Three Veterans, Three Dogs, and a Pawsitive Path Forward

By Brandie Jackson | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice

This June, Pawsitive Pathways was honored to join the Rocky Mountain Voice Freedom Fest in Castle Rock, Colorado. Our small but mighty team spent the day introducing the shelter dogs in our program to the community and sharing our mission to help dogs and people in rural Colorado. We were delighted when two dogs found loving homes at the event.

Pawsitive Pathways at Rocky Mountain Voice’s Freedom Fest in Castle Rock. (Photo by Brandie Jackson/Pawsitive Pathways)

The evening featured music by one of our favorites, Mr. Larry Gatlin, and inspiring presentations from many guests.

The amazing Heidi Ganahl, a treasured friend to animals, graciously hosted a live auction to support veteran adoptions through Pawsitive Pathways.

Thanks to Heidi and the generosity of the auction’s donors and supporters, $9,000 was raised to help three veterans welcome a Pawsitive Pathways dog into their homes.

Since the event, Tulip, Kyra, and Princess have each been placed with a veteran.

Each veteran and their family received one-on-one training with me as a certified dog trainer who specializes in dog behavior. This guidance continues to help each dog build a strong foundation in their new home as an emotional support animal. Each of these dogs was at risk of euthanasia prior to coming to Pawsitive Pathways. Now they are getting to live their best forever lives with veterans and their families.

Veteran James and Hope with Tulip. (Photo by Brandie Jackson/Pawsitive Pathways)

Don with Kyra. (Photo by Brandie Jackson/Pawsitive Pathways)

Sherri with Princess. (Photo by Brandie Jackson/Pawsitive Pathways)

We’re deeply grateful to the Rocky Mountain Voice, Heidi Ganahl, our dedicated volunteers, and the phenomenal auction donors who made these adoptions possible. Most of all, we thank our veterans for their service and dedication to our country. We’re humbled to give back—one dog and one family at a time.

Lend a Paw

There are many ways to help Pawsitive Pathways dogs find their next chapter.

Donations support essentials such as transportation, veterinary care, food, training treats, and enrichment. You can also sponsor a dog, send supplies from our wishlists, shop our merchandise, or help spread the word. The program costs approximately $1,000 for a dog’s 30-day stay.

Learn more and find a way to help on our Lend a Paw page, or text “PATH” to 89871 for a donation link.

Brandie Jackson is a dog trainer, behaviorist, and one of the founders of Pawsitive Pathways, a nonprofit dedicated to saving at-risk dogs and strengthening animal welfare in rural Colorado. Through canine rehabilitation, community education, and her original “Speak Dog” program, she works to help dogs heal while equipping the people who care for them with the knowledge and tools to succeed. Her mission is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and the belief that lasting change happens when we support both animals and the communities they depend on.