Operation Friendship
Service Dogs for Veterans
Determined to support those who have supported our country, Operation Friendship provides veterans with well-trained service dogs to help them navigate life’s challenges. Through companionship, emotional support, and specialized training, we empower veterans to reclaim their sense of peace and purpose.
Connecting Veterans with Service Dogs
Founded by Victor McShan, a veteran, and his wife Ashley in 2004, Golden Puppies goes beyond breeding Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles. In 2023, we launched Operation Friendship, an initiative born from a deep desire to enhance the lives of our veterans through companionship.
Operation Friendship’s mission is to donate puppies to veterans in need of a service dog, while providing essential training and support to help these dogs become true companions and support systems.
To provide these life-changing companions to veterans, we rely on your support. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who served our country.
Our Story
After returning from Iraq in 2004, Victor McShan struggled to find his path forward. That changed when his two dogs unexpectedly had a litter of puppies, bringing him a sense of peace and happiness he wished everyone could experience. This love for puppies and dogs led him to start Golden Puppies’ breeding program, but his work wasn’t finished yet.
As a veteran himself, Victor knew firsthand the challenges veterans face, from PTSD to anxiety, and wanted to share the healing power of dogs with those who needed it most. That’s why he launched Operation Friendship—to provide veterans with well-trained service dogs that offer companionship, emotional support, and a sense of purpose.
Victor’s mission is ongoing, but he can’t do it alone. Your contribution helps extend the joy and healing these puppies provide to veterans who need it most.
The Impact of Service Dogs on Veterans
Service dogs can be life-changing for veterans. They offer companionship and emotional and psychological support. These remarkable animals help veterans manage symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, and can provide a sense of security and purpose.
Golden Retrievers and Goldendoodles are the most ideal for this work due to their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature.
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Comprehensive Training and Support
Operation Friendship is more than just a program; it’s a commitment to the effective training and support of each service dog. We believe that a well-informed approach to training is key to developing the potential of these intelligent, loyal, and adaptable dogs. Our goal is to empower veterans with the knowledge and resources needed to nurture a meaningful bond with their service dog.
A Commitment to Quality and Compassion
Golden Puppies’ reputation for quality and trust extends into Operation Friendship. We believe that our beloved compassion and care we give our dogs should extend out to the veterans at their homes.
Our initiative is dedicated to not only pairing veterans with the right dog but also ensuring they receive the education and support necessary for effective care and training. This approach has earned us a community of veterans who praise the positive impact these companions have on their lives. We invite you to join us in this mission, where every dog is a step toward recovery and companionship.
Our commitment to training and support makes these bonds possible, but we can’t do it without you. With your help, we can continue empowering veterans through these incredible companions.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Join us in Operation Friendship and help us continue our mission of empowering veterans through education and support. Your involvement helps us continue to provide veterans with the resources they need to build a strong, lasting bond with their companions.
Discover how you can contribute to this empowering initiative, making a difference in the lives of veterans and their faithful companions.