Episode 62: Lani Rethaber Patriot K9s of Wisconsin
Started in 2017, Patriot K9s of Wisconsin has been working hard to combat PTSD in the Veteran community by getting service dogs into the hands of those who need them. While I have several friends with service dogs, this was the first deep dive I had ever taken behind the scenes of an organization responsible for providing these life changing, and in many cases, life saving animals to their owners. I was able to meet with our guest and tour their facility last week and see first hand the impact of the work they are doing.
A Veteran himself impacted by post traumatic stress and Veteran suicide, Lani Rethaber volunteered for Patriot K9s in 2018. A lifelong dog lover and wanting to help his fellow Veterans, Lani walked away from a very good job as a logistics manager with a trucking company to follow his passion and now serves as the Executive Director for the Wausau Wisconsin based nonprofit. With a long waiting list and beginning to outgrow their building, Patriot K9s, like many organizations of its type, is always in need of additional volunteers and other resources.
Growing pains aside, strong local support for their cause has allowed them to accomplish a lot in a few short years. Higher vet bills, extensive training and the long hours required by multiple parties have pushed the price tag north of $20,000 to deliver a dog to its new owner. In spite of the increased cost, Patriot K9s has placed over 60 dogs with Veterans in need since 2017 and is changing lives but there is more work to be done. If you would like to volunteer, donate or support Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, visit their website at patriotk9s.org and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here at HHAUSA, we appreciate the work than Lani and his dedicated team are doing across the state. Part of our mission is to help fight the battle against PTSD and the 22 Veterans a day that take their lives. As we continue to grow, we are excited to grow our relationship with them and look forward to expanding our partnership in 2023 and beyond.
For more information about HHAUSA, learn how you can support our mission, or attend an event, visit www.hhausa.org
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