K9s For Camo Expands Mission Beyond Veterans

For many people, K9s For Camo is known for one thing: pairing veterans with service dogs at no cost.

But founder John Lopez says the organization's impact stretches much further than most people realize.

"There are really three groups we help," Lopez said. "The veterans, the dogs, and the offenders in prison."

The mission started with veterans. K9s For Camo rescues dogs, trains them, and places them with veterans who may be dealing with PTSD and other challenges that come with military service. The dogs are fully trained before being matched with their new owners, and veterans never receive a bill.

The dogs themselves often get a second chance, too.

Many are rescued from shelters in southwest Missouri, including some that were facing euthanasia. Instead of spending their final days in a kennel, they begin a new journey that gives them purpose.

"They get to become these veterans' best friends and serve them throughout their remaining years," Lopez said.

Then there's the part of the story that Lopez admits surprised him the most.

His organization works with offenders at two Missouri prisons, including Jefferson City Correctional Center. Lopez visits the facility several times each month, where inmates help train the dogs.

"The offenders are amazing trainers," he said. "Amazing guys that have gotten themselves in trouble."

The work goes beyond teaching dogs to sit and stay. It gives participants practical job skills they can use after their release.

According to Lopez, 13 former offenders have gone on to work as dog trainers, with pet resorts and nonprofits, or in other animal-related careers.

"That's a big part of the organization," he said.

Finding the right dogs for the program is another important step.

Lopez said K9s For Camo isn't looking for a specific breed. Instead, they're searching for a certain personality.

The dogs must be younger than 2 years old and display a calm, steady temperament. They shouldn't be aggressive, anxious or fearful. Trainers often refer to them as "old souls."

"They're just calm and relaxed," Lopez said. "That's the best dog for a veteran with possibly PTSD or any other issue they're working with. A hyper dog might increase that level of anxiousness."

Lopez has plenty of stories about the difference these dogs make, but one veteran stands out.

Mark was among the program's earliest recipients. Before receiving his dog, Chase, Lopez said Mark rarely left home except to go to work.

"He would only be at home for 20 years," Lopez said.

The day after Chase came into his life, Mark met his daughter for lunch at the mall.

Since then, Lopez said, Mark has continued to venture back into the world and no longer lives like a hermit.

For Lopez, moments like that serve as reminders that healing sometimes arrives with four paws and a wagging tail.

People interested in volunteering, donating or learning more about the organization can visit K9sForCamo.org.

The group may be best known for helping veterans, but its reach extends much further — rescuing dogs, restoring hope, and creating second chances for people who need them most.