Gwen and Auggie

Tsgt Gwen LaViolet joined the Air Force in November of 1999 and retired in February of 2004 from the 442nd Maintenance Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri. During her time in service, she worked as a load crew member on A-10’s and in Base Operations at Shaw AFB, South Carolina. She completed two tours in Iraq and finished her career as a Parachute and Fabrication Specialist. She shares that she volunteers at the Kansas City Spay and Neuter Clinic and it was there that a friend referred her to Pets for Vets.

Gwen writes, “I lost my previous dog after returning from Iraq and was a little apprehensive at first because the loss of my first dog was very difficult. I suffered from PTSD and depression. When I met Auggie we
bonded immediately. He is such a good companion. He has a very sweet disposition and he makes me smile with his antics. He loves to run and play which has gotten me out of the house more in the last month than in the last two or three years. Auggie gives meaning to my life again and he loves back and belly rubs. He has definitely changed my life for the better. I am so grateful to Pets for Vets for bringing me my new best bud!”

Thank you to our friends at Great Plains SPCA for saving Auggie's life and helping connect our organization with this very special dog.

A HUGE thank you to Jonathan Graham and Chris White, our Chapter Trainers, for making this match possible.

We would also like to thank both Tsgt LaViolet and Army veteran, Mel Hughes for their service and dedication to our country.