Veteran: Charles Wiley

Service Dog: Rambo

I just wanted to take a minute to thank the staff at VA Dogs of Texas.

It’s been a year since I was gifted with this amazing dog, Brandon was his name at the time of adoption but changed to Rambo since then. He’s always learning, tremendously smart and loyal and is the best companion I could have. He goes everywhere with me. I’ve made a comfortable place in the back of my SUV and he loves to ride. He’s sweet and gentle, follows me everywhere, walks well on a leash, loves his yard and his dozens of toys, was housebroken from the very first day and has never had an accident indoors. He learns quickly, sleeps all night.

I’ve worked hard to socialize him because he can be scary at first glance. A solid black, 90-pound, long haired German Shepherd is a beautiful dog with a heart of gold, never met a stranger, loves to be handled, and seems to remember everyone he’s met, is good with children and other dogs.

I go to coffee most mornings with some old friends and when we near the coffee shop, he knows and gets excited, cries and can’t wait to see my friends. He gets a Starbucks Pup Cup every morning and loves the waiter who serves him. He lays under the table at every restaurant we go to and is perfectly behaved.

I recently visited a friend in a retirement community and everyone loved him and he loved all those older people. He was really good with them. He’s a hit wherever he goes.

So, thank you and the staffers who do the work you do. It’s the very best gift you could possibly offer a veteran. What you do changes lives. It really matters!

We are saddened to share the passing of Marilyn Kranke, beloved wife of Gil Kranke and a dear friend to many in our extended community.

Marilyn and Gil were longtime supporters of VA Dogs and wonderful friends to several members of our team. The couple originally grew up in Southern California and later spent time in Kerrville, Texas, where they formed lasting friendships while wintering at Buckhorn Lake Resort.

Marilyn bravely battled cancer for the past several years. She will be remembered for her strength, kindness, and the love she shared with those around her.

Gil served with distinction as a highly honored Police Officer and Detective with the Torrance Police Department, and together he and Marilyn built a life rooted in service, friendship, and generosity.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Gil and the Kranke family during this difficult time.

You can read Marilyn’s full obituary here.

We are proud to partner with Trounce Fitness Apparel, a local San Antonio business dedicated to providing high-quality men’s and women’s athletic wear. They go the extra mile to support those who serve by offering a 10% discount to Veterans, military personnel, and first responders, everyday.

We appreciate their shared heart and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those who have served our country.

We are honored to have partners like Viking Bags who share our commitment to supporting Veterans and their unique needs. Viking Bags has shown tremendous support by sponsoring events aimed at honoring the service of our military personnel and raising awareness of the challenges they face. Their dedication to making a difference has had a lasting impact on the Veterans we serve.

Veteran: Cierra Bakerbingham

Service Dog: Hunter

Cierra is a single parent with 3 young children. She was in need of a service dog which we were able to donate to her service dog Hunter. Hunter is a very mild mannered dog that loves people and is easily managed as a service dog. His large size will provide support for Cierra while standing or walking.

Hunter was entered into our program in September of 2023. 

Veteran: Gus

Service Dog: Betty Boop

“Betty Boop” has been a wonderful life-changing experience for the whole family. If I could describe our relationship in two words, it would be: “magical connection”. This is because after only a few months together we were able to communicate with each other with just looks and signs. 

In the beginning, I was reluctant to believe that I could form a bond with her, but Betty Boop was able to work herself into my life to become my reliable companion and my walking partner. The first night I brought Betty home she impressed me when she woke me up from a nightmare by pawing my chest. A few days later, I realized that every time I wake up at night, she came to sit in front of me. I did not understand what she was doing or why, until one night I used her to help myself up, that was when I realized that she was there to brace for me and help me up.  As time passed by, Betty Boop and I got closer; she was able to detect my unexpected moments of anguish and helps me ease my mind by pawing, nosing, and licking me. 

Betty Boop has won over family and friends with her joyful presence. I taught her to give five with one paw and ten with two paws and to even bump my fist with her paw. She also bonded with Kiwi, our other female dog. They spend a good deal of time together playing around the house or just napping close to each other, but Betty is always responsive to my call. 

The arrival of Betty Boop in our life has been a positive game changer. She has become a member of the family, always bringing us joy. I am grateful for the support of Rose, Caleb, and Larry as well as the opportunity given to me by Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas. 

Agustín “Gus” Quiñones Vargas

MAJ, US Army, Retired

Jamie Cole is one of the Veterans we serve, Jamie has written a book which we would like to promote for her. The book is a children’s book about the two service dogs, Jake and Shay, that Jamie received from VADogs.

