Introduction: A Journey of Hope and Healing
On the morning of his very first service dog training class, Jason, a U.S. Navy veteran, set out with his dog, Manny, by his side. Their path ahead symbolized hope, healing, and the promise of learning to navigate life together through K9 Partners for Patriots, a nonprofit dedicated to pairing veterans and service dogs.
But in a single, life-changing moment, everything shifted.
The Accident That Changed Everything
While driving to class, an animal suddenly darted across the road. Jason swerved to avoid it, and his vehicle came to an abrupt stop.
Though Manny was safely buckled in, his restraint strap became tangled during the impact. The result was devastating — Manny’s leg was severely broken.
Emergency surgery was the only option to save Manny’s leg, but the veterinary costs were far beyond Jason’s means. What was meant to be the first step toward recovery now felt like a heartbreaking setback.
“Manny is my partner, my hope, and my path forward,” Jason shared.
“The thought of losing him was unbearable.”
A Life-Saving Grant from the Cencora Impact Foundation
When all seemed lost, hope arrived through the Cencora Impact Foundation Veterinary Health Grant.
Thanks to this incredible program, K9 Partners for Patriots was able to cover the full cost of Manny’s surgery and ongoing care. With the support of the grant, Manny received the treatment he needed to heal completely — giving Jason and Manny a second chance to continue their journey together.
This veterinary health grant didn’t just save a dog’s life. It preserved the vital bond between a veteran and his service dog in training.
From Recovery to Graduation
After months of rest and rehabilitation, Jason and Manny returned to their training with renewed determination. Guided by the team at K9 Partners for Patriots, they worked through each phase of the service dog training program.
Their hard work paid off. In time, Jason and Manny proudly graduated as a certified service dog team, ready to face the world together.
A Veteran's Words of Gratitude
Jason later shared his deep appreciation for the support that changed everything:
“I am deeply grateful to the Cencora Impact Foundation for the generous grant provided to K9 Partners for Patriots, which made a life-changing difference for me and my service dog, Manny.
Your generosity not only saved Manny’s life but also reminded us that there are great support systems out there in the world. Because of you, we are moving forward together — healed, trained, and ready to face the future as a team.”
— Navy Veteran
Read more Veteran Stories.
The Impact of Support
Because of the Cencora Impact Foundation, a veteran did not lose his partner, his hope, or his way forward. Instead, Jason and Manny gained the strength to continue their journey — side by side.
This story represents the mission of K9 Partners for Patriots:
To restore independence to veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma by providing service dog training and support — at no cost to the veteran.
How You Can Help Veterans and Their Service Dogs
Grants like the one provided by Cencora Impact Foundation are vital, but there is always more work to be done.
When you donate to K9 Partners for Patriots, you help ensure that veterans like Jason never have to face life’s toughest battles alone.
Be a part of a life-saving mission.
