From the beginning, Rex Specs has committed to supporting working dogs and working dog teams. For Veterans Day on Monday, 11/11/2024, we are honored to be donating a portion of proceeds from every sale during 11/8/2024 to 11/11/2024 to Mutts With A Mission - a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains Service Dogs for disabled Veterans, First Responders, and Law Enforcement, as well as Expeditionary Facility Dogs placed on U.S. Navy ships.
Mutts With A Mission
While serving in the army, Brooke Corson found herself and her dog, Angus, at Fort Benning. It was there that she spent time observing the way Angus interacted with soldiers - and the positive effect he had on them.
Inspired by the impact her pet dog had on fellow soldiers, Brooke founded Mutts With A Mission in 2008, alongside her brother Keller Elliot and husband Joe. Their mission? To provide selected, specially trained Service/Assistance Dogs to qualified Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Law Enforcement Officers, Federal Workers from agencies supporting the military or national security, and First Responders. Their mission serves not only to train and place these dogs with handlers in need, but to provide these dogs free of cost.
By late 2009, Mutts With A Mission’s first fully trained service dog was placed, and a legacy was born.
Learn about Mutts With A Mission
Rewarding Work
The dogs at MWAM begin training at 8 weeks old in order to provide them a sound foundation and a love for learning. They spend 18-20 months with a Puppy Raiser while they go through the training program and graduate when they are 2 years old.
Mutts With A Mission primarily trains service dogs for mobility and mental health disabilities, but service animals can be utilized by individuals with a variety of disabilities like blindness, hearing impairment, seizures, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
Each dog learns specific tasks that will help aid their future handler with their own individual needs. For example, mobility tasks for MWAM dogs might include learning to pick up dropped items, providing balance assistance, learning to turn lights on/off, medication reminders, and how to open/close doors. Psychiatric tasks might include learning to provide tactile stimulation during flashback or anxiety attacks, how to wake their handler up during night terrors, create non-aggressive space in crowds, and more!
The Dogs Making an Impact
Alongside the dogs being placed with veteran handlers in need, MWAM also trains Expeditionary Facility Dogs, which are placed on U.S. Navy ships. Expeditionary Facility Dogs are highly skilled, specially trained canines that work with mental health professionals to help improve the emotional and physical well-being of military personnel.
Read more about what Expeditionary Facility Dogs do here
Lieutenant Commander Ike
4 year old labrador retriever LCDR Ike was Mutt’s With A Mission’s first dog placed on a naval ship! He is an exceptionally dedicated dog with an unwavering commitment to supporting service members and veterans aboard the USS Wasp (LHD-1). Ike's dedication, skills, and passion for service will undoubtedly make a lasting impact on the entire crew and further strengthen the mission capabilities of the ship.
Ike has an Instagram account, where the team is able to educate the public, give families at home a special way to stay connected, and share what Ike is up to on board!
You can follow Ike’s adventures on board and on land at @waspike.
Captain Sage
Captain Sage made history at Mutts With A Mission as the first dog to be deployed on a naval ship when she was assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). In January of 2024, the 5 year old labrador completed a successful 8 month maiden deployment in the Mediterranean. Sage provided comfort and support to the Sailors in the USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, helping to bridge the gap between Sailors and mental health resources during missions.
Her presence set a new standard for the inclusion of Facility Dogs in military settings, paving the way for future placements and demonstrating the vital role that dogs like her play in maintaining mental health and well-being in demanding environments.
Captain Demo
A young dog with a bright future ahead, 2 year old labrador retriever, golden retriever mix Captain Demo deployed with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Group late last year, and recently returned from his 9 month deployment. Although he has returned, he still resides on the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower as a highly trained EFD (Expeditionary Facility Dog), providing comfort, companionship, and vital therapeutic assistance to those serving aboard the ship. His unwavering dedication has made him an invaluable member of the team.
Captain Rudder
After 2 years training and learning with his puppy raisers, labrador retriever Captain Rudder is hitting the seas. Sponsored by Huntington Ingalls Industries, a large shipbuilding company in Newport News, VA, Captain Rudder joined the crew of USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75) in September as an Expeditionary Facility Dog. While serving on board the ship, Rudder will aid in breaking down barriers that may prevent military members from seeking help and guidance from available mental health professionals. He will also support general morale improvement while deployed.
ODU Hudson
2 year old labrador retriever Hudson graduated as a Facility Dog for the Harrisonburg Police Department in May. This accomplishment was made possible by the dedication of his Puppy Raiser and the supportive community at Old Dominion University.
As a Facility Dog, he engages with the community, contributes to community outreach programs, and offers crucial support to officers after tough days - aiding them in unwinding and recovering from the demands of their work. Hudson is specially trained to identify and alleviate stress in high-pressure situations and provide calming support during challenging encounters.
Captain Fathom
As the newest placement of MWAM’s Expeditionary Facility Dog Team, Fathom the labrador retriever will be enriching the lives of the crew on board the USS George H.W. Bush. Captain Fathom knows no stranger and makes instant friends with anyone he meets. On top of being personable and loving, his highly skilled training allows him to detect and alleviate stress and anxiety. He plays a vital role in opening the door to important mental health conversations.
Captain Fathom is the brother of Captain Rudder, currently placed by Mutts With A Mission on the USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN 75). You could say it’s in Fathom’s genes to be an EFD!
Make A Difference
During Veterans Day, we're reminded of the incredible dedication and impact of organizations like Mutts With A Mission. Their work uplifts veterans, first responders, and service members through the help of a well-trained service dog. At Rex Specs, we're honored to play a small part in their mission. With every purchase from 11/8 to 11/11, you're not only gearing up your own dog, but also supporting a meaningful mission that changes lives. Together, let’s make a difference to those who have selflessly served.