Paws to Encourage

In this powerful episode of Paws to Encourage, BK sits down with Duff, a 20-year retired Air Force veteran, Chief of Education, litigation lead, and trainer with South Dakota Service Dogs. Duff opens up about his combat experiences in Iraq, the moments that changed his perspective forever, and the PTSD he carried home with him. He shares how his struggles affected not only his own life, but also his wife and children, as everyday activities like going to stores, movies, and crowded places became overwhelming.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Duff explains how a service dog named Bruno helped him begin reclaiming pieces of his life he thought were gone. After Bruno's retirement, Bomber entered the picture and began a new chapter in Duff's journey.

Duff also shares the mission of South Dakota Service Dogs and why access to service dogs can be life-changing for veterans and others in need.

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In Episode 3 of Paws to Encourage, BK and Maverick sit down with retired Marine and service dog handler Joseph Butler to hear his powerful journey from combat and PTSD to hope, healing, and a new purpose with his service dog, Max.

Joseph opens up about the challenges of transitioning from military life, the isolation and struggles that followed, and a pivotal moment when a friend's unexpected phone call helped save his life. He shares how counseling and the encouragement of his wife eventually led him to Hope Lives Here, where he was introduced to Max.

Joseph and Max's connection was immediate, and deeply personal. He describes Max as his "constant medication" and explains how their relationship has transformed both of their lives. Joseph also discusses the unique training process, the importance of patience and journaling, and why he believes the veteran-and-dog partnership is so powerful.

A moving conversation about resilience, connection, service, and the incredible bond between a veteran and his rescue service dog.

In Episode 2 of Paws to Encourage, BK and Maverick sit down with Joshua Roberts, founder and CEO of Fuse Well Strategies, leadership coach, speaker, and advocate for service dogs. Joshua shares his deeply personal journey through childhood trauma, military service,PTSD, and the devastating loss of his son.

Joshua also discusses his work with South Dakota Service Dogs and how witnessing the transformation of veterans firsthand changed his perspective on service dogs. He explains why a service dog isn't necessarily the cure, but can become a gateway to healing—a reason to keep fighting and reconnecting with life.

The conversation goes even deeper as Joshua shares his own experience attempting suicide and the daily work of rebuilding resilience. His message is powerful: your trauma does not have to become your identity, you don't have to walk through the tunnel alone, and having PTSD is not a death sentence. Sometimes resilience simply means getting out of bed, picking up your axe, and taking another swing.

Welcome to Paws to Encourage, where BK and Maverick share stories of courage, resilience, and the extraordinary bond between people and dogs. For the inaugural episode, BK welcomes Marshall Morris, CEO and founder of The Hero Company, and Catherine Bair, VP of Operations and Mission Advancement. The conversation goes far beyond service dogs—it explores PTSD, invisible wounds, mental health, family, purpose, and what it means to keep going when life becomes overwhelming. Marshall opens up about his military service and the unexpected path that led him to create The Hero Company's veteran focused mission. He explains why helping veterans obtain service and companion dogs became a calling and how a dog can become a true "battle buddy."

Catherine shares some of the most powerful stories behind that mission, including a Vietnam veteran whose service dog restored a sense of freedom not only for him, but for his wife, who had spent years unable to leave him alone. Her perspective highlights something often overlooked: when a service dog changes one person's life, it can change an entire family's life. BK also shares a deeply personal story he has rarely discussed publicly. After a serious car accident left him struggling physically, emotionally, and mentally, he reached a point where he felt like giving up. Then there was Maverick.

This episode is about the invisible battles people fight, the courage it takes to ask for help, and the power of having someone—or something—by your side.

You don't have to face it alone. Don't give up. Keep going.

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