--- title: Blog (2) description: Discover inspiring stories, expert insights and updates on service dog training and healing through our blog at Project 2 Heal. (2) --- [![logo-1](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/logo-1.png)](https://project2heal.org/) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/2#XJSJFUZM) - [About Us](https://project2heal.org/about-us) - [Our Mission](https://project2heal.org/our-mission) - Local Impact - [Chaperone Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-program) - [Puppy Raising Program](https://project2heal.org/puppy-raising-program) - [Stress Down Days](https://project2heal.org/stress-down-day-visits) - [Volunteer Program](https://project2heal.org/volunteer-opportunities) - [National Impact](https://project2heal.org/national-impact) - [Ways to Give](https://project2heal.org/ways-to-give) - [Contact](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) [DONATE](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/2#XJSJFUZM) ##### Registration is now open for the 13th annual Lucas Kanelos Memorial Golf Tournament            Get your sponsorship and tickets today. [Learn More about Putt 4 Pupps](https://project2heal.org/putt4pups) ![CTA](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/CTA.png) # Blog #### Topic Select a topic - [All](https://project2heal.org/blog) - [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) - [Services Dogs in Action](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dogs-in-action) - [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) - [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) - [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) - [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) - [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) - [Training Tips](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/training-tips) - [Day in the life](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/day-in-the-life) - [news](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/news) - [Puppies](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/puppies) - [Services Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dog) - [Training](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/training) - [Billy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/billy) - [Dog Training](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/dog-training) - [Dogs in Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/dogs-in-charlotte) - [Volhard Puppy Aptitude Test](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/volhard-puppy-aptitude-test) - [therapy dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/therapy-dog) - [veterans](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/veterans) #### Stay up to date Subscribe to our blog [![July 2025 E-Newsletter](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Newsletters/joy-chance-row.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/july-2025-e-newsletter) 6 min read [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) ##### [July 2025 E-Newsletter](https://project2heal.org/blog/july-2025-e-newsletter) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on July 30, 2025 [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/july-2025-e-newsletter) [![June 2025 E-Newsletter](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Stevie-Cypress-Sky-June-Newsletter.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/june-2025-e-newsletter) 7 min read [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) ##### [June 2025 E-Newsletter](https://project2heal.org/blog/june-2025-e-newsletter) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on June 25, 2025 [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/june-2025-e-newsletter) [![Hand-in-Paw: How One Little Girl is Inspiring a Movement of Hope](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/2025%20child%20campaign%20images%20and%20vids/F51A6436-Joy.jpg)](https://project2heal.org/blog/hand-in-paw-how-one-little-girl-is-inspiring-a-movement-of-hope) 4 min read [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) ##### [Hand-in-Paw: How One Little Girl is Inspiring a Movement of Hope](https://project2heal.org/blog/hand-in-paw-how-one-little-girl-is-inspiring-a-movement-of-hope) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on June 23, 2025 Joy’s Journey Toward More Independence—With Help from a Service Dog Joy is a 5-year-old girl with Rett syndrome. Learn how a service dog could help her feel more calm, safe, and confident as... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/hand-in-paw-how-one-little-girl-is-inspiring-a-movement-of-hope) [![Joy's Journey with Rett Syndrome](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/1-Jun-02-2025-07-59-51-7282-PM.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/joys-journey-with-rett-syndrome-1) 3 min read [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) ##### [Joy's Journey with Rett Syndrome](https://project2heal.org/blog/joys-journey-with-rett-syndrome-1) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on June 11, 2025 Joy's Journey with Rett Syndrome How one child’s story sparked a movement of healing, hope, and community support [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/joys-journey-with-rett-syndrome-1) [![How a Dog Named Billy Gave New Meaning to March 27th...](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/MT%20%26%20Bills.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/a-dog-named-billy) 3 min read [Labrador Puppy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/labrador-puppy) [purpose-bred labrador retrievers](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/purpose-bred-labrador-retrievers) [Service Dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dog) [veterans](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/veterans) [service dogs save lives](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/service-dogs-save-lives) [project 2 heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/project-2-heal) [therapy dog](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/therapy-dog) [Billy](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/billy) [Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/charlotte) [Dogs in Charlotte](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/dogs-in-charlotte) ##### [How a Dog Named Billy Gave New Meaning to March 27th...](https://project2heal.org/blog/a-dog-named-billy) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on April 24, 2025 March 27th—a date forever etched in my heart. A decade ago, my father passed away suddenly, and my family's entire world changed in a way we could never undo. Loss comes in many forms, but f... