd, CEcD
This story begins, as many great stories do, at the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce. Intrepid leader and master of ceremonies Ted Corcoran was out of town in May of this year and made plans to transform the First Friday Coffee into a non-profit “trade show” in his absence.
Director of Special Events, Rachelle Graves, walking by a particular table at the trade show, was drawn like a magnet to a poster with a photo of man’s best friend.
But let’s pause here and take a step back in history.
Rachelle Graves has lived in Fort Walton Beach most of her life. Her grandparents moved here in the 1930s. Her grandfather managed the army campground in Destin. Discharged from active duty, he remained involved, performing his duties at the recreation camp.
Both of Rachelle’s parents were born in Fort Walton Beach. In 1958, her father, Gary Garrett, was adopted by a military family at Eglin AFB. He joined the Air Force out of high school and spent almost his entire career at Hurlburt Field.
Gary has always had a dog. In November of 2021, his dog had a stroke and died. Rachelle kept telling him, “You need a dog. What kind of dog do you want?”
Enter “Dog Daze,” the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce annual event. Dog Daze is a fun-filled day for all dogs (over 6 months old), and people who love dogs. The event is sponsored by Friendship Veterinary Hospital. Dozens of rescue organizations, dog trainers, veterinarian clinics, dog groomers, and more attend this huge, fun, one-day, dog event. Rachelle, the organizer of the event, met representatives from Healing Paws for Warriors there. The organization soon became a chamber member.
Local, veteran-founded, and veteran-led, this 501(c) (3) organization is dedicated to providing combat veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST) trained ADA-certified service dogs at no cost to the veteran with continued support. This program is designed to reduce veteran suicide, and increase veteran and family health and wellness.
The Healing Paws for Warriors staff includes a combat medical war veteran, a practicing PTSD therapist, a professional service dog trainer, a veterinarian, and many other supportive volunteers.
The dogs are predominantly from local rescue shelters. They are not pets, but service dogs with the complete protection and rights granted by the Americans with Disabilities Act. The service dog trainer teaches the dogs and the lead veteran/K9 team trains the incoming veterans to be a team with their new battle buddy. Their website also states their goals:
• Bringing awareness to veteran suicide; reducing the numbers, one service dog at a time
• Give hope and healing to Veterans and rescue dogs through empowering military heroes to return to civilian life with dignity and independence
• Express gratitude to those who have served, or are serving our great country
• Reduce the number of canines in shelters; ending pet homelessness
Fast forward to that First Friday Coffee in May. Rachelle saw the poster of “Chopper,” a retiring service dog who needed a new home, and went over to talk with Mike Arena, the CEO of Healing Paws for Warriors. She told Mike her dad Gary needed a pet dog, not a service dog. Chopper had some Doberman in him and Gary had had Dobermans before. Rachelle took pictures of Chopper and texted them to her dad.
Texts and phone calls ensued between Mike and Gary and a visit was scheduled for Gary to meet Chopper. Chopper’s foster parent says Chopper usually barks when meeting people but he didn’t when he met Gary.
The next step was to bring Chopper to Gary’s home. Upon arrival, the Healing Paws for Warriors representative stated with certainty to Gary, “This is your dog.” Chopper arrived that day and never left. One month later, Gary and Chopper were best friends. It probably didn’t hurt that on that first night, Gary went to Walmart and bought two Ribeye steaks to grill for himself and Chopper.
Rachelle says this love story would not have been possible without the connection between the chamber and Healing Paws for Warriors. She ends the story this way, “Happy Dad, Happy Dog.”
You are busy doing the work. You don’t have time to promote it. We help you find your voice, define your message and communicate it to your customers. Visit Murphyreddmarketing.com.
