Warriors and Wolves

Warriors and Wolves, which was launched in July, 2011. This new theraputic program works with our returning combat veterans to assist them as they make the transition back to society and start the healing process.

Take a moment to scroll down and meet the Warriors who’re involved with the Warriors and Wolves program. Or use the easy navigation selector below to jump to their individual page.

Our ambassador wolfdogs make trips to meet our nation’s heroes. These Veterans are given the opportunity to work closely with these wolfdogs and set up lifelong friendships. The often difficult walk back home is not one that they should have to make alone.

Eco therapy

  • This program offers a unique opportunity to help our heroes recover from the stresses and traumas that result not just from military service but from the readjustment involved in coming home.
  • The wolfdogs at Lockwood ARC live in an “in-between” world – not quite wolves and not quite dogs – just as many veterans who have served their country do not feel quite at home as civilians after being Warriors.
  • Both misunderstood and disenfrancised, the wolfdogs and the warriors find solace in each other.
  • Licensed therapists and alocohol and drug counselors are available to address the mental and spirtual health issues facing our veterans.
  • Animals and nature offer a special opportunity for healing and remembering how to be trusting, grounded, and fearless once again!

In an enheartening and wonderfully candid interview Matthew Simmons and Dr. Lorin Lindner take some time out of the Alaska Wolf Dog Rescue to speak about the “Warriors and Wolves” program. Warriors and Wolves is a program that helps Vets overcome the trauma / PTSD of war; in providing a unbreakable bond between the sometimes (also) traumatized animals and the Vets. ParrotCare (www.parrotcare.org) is a similar program located at the Vet Center in West Los Angeles.
And Now Meet the Warriors!

Tyler

Tyler served in the Gulf War from 1992 through 1996. He was attached to the 24th infantry.Ty is currently being treated at the West Los Angeles VA for PTSD. As part of this therapy he is working with the wolfdogs at the Lockwood Animal Rescue Center. Ty is a somewhat quiet guy who has started to come out of his shell and loves working with the wolfdogs.

Lilly

Lilly is a coast guard veteran and one of the first search and rescue personnel dispatched to Alaska. Lilly was involved in rescues of both civilian and military personnel during her service. She is also currently enrolled in the PTSD at the VA Medical Center. She came to us as a volunteer and is now not only managing Serenity Park in Los Angeles but also working with the wolves as part of the “Warriors and Wolves” program in Ventura.


Jeremy Stanford

Army Veteran 2006-2009 Iraq for 15months. Jeremy is one of the newest members of the Warriors and Wolves Team. He got a chance to split firewood for our upcoming fundraiser and was introduced to Wiley while working. Jeremy will get his first tour wth the woldogs this week and we can’t wait to team him up with Samson (a young upstart at the LARC facility).


Troy Freeman

Army Veteran 1973-76 plus 8yrs reserve. Troy has been working with the wolves since 2011. He was vital in the construction of the new enclosures at LARC for the big alaska rescue. Troy has also helped with socialization and feeding of all the wolfdogs and his ability to customize their environments has been crucial to their successful adjustment.


Victor Smith

Army Veteran 1980-83. Victor has been working at Serenity Park in Los Angeles for four months. Victor has also started a dog walking service in West Los Angeles. His affinity for animals makes him an exceptional warrior in the “Warrior and Wolves” program. Victor helped with construction and cares for the animals on a daily basis.

Richard Mitchel

Marine Corps Veteran 1990-93 + 4yrs reserve and 3yrs 3rd service support. Richard recently started working for LARC. As time progresses well see where he fits in on the LARC team. His passion and dedication to his duties is remarkable. Its like they say once a marine always a marine.

 

Desmond Rice

Army Veteran 82nd Airborne 1984-86. Desmond served with wings on his shoulder and seems to fly throught his duties. Currently assisting with the firewood project and the animals at Serenity Park. We hope to move him to LARC this month. His promtptness and dedication are what we have grown to expect from a Ranger.

Stanley McDonald

US Navy Veteran, 12yrs 1982-94 Combat Veteran. Stanley McDonald a graduate of Serenity Park, part-time volunteer at LARC, and a full-time foreman for L & M Construction is always willing to help out a veteran and care for the animals at both non-profits. Stanley is always on time and willing to go on a rescue anywhere in the United States. Stanley has traveled 23 states rescuing animals and supporting the efforts of both LARC and Serenity Park.

Mike Tucker

Navy Veteran. Mike served both here and abroad. Mike has suffered from PTSD and despression and is currently enrolled in a residential treatment facility while also working at the Serenity Park in Los Angeles caring for the parrots.

Roy 

Marine Corps Veteran. Roy served as a security guard on a submarine base and in the infantry during his 4 years service. He brings expertise in many administrative tasks that are necessary for LARC to continue it’s mission and achieve it’s goals. 


Matt Simmons

A Navy Veteran