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/a-dog-named-billy) [![Reframing the Future through Art Therapy & Service Dog Partnership](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-08-09%20at%203.15.52%20AM.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/reframing-the-future-through-art-therapy-service-dog-partnership) 6 min read ##### [Reframing the Future through Art Therapy & Service Dog Partnership](https://project2heal.org/blog/reframing-the-future-through-art-therapy-service-dog-partnership) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on June 7, 2023 The following is a message from Val Schaefer, a veteran of the Iraq war who served as a Sergeant in the US Marine Corps and Staff Sergeant in the US Army. Val's struggle with PTSD has been a... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/reframing-the-future-through-art-therapy-service-dog-partnership) [![5 Remarkable Reasons Why Labrador Retrievers Can Make Great Service Dogs](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/444441_8f8c8d4829274079a0d9d3ee841ce3fb~mv2.webp)](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-remarkable-reasons-why-labrador-retrievers-can-make-great-service-dogs-1) 8 min read ##### [5 Remarkable Reasons Why Labrador Retrievers Can Make Great Service Dogs](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-remarkable-reasons-why-labrador-retrievers-can-make-great-service-dogs-1) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on May 18, 2023 As a nonprofit founded on the pioneering concept of increasing the availability of service dogs through the expert husbandry and nurturing of world-class puppies, we know that when it comes ... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-remarkable-reasons-why-labrador-retrievers-can-make-great-service-dogs-1) [![5 Best Ways to Sponsor a Service Dog for a Veteran](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/444441_8d12e00719a940a6aeb8115c9b2e8653~mv2.webp)](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-ways-to-sponsor-a-service-dog-for-a-veteran) 5 min read ##### [5 Best Ways to Sponsor a Service Dog for a Veteran](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-ways-to-sponsor-a-service-dog-for-a-veteran) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on May 10, 2023 Sponsoring the training of an assistance dog for a veteran is one of the best ways to help our nation’s disabled veterans receive the support they need to recover from PTSD. [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-ways-to-sponsor-a-service-dog-for-a-veteran) [![5 BENEFITS of Helping Increase Service Dog Availability for Veterans](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/444441_249f1a4f1d614856bbdde183e0d31ca4~mv2.webp)](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-benefits-of-helping-increase-service-dog-availability) 6 min read [news](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/news) ##### [5 BENEFITS of Helping Increase Service Dog Availability for Veterans](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-benefits-of-helping-increase-service-dog-availability) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on May 5, 2023 If you’re a supporter of American veterans, you probably think a lot about how you can help heal a veteran with PTSD or physical disability—and for a good reason. Thousands of veteran soldie... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-benefits-of-helping-increase-service-dog-availability) [![5 Best Gifts Our Disabled American Veterans Are Sure to Appreciate](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/gift%20ideas%20for%20vet.jpg)](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-gifts-our-disabled-american-veterans-are-sure-to-appreciate) 5 min read [Services Dogs in Action](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dogs-in-action) ##### [5 Best Gifts Our Disabled American Veterans Are Sure to Appreciate](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-gifts-our-disabled-american-veterans-are-sure-to-appreciate) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on April 26, 2023 If you have disabled American veterans in your life, deciding on the best gift ideas for holidays or birthdays can be a challenge. With plenty of patriotic options available, choosing the be... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-best-gifts-our-disabled-american-veterans-are-sure-to-appreciate) [![5 Biggest Benefits of a Labrador Retriever for Service Work VS Other Dog Breeds](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-08-13%20at%2012.27.31%20AM.png)](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-biggest-benefits-of-a-labrador-retriever-for-service-work-vs-other-dog-breeds) 6 min read [Services Dogs in Action](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dogs-in-action) ##### [5 Biggest Benefits of a Labrador Retriever for Service Work VS Other Dog Breeds](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-biggest-benefits-of-a-labrador-retriever-for-service-work-vs-other-dog-breeds) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on April 21, 2023 When it comes to service dogs, there are many great benefits of training Labrador Retrievers. Along with Golden Retrievers and Poodles, Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/5-biggest-benefits-of-a-labrador-retriever-for-service-work-vs-other-dog-breeds) [![How to Become a Hero to Our Living Heroes—the