RAISING TILLMAN
GOVX, America’s VetDogs, and the Pat Tillman Foundation have united to train a future service dog.
He’s a little dog with a big job.
There’s an old adage that we don’t deserve dogs. After all, what other species on earth can so perfectly encapsulate a sense of loyalty, devotion, and companionship? Not cats, that’s for dang sure.
Nevertheless, we here at GOVX are honored to announce that we’ve joined forces with the Pat Tillman Foundation, the national non-profit empowering military service members, veterans, and spouses through scholarships, leadership development, and a supportive community, and America’s VetDogs, a New York-based national non-profit that provides service dogs to veterans, first responders, and active-duty service members to raise Tillman, a 10-week old yellow Labrador Retriever puppy – and service dog in training.
Here’s the kibbles and bits.
America’s VetDogs Gets It Done
First things first, training a service dog doesn’t come cheap. In fact, it costs $50,000+ to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog with a veteran-in-need. Through America’s VetDogs all services are provided free of charge to the individual.
Through their program, they empower veterans, active-duty military, and first responders to reclaim their independence. By pairing our nation’s heroes with highly trained service and guide dogs, they provide vital assistance to those facing physical injuries, PTSD, sensory loss, or seizures navigate life with renewed pride, mobility, and self-reliance.
Inside the Puppy with a Purpose® Program
America’s VetDogs stepped into the national spotlight in 2016 through a landmark partnership with NBC’s TODAY SHOW, introducing the very first "Puppy with a Purpose®."
Designed to drive fundraising, training, and awareness, the initiative quickly expanded into a powerful national movement. The success with the TODAY SHOW paved the way for partnerships across major sports leagues (including the NHL, NFL, MLB, and MLS), premier media outlets like The Dodo and local NBC affiliates, and corporate partners.
It’s Tillman Time
This good boy has a whole lot on his plate. Named for Army Ranger and former NFL player Pat Tillman, young Tillman is carrying forward an extraordinary legacy.
After 9/11, Corporal Tillman walked away from an All-Pro NFL career to serve his country in the United States Army, his story of leadership and selflessness now inspires the journey of this future service dog.
Where to Catch Tillman Next
Over the next 16 to 18 months, Tillman will serve as an ambassador for veteran services in the Chicago-area at Blackhawks and White Sox games, local community events, and the offices of the Pat Tillman Foundation and GOVX.
Every outing serves as early socialization to mold him into a steady, self-assured companion. After completing his puppy-raising phase, he’ll report to America’s VetDogs’ national headquarters in Smithtown, New York to receive specialized, advanced training before being matched with a hero with disabilities as a no-cost service dog.