Warrior Paws Celebrates First Graduating Class of Service Dog Teams

Warrior Paws Celebrates First Graduating Class of Service Dog Teams

Five veterans and first responders complete life-changing journey through customized service dog program

GAINESVILLE, Ga. (May 16, 2025) — In a heartfelt ceremony last Thursday at Recess restaurant in downtown Gainesville, Ga., Warrior Paws Inc. marked a powerful milestone: the graduation of its first class of certified service dog teams.

Five individuals, three military veterans and two retired law enforcement officers, were honored alongside their canine companions after completing Warrior Paws’ intensive, trauma-informed training program. Each team trained in real-world scenarios, including restaurants, arcades, and skeet shooting ranges, building the skills and trust needed for life together.

“This ceremony marked a dream come true,” said John Godwin, president of Warrior Paws. “In less than a year, we’ve gone from a vision to a fully operational program. These teams represent exactly why Warrior Paws exists. Now we’re looking ahead to raising $50,000 in our Fourth of July campaign to support four more life-changing partnerships.”

Graduate spotlight: Nicole and Cash

One graduate, Nicole Ferry, brought 26 years of law enforcement service and military experience to the program, along with the invisible wounds of PTSD and trauma. A certified EMT and graduate of the FBI National Academy, Ferry had previously participated in a service dog program, only to be informed that the dog she had trained with would be reassigned.

Skeptical but hopeful, she joined Warrior Paws and was matched with Cash, a loyal dog trained not just to assist, but to anchor her in the present and restore her sense of trust.

“Thank you to Warrior Paws for helping me get to a point where I can start to trust again,” Ferry said. “Our first graduating class is a ripple,  a small representation of what will soon be a tsunami of help and hope for veterans and first responders.”

Ferry and Cash now serve as advocates, raising awareness about PTSD, resilience, and the healing power of service dogs.

About Warrior Paws Inc.

Founded in 2024, Warrior Paws is a Georgia-based nonprofit that pairs custom-trained service dogs with veterans and first responders navigating trauma, PTSD or service-related challenges. The organization is guided by three core principles:

• Lived experience: All board members have direct ties to military or first responder service.

• 100% mission-funded: Every donated dollar directly supports dog and handler training; board members cover all overhead costs.

• Customized training: Dogs are selected at birth, trained by Rucker Dog Training and the Forsyth County Jail program, and matched based on emotional and medical needs.

Applications for Warrior Paws’ second class of service dog teams are now open. Veterans and first responders can apply at warrior-paws.org.

What’s next

Warrior Paws will soon debut one of its service dogs as the official bat dog for the Gwinnett Stripers. The public is invited to join the July 4 celebration at the ballpark, which will kick off the next fundraising campaign to sponsor four new service dog teams.