Veterans Appreciation Run

The mission of CHAMP Assistance Dogs to improve and enhance life skills and promote companionship through the placement of specially selected service dogs with qualified individuals, and further, to always celebrate the mystery and joy inherent in the canine/human bond. This mission is fulfilled through stories like Todd's. 

Todd, a Corporal in the United States Marines, served one tour in Iraq. A year after returning home from Iraq he was serving our country, once again, in Afghanistan. While on a routine security patrol on March 26, 2010, Todd gave his men an order to stay back as he ventured across a bridge. Todd’s life changed forever on that bridge when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). When asked about how Hugo has made a difference for Todd in the first six months together, Todd replied, "Hugo has been a great addition to the family. Having him around as a service dog has made my life so much easier around the house especially when I drop things. He has improved my quality of life and has put smiles on all my family."