American Humane

“I was able to actually decompress for the first time in a long time.”

That is what one Pups4Patriots™ handlers said about a retreat at the Sanctuary.

These retreats bring handlers and graduates back together for beach walks, hands-on craft projects, shared meals and time with our service dog training team. Many say the connection with fellow heroes means just as much as the time with their dogs.

The Sanctuary is also becoming part of the local Palm City community, from involvement with the Chamber of Commerce to a new partnership with the Children’s Museum.

It is more than a training ground. It is a place where healing and connection take root. Learn more ➡️ https://americanhumane.co/pups4patriots

Before a Pups4Patriots™ service dog goes home with a veteran or retired first responder, months of training happen at the Sanctuary.

Puppies start with basic obedience: sit, down, come and shake. Then comes public access training, practicing calm, focused behavior in real-world settings like the grocery store, the library and even the beach.

Every outing builds toward the same goal: a dog confident enough to be there for their person, wherever life takes them.

Learn more about Pups4Patriots ➡️ https://americanhumane.co/pups4patriots

Meet Jason and his specially trained Pups4Patriots™ service dog, Hobbes. 💙🐾

After serving more than 24 years in the U.S. Navy as a Religious Program Specialist, Jason dedicated his life to supporting others through eight deployments and service across five continents and Central America. Today, Hobbes, a Labradoodle, is helping support him.

“Hobbes has taught me something far more profound … service is strongest when it comes from someone who is whole. After decades of carrying others, Hobbes has allowed me, at last, to set something down...she has given me the strength to keep serving with purpose, clarity and heart.”

We are honored to celebrate Jason and Hobbes’ journey. 🐾🎖️

🔥 September is and we know firsthand how vital it is to be ready when disaster strikes. In July, our Rescue Team deployed to Colorado during the devastating wildfires. Thanks to our dedicated responders and supporters, we:

💙 Cared for 825 animals in emergency shelters, including livestock, dogs and cats

💚 Reunited 210 dogs and cats to their loving owners

⛑️ Mobilized 20+ volunteers and staff to support affected animals in Colorado

Preparedness saves lives and with your support, we’ll continue to protect animals whenever and wherever they need us most. Get your free pet preparedness resources today ➡️ https://www.americanhumane.org/national-preparedness-month/

Meet Inti, ABQ BioPark's newest arrival. 👋🥹

The ocelot kitten was born in April to resident ocelots Lucy and Raif, and is now venturing into his public habitat for the first time.

Ocelots are federally endangered in the United States, with only a few small, isolated populations left in southern Texas, so every birth matters. As an American Humane Certified™ facility, ABQ BioPark meets rigorous, science-based animal welfare standards, the kind of care that gave Inti a strong start. Congratulations to the whole care team. 👏

📸 : ABQ BioPark

A battle-scarred veteran takes on one final mission: smuggle a fortune in gold. 🪎

Starring Ethan Hawke, Julia Jones, Austin Amelio and Russell Crowe, “The Weight" arrives in theaters and follows a father desperate to save what’s left of his family at the height of the Great Depression.

Behind the scenes, our No Animals Were Harmed® program helped support humane, science-based care for the animal actors through our Certified Animal Safety Representatives.

Learn more about how our No Animals Were Harmed program has helped protect animal actors in film and television for more than 85 years ➡️ https://americanhumane.co/nawh-theweight

Meet Shellie and her specially trained Pups4Patriots™ service dog Luna, a partnership built on comfort and connection. 🫡🐾

"We are a team, and life is no longer lonely and scary."

Shellie is a U.S. Army veteran who served for four years. Upon returning to civilian life, she experienced increased anxiety in public spaces and struggled with insomnia.

Luna has given Shellie renewed mental energy and focus, more restful sleep and greater comfort in public spaces, along with a partner she trusts completely. We are honored to celebrate Shellie and Luna's journey. 🐾🎖️

Learn more about Pups4Patriots ➡️ https://americanhumane.co/pups4patriots

Few moments are more heartbreaking than when a beloved pet goes missing during a natural disaster.

This , we are sharing ways to help you and your pets stay safe before disasters or weather emergencies strike. Simple steps like securing an ID tag and keeping your pet’s microchip registration up to date can make all the difference in an emergency.

Learn how ID tags & microchips help — get the free toolkit ➡️ https://www.americanhumane.org/national-preparedness-month/

Meet Scout and Ranger, two four-month-old recruits training to become Pups4Patriots™ service dogs.

Scout is brave and energetic. He loves the beach, peanut butter, playing with his brother and he is just starting public access training (though the fish tank at the pet store is still a big distraction).

Ranger is smart and talkative. He loves cuddles, digging holes and his favorite lamb toy. He is hard at work building his obedience skills.

One day, these two could bring comfort and confidence to a veteran or retired first responder. For now, they are getting comfortable with the world, one outing at a time.