On Friday, June 6, Big Dog Rescue Ranch (BDRR) in Loxahatchee Groves held a graduation ceremony for 30 veterans and service dogs who graduated from a program where they, in fact, “rescue each other.”
Through intensive training, dogs who once faced uncertain futures find a purpose, while veterans gain loyal companions who help them navigate life with physical disabilities, post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional trauma.
Lauree Simmons’ passion for saving dogs led her to create BDRR, which is now the largest cage-free, no-kill dog rescue in the United States. As the 30 veterans, their families and the dogs gathered for the Veteran Service Dog Program graduation ceremony, Simmons addressed the crowd…