The Mercy Story
Mercy Dogs exists to rescue shelter dogs and train them to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD and anxiety.
By pairing two lives in need, we create healing, purpose, and lifelong companionship.
Each connection heals two lives — a hero and a dog.
| 501(c)(3) Verified | Veteran-Founded Program | 100% of Sponsorships Fund Training & Care |
| 501(c)(3) Verified | Veteran-Founded Program |
| 100% of Sponsorships Fund Training & Care |
The Mercy Story
Rescuing Dogs. Restoring Hope. Serving Heroes.
From the battlefields of World War I to the homes of veterans today, Mercy Dogs™ carry forward a legacy of healing and hope. What began as a mission of compassion on the front lines has become a movement to restore connection, purpose, and peace—one partnership at a time.
Each connection heals two lives — a hero and a dog.
| 501(c)(3) Verified | Veteran-Founded Program | 100% of Sponsorships Fund Training & Care |
| 501(c)(3) Verified | Veteran-Founded Program |
| 100% of Sponsorships Fund Training & Care |
A Legacy Born on the Battlefield
Since World War I, the term “Mercy Dogs” have symbolized courage and compassion, trained to locate and comfort wounded soldiers on the battlefield.
Today, Mercy Dogs continues that legacy by pairing rescued shelter dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD, trauma, and anxiety — creating healing partnerships that change two lives at once.
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From Heartbreak to Hope
Founded in 2024 by Nikki Musko, Mercy Dogs began after witnessing the powerful bond between a veteran and his service dog.
Driven by personal loss and a commitment to mental health advocacy, Nikki created a program that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD and anxiety.
From Heartbreak to Hope
Founded in 2024 by Nikki Musko, Mercy Dogs began after witnessing the powerful bond between a veteran and his service dog.
Driven by personal loss and a commitment to mental health advocacy, Nikki created a program that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to support veterans and first responders living with PTSD and anxiety.
Our Vision
To rescue, train, and place shelter dogs with veterans and first responders living with PTSD and anxiety — empowering both to heal and thrive together.
A future where no hero feels alone and every rescue has purpose.
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🐾 Dogs Rescued → 👨✈️ Veterans Supported
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Q: What is Mercy Dogs?
A: Mercy Dogs is a nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as service companions for veterans and first responders living with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or anxiety challenges.
Q: Who qualifies to receive a Mercy Dog?
A: Our program serves U.S. military veterans and first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and search & rescue personnel) diagnosed with PTSD or anxiety from service.
Q: How much does it cost to receive a dog?
A: There is no cost to approved recipients. Training, Care, and placement are fully funded by donations and sponsorships.
Q: Where do you get your dogs?
A: We partner with local shelters and rescues to identify dogs with the right temperament for service work.
Q: How long does the process take?
A: Depending on training needs and matching requirements, placement can take several months to ensure the perfect fit for both the dog and recipient.
Q: Do you provide support after placement?
A: Yes. We offer ongoing guidance, training refreshers, and resources to support each team’s long-term success.
Q: Can I volunteer with Mercy Dogs?
A: Absolutely! We welcome volunteers for transportation, events, fundraising, and community outreach.
Q: How can I donate?
A: You can donate online, by mail, or through workplace giving programs. Every contribution directly supports our mission.
Join the Mission. Change Two Lives.
Sponsor A Connection
Fund the training and care of a future service dog.
Pair & Connect
Support the mission as a business or organization.
Heal & Grow
Apply to be matched with a trained Mercy Dog.
Make An Impact
Your Support Creates Change
Every connection you sponsor changes two lives. Your support provides training, food, medical care, and ongoing support for each Mercy Dogs partnership.
Together, we can continue serving veterans and first responders while giving rescued dogs a second chance.
Every connection heals two lives — thank you for being part of ours.
Contact Information:
Other Resources:
Mercy Dogs, Inc.
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