Wildlife and nature

Animal shelters and rescues

Theater and dance

Rivers, parks and trails

Hunger and food

Schools and learning

Housing and homelessness

Community health

Mental health

Mentoring and foster care

Legal help and rights

Jobs and money help

Atlanta

The Triangle

Everywhere

The Collective Workshop

Royal Animal Refuge

Asian Americans Advancing Justice-Atlanta

Georgia Advancing Communities Together

Atlanta Writers Club

Cobb Collaborative

Bosleys Place

Jewish Fertility Foundation

John Godwin

Nick Curry

Bethany Barroqueiro

Melissa Alterio

Videos

Collections

About

⚾🐾 LOOK AT OUR JOE GO!! 🐾⚾ Joe the Bat Dog is out there doing his thing at the Gwinnett Stripers game tonight — and we couldn’t be prouder! 💜 From service dog ambassador to BAT DOG, Joe proves there’s no limit to what a well-trained pup can do. Just look at that boy go! 🥹👏 Way to represent Warrior Paws & Rucker Dog Training, Joe! We’re cheering you on! 🐾⚾💜 @joetheblacklab @ruckerretrievers @ruckerdogtraining @gostripers #JoeTheBatDog #WarriorPaws #RuckerDogTraining #GwinnettStripers #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime

🚨Special Report🚨 - We’ve had the absolute joy of watching our amazing little helper work alongside Jaxy these past months. Her dedication and heart in helping train Jaxy toward her future service-dog role has been remarkable, and we’re beyond grateful! 🌟 Now, we have a special update: Because of her incredible work, the Rucker Dog Training family has gifted her a dog of her own—sweet Mira! 🐾 This is a beautiful ‘directed’ donation from a family through Rucker, and while this isn’t affiliated with Warrior Paws, we just had to share! Instead of seeing her with Jaxy, you’ll now see her in training with her very own pup, Mira. The journey continues, and we’re excited to see what’s ahead for her! 💙 @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @amyjruss @scotrucker #Grateful #ServiceDogTraining #WarriorPawsJourney #FromHelperToHandler #MiraTheDog

She’s HOME. 🖤🐾 Tonight was a very special night for our little helper, GiGi — because she finally got to bring Mira home! But this isn’t simply about a little girl bringing home a dog. Tonight marks the beginning of a partnership — one that GiGi’s entire family is committed to building alongside her. There will be training. There will be learning. There will be routines, responsibilities, successes and probably a few challenges along the way. Most importantly, there will be a family actively involved in helping GiGi and Mira develop the trust, communication and bond that will make this partnership successful. ❤️ We also want to make an important distinction about Mira’s placement. Mira was made possible through a directed donation to Rucker Dog Training and was not a Warrior Paws placement. But we’ve had the privilege of watching this journey begin, and we are absolutely invested in seeing where it goes. Warrior Paws will continue following GiGi, Mira and their family as they work alongside the team at Rucker Dog Training, and we’ll share updates as their partnership and training progress. A very special thank you to Scot Rucker and the entire Rucker Dog Training team for the time, expertise and heart they have already poured into Mira — and for the guidance they’ll continue providing to GiGi and her family in the months ahead. 🐾 Because tonight isn’t the finish line. It’s the beginning of something pretty special. Welcome home, Mira. 🖤 We can’t wait to watch this partnership grow. Changing lives, four paws at a time. @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @amyjruss @scotrucker #GiGiAndMira #RuckerDogTraining #WarriorPaws #WorkingDogJourney #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime

Sometimes the journey begins before you ever meet your dog. 🐾❤️ Another very special little helper is beginning her journey through our Friends of Warrior Paws Scholarship Program, in partnership with Rucker Dog Training. Her scholarship has been awarded, her puppy has been selected, and now the preparation begins. Before that new partnership comes together, she’s spending time learning what it means to work with a dog—how to communicate, build confidence, give direction, and begin developing the skills that will eventually help her and her own pup grow together. And who better to help than Bro, one of our Warrior Paws ambassadors? 🐕‍🦺 With guidance from the Rucker Dog Training team, Bro is giving our newest little helper the opportunity to practice, learn and become comfortable with the training process while she waits for a pretty incredible four-legged partner of her own. This is exactly why the Friends of Warrior Paws Scholarship Program exists. It allows us to help create meaningful partnerships for individuals and families who can benefit from the support of a specially trained dog, while providing the professional training, education and guidance needed to help make those partnerships successful. There is a lot more to come from this story. For now, we’re honored to be part of its beginning. ❤️🐾 Changing lives, four paws at a time. #WarriorPaws #FriendsOfWarriorPaws #RuckerDogTraining #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime #DogsChangingLives @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers

