Supporting Our Heroes: Updates From Smoky Mountain Service Dogs

We’re thrilled to report that the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs (SMSD) are still hard at work and improving lives! The Tennessee-based organization that connects service dogs to wounded veterans continues its work — lending a helping paw to our nation’s heroes.

At pawTree, we help the Smoky Mountain Service Dog Foundation by providing products for life to some of the dogs! From high-quality food to holistic supplements and treats, we offer our best products to help them be in great shape and in their best health—and, by extension, give back to our nation’s heroes.

In the past three months, the foundation’s working pups have been acing their evaluations and making connections. Read on to discover a few of the most exciting updates from Smoky Mountain Service Dogs.

Haven’t been introduced to the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs? Read here to meet the pups that change lives.

The SMSD ‘Pupdates’

Lately, these working pups have been excelling at training and they’ve been acing their evaluations! We are excited to present their latest achievements:

Honor and Triscuit passed their Week 16 evaluation and will start working in the Balance Assistance Harness.

Silas and Wylie passed their Week 8 evaluation and will start working on more complex manipulation skills and tasks.

Wrigley and JoJo II passed their STAR puppy evaluation and will now start working on their Canine Good Citizen tasks.

Every successful evaluation is another step closer to a paw that can help out our nation’s heroes. Read more about the magic that occurs when a Smoky Mountain Service Dog is matched with a veteran here.

Plus, A Special Meeting

In a special turn of events, SMSD Silas who you met in our last report was able to meet his namesake, Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty. Silas was named after Uncle Si by his generous donor, and the two connected at a premiere of the movie “The Blind.” Silas showed off his excellent duck calling skills to the Duck Dynasty star — and did so excellently.

Ever Wondered How The SMSDs Are Named?

Speaking of Silas’s namesake, here are a few fun facts about the names of current and past Smoky Mountain Service Dogs!

Bearden
SMSD Bearden was named after his sponsors: the Bearden High Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. These students supported Bearden all the way to his graduation, after which he served his veteran well and spent retirement in the home of Mike and Suzy Kitchens. Bearden crossed the Rainbow Bridge July 11, 2022.

Blair
SMSD Blair was named after a much loved and admired trainer, Derek Blair. Derek would be very proud of the wonderful work SMSD Blair has done. Currently, Blair is serving his veteran!

Henley
Named by Recipient Brad Walker, Henley was named after John Robert Henley, a Navy Corpsman. Corpsmen are affectionately referred to as "Doc" by the Marines they are attached to. Doc Henley is credited with saving Brad's life after his Humvee was blown up by an IED and remaining with Brad all the way to Germany

How To Help The Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Foundation

Despite their successes the past few months, the SMSD Foundation still needs your help! Every volunteer and every penny counts in a nonprofit.

Volunteer

Looking to make a big difference? Volunteer by raising a puppy! Volunteers are charged with SMSDs for 9-12 months. In some instances, puppies are co-raised with another volunteer to foster a collaborative environment.
Donate

If you don’t have the capacity to volunteer, donate today! Every dollar makes a difference. You can donate any amount here to make a long-lasting effect.
Follow & Share

Spread the word! Bringing awareness to service dogs and the unique work of the SMSD Foundation is a crucial part of support. Follow and share the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Foundation’s social media to help.

Volunteer

Looking to make a big difference? Volunteer by raising a puppy! Volunteers are charged with SMSDs for 9-12 months. In some instances, puppies are co-raised with another volunteer to foster a collaborative environment.
Donate

If you don’t have the capacity to volunteer, donate today! Every dollar makes a difference. You can donate any amount here to make a long-lasting effect.
Follow & Share

Spread the word! Bringing awareness to service dogs and the unique work of the SMSD Foundation is a crucial part of support. Follow and share the Smoky Mountain Service Dogs Foundation’s social media to help.

However you support, you might help connect a hero to their pup partner! pawTree continues to donate food and supplement products for life for some of the service dogs — because we know that good health starts with nutrition and supports more meaningful work!

We at pawTree love what the SMSD Foundation does and are so happy to be counted amongst their friends. Way to go, Smoky Mountain Service Dogs!