Who we are
Since World War I, when the Red Cross first deployed dogs to locate and comfort wounded soldiers on the battlefield, these incredible animals have been known as Mercy Dogs. They were more than just rescuers—they were companions, offering solace to soldiers in the most terrifying and isolating moments of war. The bond between a soldier and their dog became a symbol of hope and resilience, proving that even in the darkest times, there is light.
Today, we proudly continue this legacy by matching, training, and providing emotional support dogs to both veterans and first responders who face battles of their own. These dogs are much more than pets; they are life-changing companions offering the stability, emotional support, and unconditional love that these heroes need to heal from the invisible wounds of their service. For many, the challenges don't end when they return home or leave the front lines—they can often intensify. The weight of trauma, isolation, and a loss of purpose can feel overwhelming, but with a well-trained support dog by their side, they gain a steadfast partner to help them through each day.
Our mission goes beyond training dogs; we aim to empower veterans and first responders to regain control of their lives. Through the love, loyalty, and companionship of these dogs, veterans and first responders find healing, independence, and a renewed sense of purpose. Each match we make is more than a partnership—it’s a step toward restoring the dignity and hope that every veteran and first responder deserves. Whether it’s offering comfort during a panic attack or simply providing unwavering companionship, these dogs change lives. They help veterans and first responders not just survive but thrive in their new lives.
With your support, we can continue this powerful mission, honoring the spirit of Mercy Dogs while giving back to those who have given so much. Together, we can create a future where no veteran or first responder feels alone, and where every hero has the steadfast companionship they need to face life’s challenges with strength and hope.
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Our story
Mauricio Pinto’s journey began when he immigrated to Texas from Brazil as a young child, growing up in Dallas. Like many teenagers, he struggled to find his path, feeling wild and aimless. But at 17, something inside him shifted—he felt a deep and powerful calling to serve his country. Driven by this purpose, Mauricio enlisted in the Army as a 19kilo M1 Abrams armor crewman, even undergoing surgery to close the large gauges in his ears so he could wear his uniform with pride.
Mauricio was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas, and later deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, with the 4th Infantry Division. The camaraderie and brotherhood he formed with his fellow soldiers was unbreakable. But when his unit was relocated to Fort Carson, Colorado, and then deployed again to the dangerous Arghandab River Valley in Kandahar, Afghanistan, the weight of war began to take its toll. Amid the chaos, two unruly Afghan dogs appeared at their combat outpost. One of these dogs, Renegade, formed an unshakable bond with Mauricio and his platoon. In the face of constant danger, Renegade became their unexpected source of comfort and connection, offering a small piece of home in the harshest of circumstances.
When Mauricio returned home, the transition to civilian life was far more difficult than he could have imagined. No longer surrounded by the brothers who had fought by his side, he felt lost. The camaraderie and purpose he once had was gone, and with it, a piece of himself. Struggling with the emotional and mental scars of combat, Mauricio turned to drugs and alcohol, desperate to numb the pain and fill the void.
Just three months after leaving the Army, Mauricio hit rock bottom. He was arrested and soon checked into an inpatient rehab center. It was during this difficult time that Renegade, the dog who had stood by his side in war, became his emotional support dog—his lifeline. Renegade wasn’t just a reminder of the battles they had faced together; he was the key to Mauricio’s healing. With Renegade by his side, Mauricio found stability, emotional healing, and a renewed sense of purpose. His journey didn’t end in darkness—it was just beginning again, this time with the unconditional love and support of his loyal dog.
Now, Mauricio is dedicated to helping other veterans and first responders find the same hope and healing that Renegade brought into his life. He knows firsthand the power of an emotional support dog to restore not just peace of mind, but a sense of belonging and purpose. Through our nonprofit, Mauricio and our team work to match veterans and first responders with dogs who will help them navigate the challenging road of life after service—just as Renegade did for him.
Your donation can help us continue this vital mission, providing veterans and first responders with the companions they need to find their way home again. Together, we can give back to those who have given so much, offering them a renewed sense of hope, healing, and unconditional love.