Veterans](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/444441_5c2b2e306dd64c0c87cb48528669f85c~mv2.webp)](https://project2heal.org/blog/how-to-become-a-hero-to-our-living-heroes-the-veterans) 6 min read [Services Dogs in Action](https://project2heal.org/blog/tag/services-dogs-in-action) ##### [How to Become a Hero to Our Living Heroes—the Veterans](https://project2heal.org/blog/how-to-become-a-hero-to-our-living-heroes-the-veterans) By [Project 2 Heal](https://project2heal.org/blog/author/project-2-heal) on March 22, 2023 Our nation’s veterans are true American heroes, having put their lives on the line for the love of our county. Yet, thousands return home from the battlefield either physically or mentally d... [Continue Reading](https://project2heal.org/blog/how-to-become-a-hero-to-our-living-heroes-the-veterans) Loading more posts No more posts to load [❮](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/1#blog-listing-page) [1](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/1#blog-listing-page) [2](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/2#blog-listing-page) [3](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/3#blog-listing-page) [4](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/4#blog-listing-page) [5](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/5#blog-listing-page) [...](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/7) [7](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/7#blog-listing-page) [❯](https://project2heal.org/blog/page/3#blog-listing-page) ![Testimonial Image](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/August.jpg) ## Testimonials Transforming People's Lives with Service Dogs "I have had Baxter for around 7 years now. I was exploring different options that would allow me to live independently without my parents, so I could go to college. We found Project 2 Heal and I volunteered there for around a year and a half before receiving Baxter! He has been my constant companion. He came with me my senior year of high school and walked accross the stage then too. He lived in the dorms with me, came to every single class I went to and every work shift in the library. He’s definitely ready to retire as a porch dog now." Jillian with Baxter "With my service dog Frankie in my life, I’m never alone and the more severe symptoms happen less and less. She is my battle buddy. She comes with me everywhere and she is watching out for me. I must remain healthy to observe her and respond to her needs as we navigate life together. In return she helps me carry some of the weight from my rucksack." Val with Frankie "I didn't find P2H; they found me." It was a couple of weeks after the passing of my older brother that I received a phone call from a childhood friend, a member of the Petrizzo family, who informed us that they were sponsoring a puppy from Project 2 Heal in his honor. As someone who grew up working with dogs and alongside veterinarians through high school and college, and with the love I have for the Labrador Retriever breed, I felt compelled to learn more about P2H. I soon began to understand and become passionate about their mission. It played a role in helping me deal with my grief during a very sad time in my life. It amazed me that before "Mikey" even began his journey of training to help someone in need, he had already started helping me. This was special, and I wanted to contribute in some small way. I added P2H to my list of organizations that truly save lives, whether it be through a fundraising cruise or my small monthly donation that keeps us reminded of special organizations like this." Joe B. “We spent a lot of time searching for the right organization and were thrilled to discover Project 2 Heal. Their impact on veterans in need is truly remarkable. Receiving updates about Prince has been the highlight of our experience. We love how they keep us involved throughout the process—it’s heartwarming to see the difference we’re helping make.” Linda C. “As the first anniversary of my husband's passing approached, I wanted to dignify this great loss with some positive tribute to him. One of Ray's great loves was animals, especially horses and dogs. Ray also gave generously to Veteran's organizations. By chance, a dear trusted friend from NC had a connection to P2H since its beginnings. He strongly recommended the organization to me as just what I was looking for. I now have the great joy and privilege of following Ray's precious "Fraulein" on video cam 24 hours a day as she grows into a beautiful service dog, along with her adorable six brothers and sisters. It is a priceless experience... and one I will repeat. Watching on my phone each day, I marvel at the dedication of the people who make this service dog journey possible. Somewhere my husband is laughing with every wag of Fraulein's tail!” Judy C. ### Get latest articles directly in your inbox, stay up to date Subscribe to our blog ### Stay up to date ![Project2Heal_edited copy](https://project2heal.org/hubfs/Website%20Photos/Project2Heal_edited%20copy.png) ## CONTACT US Charlotte, NC [(704)-256-4056](tel:(704)-256-4056) ## QUICK LINKS - [In the News](https://project2heal.org/in-the-news) - [Contact Us](https://project2heal.org/contact-us) - [Our Finances](https://project2heal.org/financial) - [Chaperone Family Interest Form](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-puppy-raising) - [Puppy Raiser Interest Form – Started 4 Service Program](https://project2heal.org/chaperone-puppy-raising) - [Volunteer Interest Form](https://project2heal.org/volunteer) - [Liability Form](https://project2heal.org/liability) - Blog ## SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER! ## CONNECT WITH US [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/project2heal) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.instagram.com/project2heal/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://www.linkedin.com/company/project2heal/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1bY9g_kYTsASESqvwXn8cg) To adjust your recurring online giving or download your online giving tax receipts,**[log in](https://project2heal.donorsupport.co)** to our donor portal. 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