We at VADogs are very proud of how Jamie Cole overcame her war related issues. Jamie Cole is a retired service member of the U.S. Army. She earned an undergraduate degree in business management and a graduate degree in library information science. She has taught elementary and junior high, was a public-school librarian and now enjoys retired life. Jamie finds much pleasure in volunteering at the local library and nursing home and finds ways to show her support of her family, community, and VADogs.

Tori aka Beaux was donated to us by a breeder and trained by Rose Sclafani. Rose began training Tori at a very young age because Tori has those characteristics we look for in a service dog. Along with Tori’s demeanor and Rose’s determination and training skills Tori was able to develop into a highly qualified Service Dog in a short period of time.

Tori was given to Veteran John Bencken in June of 2023 to help John in a transition stage when his first service dog, Suzie was diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. We felt Tori will help John by being at his side during his painful time. Since acquiring Tori, Suzie passed April 04, 2024. It’s been really hard for John as we suspected, however Tori has been there to help John.

We rescued Harvey after Hurricane Harvey, hence the name Harvey. Harvey was trained by the Hill Country Dog Center and given to Veteran Juan Gonzales of Seminole, TX. Juan and Harvey graduated as a team on September 01, 2019. Harvey is now part of a family of 8, 6 of those being children. Harvey has brought purpose and meaning back to the Gonzales family.

Betty Boop was donated to us by a breeder simply because there was a shortage of quality dogs at the time that we needed to fulfill our goal of placing quality service dogs with qualified Veterans. 

Augustin Quinones Vargas retired Major, Logistics in the US Army

On very short notice we were able to match Veteran Vargas (Gus) with Service Dog Betty Boop. Gus’s wife called to inquire about the progress of receiving a service dog from us for her husband, Gus. We had a Veteran scheduled to attend our class that dropped out giving a window of opportunity for Gus to receive a Service Dog. 

Gus needed a dog with a higher energy level than most of our service dogs because he wanted the dog to run with him on a daily basis. He stated he would feel more at ease with a dog being out in public. Our Director of Canine Training, Caleb Owens felt Betty Boop was a perfect match for Gus. As they bonded and worked towards their team training it became apparent that Caleb was right in his assessment. Gus and Betty Boop both has purpose in their lives once again.

From all the board members and staff at VADogs we wish the best for Gus and Betty Boop for many years to come.

Maximus (Max) was rescued by Caleb Owens, our Director of Training. While evaluating Max, Caleb instantly saw the affection Max had for people, the number one quality for a service dog. Caleb chose Rose Sclafani to train Max. Rose too fell in love with Max and loved working with him. We had Veteran Randy Glasgow meet Max and she too fell in love with him because of his affection for people. Max and Randy began their team training April 20 and the target for their graduation date is May 05, 2024.

Veteran: Abel

Service Dog: Mack

I spent 20 years in theMilitary and deployed multiple times.I was diagnosed withPostTraumaticStress-Disorder (PTSD) and have anxiety as well as depression. Seeing what service dogs have done for otherVeterans, I told my wife, “I should look for an organization about getting a service dog.”That was in 2015.The organizations stated there would be a waiting period, not to be discouraged I asked to be put on that list.

Finding Veterans AssistanceDog of Texas (VA Dogs of Texas). They were already three steps ahead for a nonprofit to provide Veterans with a service dog. They understood what Veterans were going through and the issues I was facing. A win, win!

Prior to getting my service dog, Mack. I had issues with PTSD. I was heavily overwhelmed on a daily basis and dealing with mobility issues.Mack provided that cushion to let me know it was going to be alright.

PTSD would trigger my anxiety & depression; Mack would be there because he would know that I was feeling down. If anyone would hold a conversation, they would never think I was dealing with all that, but Mack does! When I’m going through it and I don’t want to socialize or go into the public, Mack is there. He provides that comfort. He knows when I’m getting anxious and he will bury his nose in my hands to let me know it’s ok.

Research shows, Mack is expanding my life span! When humans worry, you get sick. The depression sets in, it contributes to more illness. Mack clears away that space so I can be me and handle business. I can look at everything in a positive manner all awhile get that smile back on my face I had lost a long time ago. I have a better perspective on life and Mack makes it complete.

Veteran: Andrew A. Parra

Service Dog: Bonnie

My name is Andrew A. Parra, I am an Army veteran that served 21 years on active duty, which included three deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During my last deployment to Mosul, Iraq my unit lost 31 brave Soldiers. I was diagnosed with severe PTSD in July 2019 by the Veterans Administration and underwent psychiatric treatment that included counseling and various antidepressant medications. I was in a phase of depression that was not understandable to me, and I knew something needed to change.

