K9s For Warriors & Team Godwin Foundation Unite to Give Rescue Dogs a New Purpose

Team Godwin Foundation joined K9s For Warriors at Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center to identify future life-changing Service Dogs for Veterans in need

K9s For Warriors, the nation’s leading provider of trained Service Dogs to military Veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and/or military sexual trauma (MST), today visited Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center (HCPRC) in Tampa, Florida to procure four dogs to enter their Service Dog training program.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Wide Receiver Chris Godwin and his wife Mariah Godwin, founders of Team Godwin Foundation, joined the team for the visit, continuing their shared commitment to rescue animals and supporting Veterans.

One of the dogs identified during the visit will be sponsored by the Team Godwin Foundation, marking the latest chapter in the foundation’s longstanding relationship with K9s For Warriors. The Godwin's have previously sponsored two life-changing K9s For Warriors Service Dogs, Service Dog Zanna and Service Dog Spike, who have both since been paired with a Veteran.

“Every dog we bring into our program represents a new opportunity to make a difference in the life of a Veteran,” said K9s For Warriors CEO Daniel Bean. “We’re incredibly grateful to Team Godwin Foundation for continuing to invest in our mission and to Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center for welcoming our team and helping us explore new possibilities for these rescue dogs.”

The collaboration brings together three organizations united by a commitment to creating second chances for dogs and making a meaningful difference in their communities. The Team Godwin Foundation supports at-risk youth and animals – a mission that aligns closely with K9s For Warriors’ work with rescue dogs and Veterans with the invisible wounds of war.

“We believe every dog deserves compassion, dignity and a second chance,” said Team Godwin Foundation Founders Chris and Mariah Godwin. “K9s For Warriors’ mission to save lives at both

ends of the leash is something we deeply believe in, and we’re proud to support the incredible impact these dogs can have on Veterans.”

The visit to the shelter represents a shared belief of K9s For Warriors, Team Godwin Foundation and Hillsborough County Pet Resources Center that rescue dogs can be part of something bigger – creating opportunities and ultimately saving lives at both ends of the leash.

“The Hillsborough County Pet Resources Foundation is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside K9s For Warriors and the Team Godwin Foundation to explore new possibilities for dogs in our care at the Pet Resource Center,” said Hillsborough County Pet Resources Foundation Executive Director Lisa Savopoulos. “Collaborations like this highlight the many ways rescue dogs can positively impact our community, and we’re excited to see where this next chapter takes them.”

Since 2011, K9s For Warriors has paired more than 1,350 Veterans across all 50 states with life-changing Service Dogs and rescued more than 2,500 dogs. To learn more about K9s For Warriors, visit k9sforwarriors.org.