Our Partners in Service

Northwest Battle Buddies is powered by community. Our mission to pair Veterans with professionally trained PTSD service dogs would not be possible without the generous support of partner businesses, organizations, and volunteers who believe deeply in serving those who have served our country.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines has been a steadfast supporter of Northwest Battle Buddies, hosting the Delta Seattle Golf Classic for the past two years with all proceeds benefiting our mission.

In 2025 alone, more than $120,000 was raised through ticket sales and sponsorships, directly supporting the training and placement of PTSD service dogs for Veterans.

Purina Dog Chow

In 2025, Purina Dog Chow selected Northwest Battle Buddies as one of just six Veteran service dog providers to receive support through their Service Dog Salute program.

Their partnership included a $75,000 donation and national awareness efforts focused on Veterans living with PTSD, helping shine a light on the life changing impact of service dogs.

Council House Goldens

For more than a decade, Council House Goldens has played a critical role in our program, providing over 150 English cream golden retrievers across 17 litters to Northwest Battle Buddies.

The dogs bred by Council House Goldens are thoughtfully selected for the qualities that make exceptional PTSD service dogs, including intelligence, focus, confidence, and genetic steadiness.

Each puppy represents a powerful way to honor American Heroes and give back to those who have sacrificed so much in service to our nation.

100.7 The Wolf Seattle

Since 2020, Northwest Battle Buddies has partnered annually with Seattle’s top country music station, 100.7 The Wolf, to raise funds during Operation K9 Companion.

Each day during the week of Veterans Day, Veteran graduates of Northwest Battle Buddies share their personal stories on the Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister, inspiring listeners to donate.

The week culminates in a live concert, with all ticket sales and auction proceeds benefiting Northwest Battle Buddies.

In 2025, Operation K9 Companion raised more than $400,000 in support of our mission.

Association of Service Dog Providers

The Association of Service Dog Providers is a national coalition of nonprofit organizations that provide trained service dogs to military veterans and first responders living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma. The organization promotes best practices in service dog training and placement, advocates for the use of service dogs as therapeutic intervention, and works to improve the mental health and well-being of those who have served.

Shannon Walker, founder of Northwest Battle Buddies, currently serves as the Executive Director of the Association of Service Dog Providers, helping lead national efforts to advance responsible service dog programs and expand support for veterans.

NWBB works collaboratively with the Association of Service Dog Providers as part of a network of nonprofit service dog organizations dedicated to supporting veterans. Through this partnership, NWBB contributes to industry standards, participates in shared education and advocacy efforts, and works alongside other providers to advance the responsible use of service dogs for veterans living with trauma.

Volunteers

Dorothy Benson

Foster Program Coordinator

Dorothy Benson has supported Northwest Battle Buddies for more than a decade, providing 10 puppies over 11 years as a breeder, with nine completing training to become service dogs for Veterans.

As NWBB’s Foster Program Coordinator, Dorothy interviews and supports families who open their homes to raise future service dogs. Fostering a puppy offers families a unique opportunity to experience the meaning of sacrifice while playing a direct role in changing a Veteran’s life.

Barb Keller

K9 Health and Wellness

Barb began volunteering in 2012 on behalf of Orchards Veterinary Clinic, then transitioned to volunteering on a personal basis. Barb is currently the wellness coordinator for all puppies and service dogs while on site at NWBB headquarters. She manages all vaccinations, veterinary visits, microchipping, and recordkeeping for NWBB dogs.

Jan Paullin

NWBB and Veteran Advocate

For about 12 years, Jan has supported NWBB as a foster, donor, and general office volunteer in preparation for incoming Veteran cohorts.

Ellen Purdy

NWBB Advocate

Ellen volunteers in the NWBB office, helping the team prepare for incoming Veteran cohorts. She also supports at annual events and graduations and brings a personal touch to every co-host by cooking goodies galore for their first day on site!

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Veteran Peer Support Team Volunteers

DL Thomas
Dodi Lewis
TBone (Mario) Graham-Tutt
Scott Hill
Lyle Knigge
Ray Stosser

Puppy Fosters

We thank all of our puppy fosters who lay the foundations for our service dogs and their important work. The following foster families have fostered multiple dogs for NWBB and deserve recognition for their continued service.

Cheryl Bird, fostered 3 puppies
Tara May, fostered 3 puppies
Kathy Fellabaum, fostered 3 puppies
Cheryl Brantley, fostered 4 puppies
Annette Buehler, fostered 5 puppies
Marilyn Holt, fostered 5 puppies
Tammy Price, fostered 7 puppies

Guardian Families

Tia Holland with Macy
Atwell Family with Annie & Charlie
Cheryle Bird with Mischa
Kerrie Morris with Amber
Wendy Bigelow with Courage
Coleen Goodwin with Gabbie & Peaches

Become a Partner or Volunteer

Our partners and volunteers are essential to every success story at Northwest Battle Buddies. Whether through corporate partnership, volunteering as a puppy foster, or providing reliable monthly support, you become part of a mission that restores independence, confidence, and hope for Veterans living with PTSD.

Volunteer as a Puppy Foster Partner as a Monthly Donor Become a Business Partner