🐾 What a first day at the Atlanta Home Show! 🐾 The Warrior Paws team had an incredible Day One — and we are so grateful for every person who stopped by, asked questions, shared a story, made a donation, or simply wanted to learn more about our mission. Program Coordinator Melissa and her service dog Sera, along with Courtney and her partner Mavis, took the Main Stage to talk about what we do, Service Dog 101, the training behind the vest, and the powerful partnership between a service dog and their handler. And Courtney & Mavis from @ungpd_k9 gave the audience an amazing live training demonstration — showing firsthand just how much work, trust, consistency and teamwork go into creating that partnership. 🐕‍🦺❤️ Back at our booth, the generosity was overwhelming. Every conversation, every donation and every person who chose to support Warrior Paws helps us continue providing highly trained service dogs to veterans and first responders who need them. And none of this happens without our volunteers. To the people who showed up, worked the booth, talked about our mission, helped with the dogs and represented Warrior Paws so beautifully — thank you. You are part of what makes this organization so special. We’re just getting started! Come see us today and tomorrow at the Atlanta Home Show. Stop by, meet the team, learn about our dogs, support the mission — and grab one of our commemorative 9/11 shirts while they’re available. Changing lives, four paws at a time. 🐾🇺🇸 @atlantahomeshow @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers #WarriorPaws #ServiceDogs #VeteransSupport #FirstResponders #AtlantaHomeShow

🐾 WELCOME BACK TO GEORGIA, NICOLE & CASH! 🐾 We’re so excited to have Service Dog Cash and his handler, Nicole, back in Georgia for a visit, and, of course, a little training refresh! 💜 One look at these two working together and you see what a true service dog partnership is all about. The focus Cash has on Nicole is incredible. His eyes are on her, his attention is with her, and the connection between them reflects the countless hours of training, trust, consistency, and teamwork they’ve built together. But Nicole and Cash have become something even more special to the Warrior Paws family. As Nicole has navigated her own journey with Cash, she has continually reached back to help other handlers coming behind her. She’s answered questions, shared experiences, offered encouragement, and helped several of our teams navigate those intimidating “firsts” that every new service dog handler eventually faces. First outings. First trips. First challenges. First moments of wondering, “Can we really do this?” Nicole has been there to remind them that yes, they can. She has become a beacon of encouragement and an incredible resource for other Warrior Paws handlers, not because every moment has been perfect, but because she understands the work, patience, vulnerability, and confidence it takes to build a life alongside a service dog. And because at Warrior Paws, we keep it ALL in the family, Nicole’s daughter joined in on the training too, also pictured here putting in some work with our boy Milton! 🐕‍🦺❤️ This is what our program is about. Yes, we train exceptional service dogs. But along the way, we also build a community of handlers and families who support one another, learn from one another, and celebrate every milestone together. Nicole & Cash, we’re so glad to have you back in Georgia. Your partnership makes us proud, and the way you continue to support others makes us even prouder. Changing lives, four paws at a time. 🐾💜 @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @myferrytalewithcash @neferry #WarriorPaws #ServiceDogCash #ServiceDogs #ServiceDogTeam #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime

🐾 Look at these two go! Lucky and Skye are two of our young pups currently training to become therapy dogs through the Warrior Paws Canine Companion Program, and we couldn’t be prouder of the progress they’re making! 💛 Every training session is another step toward preparing them for the important work ahead—bringing comfort, connection, and support to the organizations and communities they will one day serve. They may be young, but these two already have some pretty important careers ahead of them. 🐶🐾 Keep up the great work, Lucky & Skye! We can’t wait to see where your journey takes you. @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @utcpd_k9lucky SandySpringsPolice #WarriorPaws #CanineCompanionProgram #TherapyDogs #DogsWithPurpose #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime

PRESS RELEASE: Warrior Paws Launches New Community Canine Program in Partnership with Sandy Springs Police Department and Rucker Dog Training Inaugural Community Canine will support the Sandy Springs Police Department Victim Advocacy Program SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — July 28, 2026 — Warrior Paws, in partnership with the Sandy Springs Police Department and Rucker Dog Training/Rucker Retrievers, is proud to announce the inaugural implementation of the Warrior Paws Community Canine Program (CCP), an initiative designed to place specially selected and trained canines with public safety and service organizations to provide comfort, connection, and emotional support to individuals experiencing crisis, trauma, grief, or other difficult circumstances. On July 28, representatives from Warrior Paws and Rucker Dog Training introduced Sandy Springs Police Department personnel to the young Labrador Retriever selected for the program. The puppy will ultimately support the department’s Victim Advocacy Program, working alongside designated personnel to provide an additional source of comfort and connection for victims and others encountering the department during some of life’s most difficult moments. The partnership marks the first implementation of Warrior Paws’ newly established Community Canine Program and represents a carefully considered expansion of the organization’s work. The Community Canine Program reflects a simple belief shared by all three partners: sometimes four paws can help create connection when words are difficult to find. Read the attached press release for more info. @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers sandyspringspolice #pressrelease #victimadvocate #therapydog #ruckerdogtraining #publicsafety