I did some research on the benefits of a service animal and in October of 2019 I applied for a service dog through Veterans Assistance (VA) Dogs of Texas, a non -profit organization that provides the resources to train service dogs for veterans. In June of 2020, I was notified that I was next in line to be placed with an animal. VA Dogs of Texas has a partnership with Hill Country Dog Center, the organization that trains the service dogs. The staff at both organizations truly have the veterans' best interest at the forefront of their purpose. On 7 June 2020, I was partnered with Bonnie and my life changed from that moment on. Bonnie was already certified but I needed to learn how to handle her. After a week-long training event, we certified, and I took her home.

I immediately noticed the changes in my mood and basic attitude towards life. Sure, it took some adjustments taking an animal with me everywhere I went but now I had the attitude that I wanted to go out and do things that I previously had no interest in doing. I told my wife and doctor that I did not want to be on medications anymore and after some evaluations I was taken off of them. I have not taken any psychiatric medications for over 18 months now.

In summary, Bonnie and I have formed a bond that is so close the training has come as second nature. I believe Bonnie obeys because she does not want to disappoint me. Nevertheless the reason she has had a life-changing impact on the quality of my life that I would not trade for anything. Thank you so much to the two organizations and staff that helped me get to this point.

Veteran: Jeremy Piper

Service Dog: Harley

First, I would like to thank The VA dogs of Texas for being there for me when I was in a very challenging time of my life after retiring from the Army in 2018. The transition from the Army to civilian life was difficult for me as I truly enjoyed the structured way of life. In 2018 I applied for a service dog through the VA Dogs of Texas and after about a year and a half I was matched with Harley in January of 2020. Since the beginning of the training process the master trainer listened to my medical needs and trained Harley specifically to those requests. The training process was smooth for me because Harley is an amazing animal and always wants to work. The VA Dogs of Texas walked me through every step of the process before, during and after the training program. Harley and I are going on three years together now and the master trainer still contacts me for follow-ups. Harley loves to work for some treats and travels everywhere with me but truly enjoys his play time of chasing the ball and his daily walks. Be patient with the application process and understand that every dog has a different personality and finding the perfect dog for your situation will take time. The several months to years of waiting is well worth it and I am very happy that I made the decision to request my service dog Harley through the VA Dogs of Texas.

Veteran: Jedidiah Kiehl

Service Dog: Lexi

I am so grateful I found V.A. Dogs of Texas, every step of there program is top notch from helping with my application to taking the time to pick the perfect dog for me and my family. Their trainers and faculty are world class, they provided all the tools necessary for me and “Lexi the Lab” to be successful. I cannot even express how beneficial this program has been for my mental and physical health. Receiving Lexi and the training provided by V.A. Dogs of Texas has given me my confidence and life back. I no longer let my mental or physical disabilities keep me from doing the things I love. After my discharge from the Army I never thought I could work or travel again but now I’m doing both and loving every minute. Lexi and the staff at V.A. Dogs of Texas have become family and contacting them is easily one of the best decisions I have ever made.

Veteran: Eric Hiatt

Service Dog: Dirks

I met Dirks through Veterans Assistance Dogs of Texas in June of 2021. It would be hard to over represent the effect Dirks has had on my life. The week I met Dirks, I suffered a significant injury requiring surgery. A day after suffering the injury, my therapist of 5 years passed away. Dirks was what I needed when I needed it and VA dogs of TX bent over backwards to accommodate me during this time. Since then, Caleb has always been available whenever I have wanted a question answered. Dirks is now a familiar friend for many at the University of Texas at Austin while I am in my4th year of my PhD studies. Thank you Caleb, and everyone at VA Dogs of Texas

Veteran: Elizabeth De La Garza

Service Dog: Corey

I received Corey two years ago as my service dog from the VA Dogs of Texas and he’s been the sweetest in the world. He loves everyone who pays him attention, but above all, he loves me the most. At first I thought having such a large dog would be a problem for me. But he’s such a good boy and so quiet, he’s nothing more than just another part of me.

He’s impacted me in a very positive way. I used to be afraid to be alone in the dark, and worse, when I was home alone and I didn’t know if someone was coming through the front door. Since he barks at anyone who comes through the front door, I’m notified so I’m not caught off guard. I feel safer with this big floofer and more emotionally connected than I have before.

Veteran: Todd Coyer

Service Dog: River

Caleb,

I’d like to thank VA Dogs of Texas for suppling me with a Service Dog, River. I’ve suffered from PTSD for over 30 years.I’m single and was avoiding the world by not leaving the home, avoiding going out in public, going to the grocery store, meeting people, not getting along with co-workers and family.

