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I remember a training day with Titus and his Hero Handler, Travis. We had been meeting with Travis every other week for quite some time, building the foundation for their partnership. On this particular day, Travis was already parked in the lot when my husband, John, and I arrived for a scheduled training session. We parked next to him. Titus had been resting in the back seat after a long trip. When we came to a stop and turned off the engine, he lifted his head and sat up. T

On Thursday, September 3, we joined Paws and Pints and BIG Roofing for Raise The Woof: The Dog House Social in Des Moines. Canine Miracles for Heroes was the featured nonprofit, and we were glad to have a chance to talk with people about our work. Since 2022, we’ve trained service dogs for veterans and emergency personnel across Iowa. At Paws and Pints, we shared what we do and answered questions from people who stopped by. We also introduced Partners in Hope, our monthly giv

One of the best parts of our mission is getting the opportunity to meet people where they are. This summer, Canine Miracles for Heroes had the privilege of participating in both the Future Flyers event in Winterset and Good Egg Days in Stuart. While the events were very different, they shared something in common: bringing people together to learn more about the life-changing impact of service dogs. Future Flyers in Winterset The Future Flyers event gave us the opportunity to

Public training is one of the most important steps in preparing a service dog for success. While basic obedience begins in controlled environments, the real world is anything but predictable. Busy stores, unfamiliar sounds, crowds of people, shopping carts, automatic doors, and countless distractions all create situations that service dogs and their future handlers will experience on a regular basis. That's why our recent training sessions at Bass Pro Shops and Scheels were s

There are some events that feel bigger than the competition itself. Our recent Cornhole for Heroes fundraiser at the Adair County Fairgrounds was one of those days. What started as a community event quickly became a reminder of what can happen when people come together around a mission that matters. From the teams competing in the tournament, to the businesses and individuals who donated auction items, to everyone who showed up simply to support the cause, the day was filled

What Does Service Dog Training Look Like in the Real World? Service dog training goes far beyond basic obedience, it requires real-world exposure to unpredictable environments. When people think about service dog training in public, they often picture quiet sessions, simple commands, and controlled environments. But the truth is, the real test happens in places like grocery stores, parking lots, and busy retail spaces. Recently, our team spent time training at Lowe’s, working

Service dog training is built on thousands of small, intentional lessons that most people never see. Each step strengthens communication, trust, and reliability between dog and handler — qualities that become life-changing for the Hero on the other end of the leash. One of the most important skills for any service dog is proper heeling — walking calmly and precisely beside their handler without interfering, crowding, or drifting. It sounds simple, but achieving that level of

Behind every service dog placed with a Hero, there is an enormous amount of unseen work — veterinary visits, training sessions, evaluations, public access outings, and countless miles traveled to ensure each dog is fully prepared for the life-changing role they will serve. That’s why the recent donation of a Canine Miracles for Heroes program van is more than just a vehicle. It is a powerful investment in the future of our mission. More Than Transportation Service dogs in tra

Canine Miracles for Heroes at the Des Moines Buccaneers Game Community events have a powerful way of bringing people together around a shared purpose. That was certainly true during our recent night with the Des Moines Buccaneers, where Canine Miracles for Heroes was honored to be part of an evening filled with energy, connection, and awareness. From the moment fans began arriving at the arena, the atmosphere was electric. Families, veterans, first responders, and dog lovers

On the surface, it might look like a simple outing. A dog walking calmly through a store. A leash held steady. A few photos snapped along the way. But what’s really happening in moments like these is far more powerful. Recently, Titus and his Hero spent time at Bass Pro Shops working through public access training , one of the most critical steps in preparing a service dog for real life. And “real life” is anything but quiet. There were people everywhere. Families with kids.