What an incredible weekend. 🐾💛 As we wrap up our time at the Atlanta Fall Home Show, the entire Warrior Paws team is leaving incredibly grateful. A huge thank you to the Atlanta Home Show for inviting us to be part of such a wonderful event, and a very special thank you to Ryan and Nicole for your hospitality, support, and for making us feel so welcome. And to our Warrior Paws volunteers — we simply could not do this without you. You gave your time, your energy, and your hearts all weekend long. You talked with visitors, shared our mission, helped wherever you were needed, loved on our dogs, and represented Warrior Paws beautifully. You are the heart behind so much of what we do, and we appreciate you more than we can say. 💛 Over the past three days, we shared our mission, talked about the life-changing work of service dogs, met some truly amazing people, and made connections that we hope will continue long after this weekend. To everyone who stopped by our booth, attended our Main Stage presentation, purchased merchandise, donated, asked questions, shared your own stories, or simply offered a word of encouragement — thank you. Every conversation mattered. The Home Show may be over, but our work is just beginning. 🐾 If you’d like to continue supporting Warrior Paws and help us provide highly trained service dogs to veterans and first responders, please consider making a donation at www.warriorpaws.org. Changing lives, four paws at a time. 💛🐾 @atlantahomeshow @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @joetheblacklab @seratheguardianlab #changinglivesfourpawsatatime #ruckerdogtraining #servicedogs #servicedogintraining #atlantahomeshow

🐾⚾ What a night at the ballpark! The Warrior Paws team had an AWESOME time at the Gwinnett Stripers’ Hometown Heroes Night, celebrating and honoring the incredible first responders who serve our communities every day. 🇺🇸💙 And of course, our very own Joe the Bat Dog — and proud Warrior Paws Ambassador — showed up and represented us like the superstar he is! 🐕‍🦺⚾ Joe definitely knows how to work a crowd! But nights like this are also about the people behind Warrior Paws. 💜 Enjoy a few snapshots of our amazing volunteers and team members who give their time, energy, and hearts to our mission. (*Quite a few not pictured here!) We’re grateful for our community, proud to support our first responders, and pretty darn lucky to have this crew. Changing lives, four paws at a time. 🐾 📷:Joe, Cash, Sera @joetheblacklab @ruckerretrievers @ruckerdogtraining @gostripers #WarriorPaws #HometownHeroes #GwinnettStripers #JoeTheBatDog #ServiceDogs

🐾 Another incredible day at the Atlanta Fall Home Show! 🐾 We continue to be blown away by the support for Warrior Paws. ❤️ Today brought so many wonderful conversations, generous donations, new connections, and — most importantly — new friends. Every person who stops to learn about our mission, asks about our dogs, shares a story, makes a donation, or simply offers words of encouragement reminds us why this work matters so much. And can we talk about our VOLUNTEERS?! 🙌🐾 You absolutely ROCK. We couldn’t do any of this without the people who give their time, energy, and hearts to Warrior Paws. Thank you, Atlanta, for another amazing day. We appreciate every single one of you. 💛🐾 Changing lives, four paws at a time. @atlantahomeshow @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @loweshomeimprovement @meliss_911pro #WarriorPaws #AtlantaFallHomeShow #ServiceDogs #ChangingLivesFourPawsAtATime #Veterans FirstResponders ServiceDogTraining

🐾 SERVICE DOG AWARENESS MONTH: CHECKING IN WITH NICOLE & MAJOR CASH 🇺🇸 As we continue recognizing Service Dog Awareness Month, we’re checking in with one of our veteran handler teams — Nicole and Major Cash! 🖤🐾 Nicole’s role with Warrior Paws has grown beyond being a handler. She now serves as a WP Mentor, sharing her experience, encouragement, and firsthand perspective with other handlers as they begin their own service dog journeys. And while she’s helping others, Nicole and Cash are still putting in the work themselves. Service dog training doesn’t stop at graduation. Consistency, reinforcement, and continuing to build new skills are all part of maintaining a strong working partnership. Most recently, Nicole has been working with Cash on cortisol scent training, teaching him to recognize changes associated with elevated stress levels. We’re excited to follow their progress and see how this next skill develops! Nicole and Cash are a great reminder of what this program is all about: partnership, continued growth, and veterans supporting veterans. If you are a veteran or first responder who could benefit from the support and independence a trained service dog can provide, we encourage you to learn more about the Warrior Paws Service Dog Program. 🐾 Changing lives, four paws at a time. @ruckerretrievers @ruckerdogtraining @neferry @myferrytalewithcash #WarriorPaws #ServiceDogAwarenessMonth #ServiceDogs #VeteransSupportingVeterans #VeteranServiceDog

Sera makes fetch look like the cutest thing in the room. For our dogs, it is also one of the most important skills they will ever learn. Many Warrior Paws service dogs are trained to retrieve specific items for their partners — including medication. That retrieve has to be reliable, gentle, and exact. A soft mouth, a clear cue, and the ability to bring back the right item on command can support a veteran’s or first responder’s independence and safety every single day. It starts with simple objects like this bucket. From there we shape the behavior into named retrieves they can count on. Cute picture. Serious purpose. @ruckerdogtraining @ruckerretrievers @seratheguardianlab @loweshomeimprovement #WarriorPaws #ServiceDogs #FetchTraining #VeteranSupport