RRUFF Healing Heroes Program

RRUFF Healing Heroes Program Providing funding for service dog training expenses to disabled veterans and first responders with PTSD and other invisible illnesses.

Objective: An innovative program to train service dogs for veterans by utilizing the RRUFF Special Needs Area, local dog rescue organizations, veterinarians and approved service dog trainers. Program Criteria: All donations will be deposited in the “Healing Heroes” account and will be used as designated by RRUFF unless otherwise specified by the donor. A donor may restrict use of the funds for

a specific veteran, or any other reasonable criteria established by the donor and agreed to by RRUFF. Healing Heroes program is available to ALL qualified veterans, regardless of their community or school affiliation. Approved trainers must abide by the RRUFF User Agreement. All trainers must provide proof of insurance and name RRUFF as second insured. Qualified veterans would receive a scholarship, when money is available to provide training from puppy to certification. All veterans are required participate in the initial informational class taught by program trainers. The informational class will go over how to get a dog, what type of dog to get, service dog training commitments, certification, etc. This class should be held once a month (or as needed) and is the first step all veterans must take to be enrolled in the program. Veterans will complete trainer’s application, participate in the evaluation process ; and if they are training their own dog, the trainer will assess that dog to be sure it meets the necessary guidelines to qualify as a service animal. The trainers will work with veterans individually to discuss their training and canine needs. Veterans will be responsible for obtaining their own canine. RRUFF can help with animal resources (rescues, shelters, breeders). RRUFF will provide a canine resource list. The trainers will set forth their requirements for all training in this program. They will also train additional trainers if there are interested veteran candidates that meet all requirements. RRUFF will do grant writing to raise funds for this program. RRUFF representatives will do regular presentations to community service groups, including veteran’s groups for the purpose of education and solicitation of donations for the program.

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08/20/2026

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Heroes & Hounds is back!

All Stage Canine Development is proud to support the RRUFF Healing Heroes Program and the incredible work they do to help provide service dog training for veterans and first responders living with PTSD and other invisible disabilities throughout the Greater Sacramento Region and Northern California.

Join us for an evening of dinner, live music, auctions, and heartfelt stories as they celebrate 5 years of giving back!

October 16, 2026 | 6-9 PM
Blue Goose Event Center | Loomis, CA

Tickets are $80 per person or $600 for a table of 8.

Let’s come together to support the heroes who have given so much to our community.

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Unexpected NoisesA shopping cart crashes.Someone drops a tray.A door slams.Life i...
08/19/2026

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Unexpected Noises

A shopping cart crashes.

Someone drops a tray.

A door slams.

Life is unpredictable.

During Public Access Testing, dogs are exposed to unexpected sights and sounds to evaluate how they recover.

The goal isn't that nothing startles them.

The goal is that they quickly regain focus and continue working.

Confidence, not perfection, is what training builds.

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Staying Under Control Around Other DogsDogs naturally notice other dogs.Working s...
08/17/2026

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Staying Under Control Around Other Dogs

Dogs naturally notice other dogs.

Working service dogs are no different.

The difference is what they do next.

During testing, service dogs may pass another working dog while remaining calm and attentive to their handler.

No lunging.

No barking.

No pulling toward the other dog.

Instead, they continue working as if the distraction isn't there.

It's another example of how service dogs are trained to prioritize their Hero above everything else happening around them.

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Greeting a Friendly StrangerOne of the first skills many service dogs are evaluat...
08/13/2026

BEYOND THE VEST: Public Access Skill - Greeting a Friendly Stranger

One of the first skills many service dogs are evaluated on seems simple:

Greeting a friendly stranger.

But here's the catch...

The dog isn't being tested on whether they're friendly.

They're being tested on whether they stay focused.

During this exercise, another person approaches and greets the handler. The service dog should remain calm and under control without jumping, seeking attention, or becoming distracted.

For many pet dogs, saying hello is the highlight of their day.

For a working service dog, the priority is always their Hero.

That quiet focus is one of the first signs that a dog is ready for public work.

