Healing Heroes
Our Passion. Our Purpose.
Healing Heroes Program
We exist for the sole purpose of being a catalyst for hope and change - 1 Hero & 1 Dog at a Time
The
RRUFF Healing Heroes Program provides funding for service dog training for veterans and first responders with PTSD and other invisible disabilities in the Greater Sacramento/Placer County area.
This program is made possible by the generous support of our RRUFF members, local businesses, and individual donors.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD) is a serious problem for veterans. Each day, 17 American Veterans die by suicide. More First Responders die by suicide than on the job. We exist for the sole purpose of being a catalyst for hope and change. We do this 1 Hero & 1 Dog at a Time
Our efforts provide service dog training funding at several Greater Sacramento Region locations.
Highly qualified trainers lead classes to improve the lives of veterans and first responders coping with PTSD through the use of service dogs.
Additionally, Healing Heroes funds the cost of dog acquisition, spaying and neutering, puppy wellness packages, vaccinations, and other veterinary services as needed during training.
FACILITY DOGS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
While on duty, First Responders must be on full alert at all times, and the transition of coming home to a safe place is not an easy one. This difficulty can affect the personal relationships, marriage and family life, causing undue conflict and anxiety.
Facility dogs are being trained to live at various Fire Departments throughout Sacramento/Placer counties to assist first responders while on duty.
The Healing Heroes program is dedicated to the memory of Luis Carlos Montalvan, 1973-2016
Luis Carlos Montalvan was an American soldier and author who was an advocate for the use of service dogs. He served two tours of duty in Iraq and was awarded two Bronze Stars, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, and the Combat Action Badge for his combat service.
After his discharge from the service, he suffered from severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder that made it difficult for him to even leave his apartment – until he met his service dog Tuesday. Together, Captain Montalvan and Tuesday raised awareness about PTSD and its impact on veterans, and their meeting with Senator Al Franken inspired the legislator to introduce a bill to provide service dogs for vets.
Captain Montalvan’s book: “Until Tuesday: A Wounded Warrior and the Golden Retriever Who Saved Him” was a New York Times bestseller. Shortly before his death he wrote "Tuesday's Promise" He also authored two childrens' picture books, "Tuesday Takes Me There" & "Tuesday Tucks Me In".
Ultimately Captain Montalvan's physical and emotional injuries were more than he could bear and he died by suicide in December 2016.
Final Tour of Duty - February 26, 2020
Captain Morgan, “Cappy” crossed over the Rainbow Bridge February 26 in the loving arms of his Veteran, Mike Chinnock, and Jean McGinnis. Cappy retired in 2018 and lived lovingly with Jean in retirement. Cappy was born November 29, 2008.
Not only did Cappy work for his Veteran, Mike, he helped RRUFF Healing Heroes fundraising efforts to provide service dogs and training for other disabled veterans. He never said “no”. His age and his hard work eventually took its toll. There has never been a better, more loving dog.
Rest In Peace Captain Morgan – Your final tour of duty has ended. We will wrap our treasured memories in a blanket of love and keep them for you until we meet again
