Heartland Canines for Veterans

10/01/2025

But it's May, why should you put your team in now???
Three reasons...
1. There is 6 inches of snow on the ground, so this will make you think of sunny warm days ahead!
2. By paying now, by the time May rolls around, you won't even miss the entry fee money and it will feel like a free tournament... win win!
3. Most important, this is going to a great cause. Our goal is to raise enough money for the FULL cost of a service team. You have an opportunity to help change the life of a Veteran and their family, just by playing golf.

And as an add on, you can also get you own HK9 polo and trucker hat for $50! They will be normal price the day of the event!

09/01/2025

We are looking forward to an amazing day! So thankful for the sponsors who have come on board and those not far behind them.
Let's raise enough to provide a service dog to a needing Veteran!
Grizzly Bear Golf Cars Carthage Golf Course - MO Southern Missouri Bank (SMB) LiNKS iNK Pinnacle Pet Pawsitive Care Veterinary Clinic

09/01/2025

Andddddddddd.... it's officially live. Check out our "Putts for Paws Charity Scramble" Golf Tourney website. The tournament is on May 9th.
This sight has all the details, sponsor opportunities, and the place to sign up for the tournament. Get in early!

19/12/2024

We love recognizing organizations and people that go out of their way for others. Patrick Tuttle is one of those people. Truly a lighthouse for Joplin who sets the example. Thanks for everything you do for Joplin and the Veterans who live here!

12/12/2024

Step one in the pairing process for Willow and her Veteran! Introductions were made today and we are super excited and hopeful!
Cody is a Veteran in the Joplin area and soon you'll be seeing these two out together. Be sure, say hello, and wish them luck!
Thank you to American Legion Post 322 Webb City, MO Webb City Elks Lodge #861 VFW Post 7630 Webb City, MO for making this pairing possible! Between these organizations, every single penny was raised for the team... medical, equipment, testing, gear... all of it! We are grateful for such amazing organizations!

09/12/2024

This is a "pretty good" flow chart. While giving presentations, I get asked a lot on this subject and it's a great thing to be educated as a business or company.
The biggest reason I said this chart is only "pretty good" as I feel, it's missing the MOST important part of screening: OBSERVATION.
Before you even engage in a conversation try these things:
1. Lead with empathy. It's tough enough in today's world. IF you go to the chart, are you asking simply because you "can",or, it's "policy"? I STRONGLY recommend you do not dehumanize someone because "policy" dictates you "can". If a conversation is to be had how about, "What a pretty dog!" Or ALWAYS a winner, "I sure wish I could take my dog with me places but they aren't a service dog. What services does your dog do?" You LITERALLY just made yourself an ally and did it without being confrontational.
2. Understand you're not a subject matter expert on service dogs. Service dogs are used for many things other than mobility and "seeing".
3. I go back to the most important... before engaging, OBSERVE. You can answer 99% of your questions before they are even asked.
- Is the dog observant to their handler or all over the map?
-Is the handler letting people pet the dog? See this? ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY. Service dogs are for the handler ONLY.
-Is the dog making observable motions? IE, blocking people from getting too close? Watching behind the handler in a "watch" position?
Dog they have the dog in a "carry" bag? ENGAGE IMMEDIATELY.
Lastly, recognize some places ARE pet friendly.
Heart Canines are allies to our community. If you have questions, reach out. Would like a demonstration or class at your work place? Reach out.
Service dogs CHANGE lives. Don't be the person who takes your pets places and say "they're a service dog" and don't be that business that stays uneducated. We are here to help.

Jimmy Burgess
Executive Director

09/12/2024

Good afternoon, everyone. We are officially deep in the holiday season and closing in on the end of the year. Please go to this link listed to help us with our next service dog in training.
Thank you to you all!
https://heartlandk9s.org/donate/

04/12/2024

Thank you for supporting us!

Thank you Heartland Canines for Veterans for the fancy plaque! We love to support our Veterans and Community, and we appreciate everything you do!!

03/12/2024

Today is the day! Please make today the day you decide to help change the life of a Veteran.

https://heartlandk9s.org/donate/

02/12/2024

More wreaths added!

28/11/2024

Hello happy family of Heartland! Recognizing tomorrow is Thanksgiving, Happy Thanksgiving!
Second, along with our merch that is flying off the shelf, we are opening to you guys an opportunity to get our limited edition (20) HK9 wreaths for this holiday season! Each will include a Heartland ornament with our logo, "2024" on it and your limited addition number IE 1/20.
These are being made specially for our season fundraiser and will be $75 each. Again, there are only 20 of them and these are the first three that were made specifically as a way to help our service dog program.
If you want one, simply drop your name here and I will send you the place to pay. These are BEAUTIFULLY crafted and we know you will love them. This is first come, first serve,so act quickly,they will not last long!

24/11/2024

Riley the Service Dog enjoyed Thanksgiving dinner with the folks at VFW Post 7630 Webb City, MO American Legion Post 322 Webb City, MO today. We are thankful for everyone involved and part of these organizations... for all they've done for us, for Heartland Canines for Veterans, service dogs and the community!

20/11/2024

Congrats to MJ and his Veteran Paul with their service dog final testing today! Yes, that means they passed with flying colors!
Please help us in congratulating this outstanding team. They were 💯 meant for each other.
Also, to Jack Henry and your team. YOU made this possible. YOU have helped in providing a LIFE CHANGING service dog for another American. A Veteran. A father. A husband. A friend. You've improved the quality of life for MJ as well. This home is where he belongs, and they, WE are grateful for you and your commitment to helping. Thank you.

20/11/2024

You guys were outstanding and so welcoming!

20/11/2024

Giving Tuesday is coming up! However, you can always use the QR code to donate and help our program! Thanks!

If you are on your cell and wish to donate, simply go to https://heartlandk9s.org/donate/ and click on the yellow button at the bottom of the screen.