A Whatcom County nonprofit that trains service dogs may be forced to close after Trump administration cuts eliminated a $300,000 grant.
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Navy veteran says his service dog has changed his life completely. Now the Northwest organization that trained his dog is fighting to survive.
Michael Hooper spent 20 years in the Navy after enlisting following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
“There were nights where you’ve got missiles inbound or you’re on convoys and you’re being shot at,” he said. “That all affects you.”
Hooper left the Navy five years ago with depression and anxiety — two conditions his service dog, Rusty, helps keep in check.
“I think we feel each other’s vibes and energy,” Hooper said. “I think he can sense if something is going on with me.”
Rusty was trained by Brigadoon Service Dogs, a Bellingham-based nonprofit that has trained and provided animals for more than 100 people over the past 20 years — from those in wheelchairs, to children and victims of crime who need comfort during trials at the Whatcom County Courthouse.
But that support could soon disappear.
Trump administration cuts to the Wounded Warrior Project eliminated a $300,000 grant that Brigadoon relied on — half of its annual budget. It costs roughly $50,000 and two years to train a single service dog. Brigadoon gives half of those dogs away to veterans for free.
“The phone keeps ringing from our current clients, scared, anxious,” said Brigadoon Executive Director Carrie Murphree. “What can they do? What’s gonna happen if we’re not around?”
Murphree said she is currently caring for 51 clients, with 39 more anxiously waiting to receive their dogs.
“To have that rug pulled out would be really hard for those clients,” she said.
Brigadoon is one of only five accredited service dog organizations in Washington state. The nonprofit is racing to raise $250,000 by July 1 to stay open and is asking for public support. Without it, Murphree fears many people won’t get the life-altering companions they need.
“What we do makes such a big difference to people,” said Murphree. “To not have that, to lose that would be heartbreaking.”
Those who wish to donate can do so at brigadoonservicedogs.ddock.gives.
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