WORKING DOGS FOR VETS AWARDED 5K GRANT FROM NASHVILLE PREDATORS FOUNDATION, ENSURING NO VETERAN IS LEFT BEHIND

Working Dogs For Vets

Nashville Predators Foundation

Co-Founder Brenda Moody, WDFV Trainer Monica Grove with Service Dog In-Training Peanut, and Administrative Assistant Crystal Gulley at Nashville TN Predators Foundation Helper Grants Award Day 05/12/2025.

Lawrenceburg, TN | Nashville, TN – With immense gratitude and unwavering commitment to our nation’s heroes, Working Dogs for Vets is proud to announce its selection as a recipient of the Nashville Predators Foundation’s Helper Grant. This generous contribution directly supports our No Veteran Left Behind program, reaffirming our mission to empower veterans through the life-changing bond with a trained service dog. Working Dogs For Vets Saves Lives At Both Ends Of the Leash. The Mission is to provide service dogs and training to disabled heroes in need, empowering them as they return to civilian life with new-found independence;  reducing suicide and overcrowding in animal shelters. Founded in 2012. More information at www.workingdogsforvets.org

The true impact of this award extends far beyond financial support—it represents a shared dedication to hope, healing, and independence for those who have sacrificed for our country. Since its inception, the Nashville Predators Foundation has awarded over $8 million in grants to nonprofit organizations striving to make meaningful change in their communities.

This milestone was celebrated on May 12th at Bridgestone Arena, a special moment for Working Dogs for Vets and those we serve. One such remarkable pairing took place at a Predators game, where Veteran Stephen Owens was united with his service dog, Oreo—a symbol of the transformative impact these partnerships bring. “This isn’t just about training dogs—it’s about restoring dignity, confidence, and a renewed purpose in the lives of veterans,” shared the Executive Director of Working Dogs For Vets Kenneth Knabenshue..

Stephen is 7 years, Vietnam Era, Navy Veteran who served as a Cryptologist and Helmsman on the guided nuclear cruiser, USS Mississippi and in Norfolk, Virginia. During his service, he sustained injuries to his knees that shortened his career and eventually led to the need for a double replacement after he retired as a civilian. Steve has remained a staunch patriot and supporter of our military, as both his father was an Army Veteran from the Battle of the Bulge and his eldest son Matthew also served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Steve has been waiting for a Mobility Service Dog for six months. Working Dogs For Vets Board Member Matt Owens."

Stephen Owens "I've had thirteen surgeries on my legs; my balance and stability is going to zero. I really need a mobility service dog. I think it is absolutely amazing the work they do with what they have, they multiply it a hundredfold, and their hearts are just full of love. 

Stephen was introduced to his service dog, what a surprise when paired with Oreo at the Bridgestone arena Nashville Predators game. Thank you, Working Dogs, For Vets and the Predators Foundation for this partnership. 

Through the dedication of donors, volunteers, and community partners, Working Dogs for Vets has helped countless veterans find independence and emotional support. 

Kenneth Knabenshue, Founder / President of Working Dogs For Vets historically we have assisted approximately 3,600 veterans and dogs across the country since 2012-Current. We aim to help 200 veterans this year through our No Veteran Left Behind Program, and 50 through our Prison and In-House Service dog programs. More info about our programs here:  

Matt Owens Working Dogs For Vets Board Member with his service dog Popeye explains I get a little bit emotional when I talk about Working Dogs For Vets. I feel like this organization has saved my life, along with my dog. They've just done so much for us, and now I have this companion that helps me. My dad is an extreme patriot. His whole life growing up he wanted to be in the military. He sustained some injuries to his knees during his service which led to him needing an entire knee replacement as a civilian after retirement.

Meet Oreo, He spent about a year in New Life K9’s prison dog program in Cortland Ohio, with Karen Lody-Lutz as lead through our Prison dog program where veteran inmates train service dogs. Oreo will help with brace work, and stability issues for Stephen helping to keep him from falling over. Oreo is a big strong dog, and Stephen has significant mobility issues. He has fallen four times in the past 6 months.

But with many more awaiting assistance, we need YOUR help to extend our reach and ensure every hero gets the service dog they deserve.

Together with the Nashville Predators Foundation, we invite the public to stand with us in championing our veterans. Your support—whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteering—can directly change lives.

Join us in making a difference.

Donate Today

For more information, interview requests, or details on how you can help, please contact:

Crystal Gulley Email: crystal@workingdogsforvets.org

United in compassion and commitment, let’s ensure No Veteran is ever left behind.