I had heard how much Service Dogs helped change lives, and it’s true however, the change is beyond whatever I had imagined. Life isn’t perfect for me, not even close but River, my Service Dog, has helped me go beyond the walls of my home and I’m never alone. River has helped me get out of my own head, as much as I was, she has given me a reason to get up each day and focus on something other than myself. VA Dogs of Texas and River have changed my life for the better.

Veteran: Brian Bailey

Service Dog: Mara

From the very beginning VA Dogs have been nothing but supportive through out the whole process of me getting a Service Dog. They gave me the most support when my employer gave me a lot of resistance about having my dog with me as a means of assistance for my disability. They seemed to have a problem with the breed of the dog and the safety/liability. Former employer Travis from VA Dogs explained me of my rights as an owner of a certified trained service dog. He was the first person to say that once a dog is trained and certified the breed is secondary. That my employer by law is not allowed to specify any breed. I found that to be true because my attorney educated my employer and filed a case against them and I was told I can have which ever dog is a good fit for me. VA Dogs did everything in their power and knowledge to assure my company. That the dogs are trained and certified. The Director of training Kathy and Caleb offered to do what was needed to show my employer what it was they needed to see. Kathy offered to do a zoom call. During a zoom call even offered my employer to come to VA Dogs to pet the dog if need be.

I missed out on my first choice of service dog because it happened to be a German Sheppard. I was called by Kathy Rider approximately 2-3 months after the first class to come meet a few dogs they had that could possibly fit my needs. My wife and I chose a great dog I was able to go through the class the second time with a green light to have a service dog and approved to be able to be with me at work. The class was great I am a beginner with dogs so I needed to pay close attention and learn as much as possible. Trainer Caleb was great it was the perfect balance of class time and hands on. There was nothing boring. I learned something new every day. Room and board was taken care of and Rose was helpful answered all my questions after class. At the VA Dogs house. Rose gave me some of her favorite training DVDs she had for me to watch if i wanted to. We were able to take the dogs with us during class so we can and the dogs can get familiar with their new environment. On my second class when we came back home my dog Mara became very ill bloody stools and not well at all. I took her to the clinic had contracted a stomach or intestine virus. I sent pictures of the evidence to Caleb and kept all my receipts from the Veterinary. VA Dogs had a check for me for half of the cost of the hospital/Vet. I thought that was fair. Even though the dog was my responsibility it was likely Mara probably ate something she shouldn't have eaten the 2nd weekend at the house.

PRESIDENT OF VA DOGS OF TEXAS

Byron Warren passed away in Kerrville on September 17, 2022. Byron, a fourth generation Texan born in Waco on August 23, 1949, grew up and worked in Austin before retiring to Kerrville in 2006. Raised by a single working mother, Byron quickly learned how to be responsible for his own needs as well as the needs of others. 

Starting at fourteen, he delivered the Austin American Statesman in the area around the University of Texas. He managed to get a driver’s license the next year, opening a new world of opportunities for work and wild adventures. Immediately after graduation from Reagan High School (Austin) in 1968, he enlisted in the Marines at the age of 18.  This was the beginning of his lifelong dedication to public service that literally ended the day before his death when he attended a meeting at the VA hospital.

The Marines assigned Byron to 1st Marine Division, 1st Recon Battalion, and after advanced sniper training, shipped him to Vietnam. In Vietnam, he worked in seven-man teams that were dropped into the jungle for patrols that lasted several days. In August 1969, Byron was wounded when his team encountered heavy fire and was evacuated to Oakland Naval Hospital where he recovered.

Returning to Austin, he studied accounting at UT while working at the Veteran’s Administration.  He became proficient in a new technology called electronic commerce, and for the next 40 years would assist the VA and later the Department of Treasury, in deployment of new computer-driven technologies throughout the U.S. 

After retirement, Byron continued his public service including as an elected city councilman for the City of Buda, Austin Federal Credit Union Board, Military Order of the Purple Heart, VA Dogs of Texas, and Veterans of Foreign Wars (Fredericksburg).

Byron is survived by his wife of 47 years, Harriet Bergmann Warren, his sister, Cyndee Warren Thomas of Rising Star, Texas, and many friends. A celebration of Byron’s life will be held at a future date. 

Those wishing to honor Byron through a gift in his memory can make a donation to VA Dogs of Texas, Fredericksburg VFW Post 7105 Building Fund (https://vfwpost7105.com), or a charity of choice.