Why Mental Health and Career Support Matter for Veterans
May is a powerful month of recognition—Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month—a time to both honor those who serve and acknowledge the invisible battles many face long after the uniform comes off.
At New North Hires Heroes, we are committed to creating pathways for veterans, military members, and their spouses to thrive in civilian careers. Employment is more than a paycheck—it’s purpose, connection, and stability. But for many veterans, the transition to civilian life comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to mental health.
That’s why partnerships like the one between New North Hires Heroes and Dogs2DogTags (D2DT) are so vital. D2DT is a non-profit dedicated to pairing rescue dogs with veterans living with PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, anxiety, and other service-related mental health conditions. These highly-trained companion animals and service dogs are more than pets—they’re life-changing sources of comfort, companionship, and healing.
| “My life has done a 180 since I met Patton. I was going down a dark path that I couldn’t see the end of.
I owe him, the D2DT staff and volunteers everything. I’m more than grateful he and I are thriving.” – Ric |
 |
The work of organizations like D2DT addresses a critical need. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, veteran suicide and untreated mental health issues remain a national crisis, with an average of 17 veterans dying by suicide each day. Programs that connect veterans with mental health resources, service dogs, emotional support animals, and meaningful employment are part of a larger solution.
Veterans in the D2DT program develop better coping mechanisms for PTSD and anxiety, discover a renewed sense of purpose, and experience improved quality of life at home and on the job. This life-changing impact is the foundation of Dogs2DogTags’ mission.
Founded in 2016 and based in Plymouth, Wisconsin, D2DT is committed to the mental health and wellness of veterans across the state of Wisconsin. There is no cost for a veteran to receive a service dog or emotional support animal. D2DT also provides free dog training for veterans seeking service dog, therapy dog, or obedience training with their own dog or puppy.
Since 2016,
| 4,333 Hours
of veteran dog training |
38 Veterans
received a trained canine companion at no cost |
34 Dogs
were rescued |
7 Dogs
passed their Public Access Test, officially service dogs |
Learn more about their life-changing work at dogs2dogtags.org/news. Veterans like Ric are regaining hope and purpose every day through this program. Contact tammygraf@d2dt.org to discover how your support ensures more veterans receive the companionship and healing they deserve.
In the New North region and beyond, we believe that supporting veterans starts with understanding, continues through action, and grows through community. That’s why we work with employers to not only hire veterans—but to become veteran-ready workplaces that value wellness and resilience.
This May, we invite you to reflect on the role we all play in honoring those who served—not just with words, but with real, sustained support for their mental well-being and their future.
Let’s make this month about more than awareness—let’s make it about action.
| Rebecca Deschane New North, Inc. Vice President, Talent Development  |
Tammy Graf Dogs2DogTags Executive Director  |