This is what community support looks like! Thanks to the El Dorado Community Foundation and the Hunter Family Fund, $7,5...
08/12/2026

This is what community support looks like! Thanks to the El Dorado Community Foundation and the Hunter Family Fund, $7,500 will help fund service dog training for an El Dorado County veteran or first responder.

We are deeply grateful for their partnership in advancing our mission, One Hero and One Dog at a Time. 🐾

One of the 2026 Endow El Dorado recipients, RRUFF Healing Heroes Program, applied for and received $7,500 for their Service Dog Training Project, which will provide one El Dorado County veteran or first responder access to a structured service dog training program that improves independence and stability.

Funds will be used exclusively to cover the participant's cost of training, which is $7,800 per individual. RRUFF Healing Heroes pays this cost directly to the training provider at the start of the program, removing the financial barrier to participation.

We have some BIG news! 🎉🐾RRUFF Healing Heroes has been selected as one of just 16 nonprofits in the 2026 Sacramento Vent...
08/11/2026

We have some BIG news! 🎉🐾

RRUFF Healing Heroes has been selected as one of just 16 nonprofits in the 2026 Sacramento Venture Philanthropy Fast Pitch cohort!

This opportunity could not come at a more exciting time for our organization. RRUFF is growing, we’re reaching more veterans and first responders, and we’re becoming more intentional about sharing the stories behind the impact our community makes possible.

Over the next few months, we’ll be learning from incredible coaches, strengthening our storytelling, and building new connections throughout the Sacramento region.

We’re honored to be part of the Class of 2026 and can’t wait to see where this experience takes us. 💙

Thank you Sacramento Venture Philanthropy, for this incredible opportunity!

Meet the 2026 SVP Fast Pitch Cohort!

This year, 16 nonprofits from across the Sacramento region are stepping into the Fast Pitch program to strengthen their stories, expand their networks, and build momentum for the work they're leading in our community.

Over the next several months, they'll work alongside coaches, mentors, and fellow changemakers as they prepare for the Fast Pitch Showcase. It all begins at our Kickoff Party on August 26th!

Make sure you save the date for our 2026 Fast Pitch Showcase!

📅 Monday, November 9th

📍Crest Theatre - 1013 K St, Sacramento, CA 95814

08/11/2026
BEYOND THE VEST: The Test Isn't About TricksA lot of people imagine a service-dog test looks like an obedience competiti...
08/11/2026

BEYOND THE VEST: The Test Isn't About Tricks

A lot of people imagine a service-dog test looks like an obedience competition.

It doesn't.

There are no obstacle courses.

No fancy performances.

No impressive tricks.

Instead, the goal is to answer one question:

"Can this team safely navigate everyday life together?"

Can the dog ignore distractions?

Can they remain focused?

Can they behave appropriately in public?

Can they support their Hero while blending into the environment?

Those quiet moments of reliability are what truly define a working service dog.

The Hardest Command Might Be... Nothing.One of the biggest surprises in service dog training is how much time is spent p...
08/07/2026

The Hardest Command Might Be... Nothing.

One of the biggest surprises in service dog training is how much time is spent practicing... absolutely nothing.

During Public Access Testing, dogs are expected to quietly settle while their Hero eats a meal, attends an appointment, or waits in line.

No barking.

No sniffing.

No wandering.

No begging.

Sometimes for 20 minutes or longer.

It may not look exciting, but learning to simply exist calmly in busy environments is one of the most valuable skills a working service dog can develop.

Throughout August, we'll be taking you Beyond the Vest with a behind-the-scenes look at the training, testing, and teamwork that prepare service dogs for public life. From Public Access Testing to specialized task work, we'll be sharing the skills that help transform a well-trained dog into a trusted working partner.

Follow along as we explore what it really takes to become a service-dog team 💙🐾

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the “… kinda chic.” trend. We thought we’d give it...
08/05/2026

If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the “… kinda chic.” trend. We thought we’d give it an RRUFF twist!

Because while the internet celebrates little moments, we wanted to celebrate the ones that truly matter!

Changing a life without saying a word. The chicest.

Swipe through and let us know your favorite 🐾

One Hero and One Dog at a Time.

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San Fransisco, CA

Telephone

+14158062778

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