K-9 Veterans Day is March 13th

K-9 Courage Program Encourages Pet Owners to “Paws and Give Thanks” to America’s Four-legged Heroes on K9 Veterans Day

Zoetis Petcare partners with Mission K9 Rescue to support additional retired police and military dogs in need of healthcare assistance

PARSIPPANY, N.J., March 5, 2019 – Sit, stay and salute! In honor of National K9 Veterans Day on Wednesday, March 13, the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare (a U.S. business unit of Zoetis) is calling on pet owners and patriots to “Paws and Give Thanks” to retired military and police dogs that have kept our nation safe. National K9 Veterans Day reminds us that heroes come in all shapes and sizes – and even on four legs. To celebrate, K-9 Courage has launched a new partnership with Mission K9 Rescue, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing, reuniting, re-homing, rehabilitating and repairing retired working dogs, to help connect eligible handlers of retired military and police dogs with vital healthcare assistance.

Supporting up to 650 dogs annually, K-9 Courage provides the owner of each dog with a $300 debit card that can be applied toward veterinary expenses, ranging from wellness visits and vaccines to prescription medications and treats. As part of its “Paws and Give Thanks” campaign, K-9 Courage will spotlight several canine heroes that have made an impact and continue to live happy and healthy lives with the help of the program.

Mission K9 Rescue joins Zoetis’ two other partners: National Police Dog Foundation, which supports law enforcement K-9 units with the purchasing, training, and ongoing veterinary care for active and retired law enforcement K-9s and has helped verify applicants for the K-9 Courage program since inception; and American Humane, whose Pups4Patriots™ program trains dogs in need of forever homes as service dogs for military veterans who have been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – at no cost to the veterans. Consumers celebrating the “Paws and Give Thanks” campaign can also donate to the Pups4Patriots program by visiting www.k-9courage.com/support.

“K9 Veterans Day is the perfect time to honor retired working dogs for their brave service, which too often gets overlooked or taken for granted,” said J. Michael McFarland, DVM, DABVP, Executive Director, Zoetis Petcare Marketing. “Partnering with Mission K9 Rescue provides Zoetis Petcare with the opportunity to give back to even more retired military and police dogs that have dedicated their lives to provide us with protection, happiness, and freedom, both at home and abroad.”

Since 2014, Mission K9 Rescue has rescued and transported hundreds of retired war dogs from overseas. In addition, the organzation has donated more than $500,000 to help pay veterinary bills for retired working dogs.

“We are grateful to partner with Zoetis Petcare and its K-9 Courage Program, which shares our goals, values and respect for retired military and police dogs that have selflessly served our nation,” said Kristen Maurer, Co-Founder and President of Mission K9 Rescue. “We believe these heroic dogs have earned and deserve lifelong care after their years of loyal service, and the important financial assistance provided by the K-9 Courage Program helps make that possible.”

From March 13 through March 20, Zoetis Petcare Rewards, a program designed to help pet owners save on pet care at the veterinary clinic, is allowing members to donate points in support of the K-9 Courage Program – every 10 points equates to $1 value. Zoetis Petcare will match donations through the week in order to help more dogs in need. Since 2015, K-9 Courage has provided healthcare assistance to ensure our nation’s working dogs are not forgotten for their vital service to our country.

To learn more about the K-9 Courage Program and the canine heroes it supports, please visit www.k-9courage.com.

About the K-9 Courage Program from Zoetis Petcare

The K-9 Courage Program is a charitable healthcare donation program that provides financial and in-kind product donations that support the healthcare of retired police and military K-9s as well as service dogs currently in action. Program contributions help assure that these courageous and loyal dogs continue to live happy and healthy lives. The K-9 Courage Program provides the owner of each dog with $300 annually on a debit card that can be applied toward any veterinary expense ranging from wellness visits and vaccines to prescription medications and treats.  More information is available at www.k-9courage.com.

About Mission K9 Rescue

Mission K9 Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the service of retiring and retired Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs and PD-K9’s. For more information, please visit www.missionk9rescue.org.

About American Humane

American Humane is the country’s first national humane organization, founded in 1877. In addition to overseeing the welfare of some one billion animals each year, American Humane continues its century-long work of supporting the U.S. military, our nation’s veterans, and our military animals. For more information, please visitwww.americanhumane.org.

About National Police Dog Foundation
The National Police Dog Foundation was founded in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) organization to provide support for law enforcement K-9 units. The Foundation’s mission statement is to promote education and awareness and raise funds for the purchase, training and ongoing medical care for active and retired police K-9s. The Foundation has a network of veterinarians including primary care doctors as well as some of the country’s most recognized specialists. The National Police Dog Foundation currently assists law enforcement agencies nationwide to achieve their goals by assisting them to obtain quality, well-trained police dogs who in many cases become heroes in the communities they serve. The Foundation’s efforts are all done to support America’s selfless and courageous K-9 heroes. More information on the Foundation is available at www.nationalpolicedogfoundation.org.

About Zoetis 
Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and a range of services. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2018, the company generated annual revenue of $5.8 billion with approximately 10,000 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

Carol Duff, MSN, BA, RN

Carol graduated from Riverside White Cross School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio and received her diploma as a registered nurse. She attended Bowling Green State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History and Literature. She attended the University of Toledo, College of Nursing, and received a Master’s of Nursing Science Degree as an Educator.

She has traveled extensively, is a photographer, and writes on medical issues. Carol has three children RJ, Katherine, and Stephen – one daughter-in-law; Katie – two granddaughters; Isabella Marianna and Zoe Olivia – and one grandson, Alexander Paul. She also shares her life with her husband Gordon Duff, many cats, and two rescues.

• Carol’s Archives 2009-2013