Great organization that matches veterns and animals that are both in need of a companion. They provide a valuable service that is desperatel needed on the Delmarva Peninsula.
U.S. Kennels, Inc. is doing a great job pairing U.S. Veterans with rescued and highly-trained service dogs. The owners and trainers are passionate about providing support for disabled Veterans and rescuing dogs needing a second chance at life. They have created "community" for these men & women and the dogs as well. A total win-win situation!
U.S. Kennels Incorporated was a great experience for me as a disabled veteran in search of a service dog. When I went to them I had no idea what was going to happen. I had a dog but he was 12, so I needed a new dog to train as a service dog. He and his wife found one for me, she was not one of the chosen but she was given anyway as she had been cleaned up already. When I got to the center to pick my puppy (5 were Newfie puppies were donated), I got 1st pick. This sweet girl came right over to me, even when we were petting the other pups. After that Molly became Grace and she is my shadow. My sweet sweet baby! We finished training in 2020 and I have since become a volunteer/board member. Grace frequently comes to work with me and keeps us on our toes! I will be forever grateful to U.S. Kennels for this opportunity.
I am so grateful to US Kennels Inc. for helping me so much when I thought it was all falling apart. Chris and Mirela were and are so compassionate and understanding. Their professionalism is off the chart for the cause and core of the program. My hats off to them! This program gave me not only bonding with my companion "Buddy System" but a sense of purpose in this world. I deeply recommend this to all veterans that suffer from illnesses like mine. Chris and Mirela I cannot thank you enough. Got my life back. Awesome Program, keep up the good work!
Several years ago I moved to a new area on the Delmarva Peninsula, Salisbury Maryland. A friend of mine invited me to attend a board meeting for US Kennels Inc. I met Chris and Mirela Hardy the founders of a nonprofit with a great mission. OnceI learned their desire to support veterans in a very specific way, I could not wait to sign up to volunteer. Ie assisting with fundraising as well as being invited to sit on their Board as Treasurer. Chris a veteran himself understands how important it is to connect Veterans with special needs ie ptsd and/or physical needs with a trained service dog. Chris rescue dogs from local shelters, evaluates their their ability to learn commands. After all is said and done two deserving lives are paired for additional training. Specific task training takes place with Vet and their new best friend. Once at home, the Veteran and his new best friend continue bonding and work together to cement the training.
Chris stays involved with the vets and their service dogs(aka rescue dog). Mirela Hardy provides grooming for these special dogs.
This service is provided by Chris and Mirela Hardy at no cost to the Veterans. U.S. Kennels, Inc. a nonprofit that depends on grants and donations to continue this outreach to Veterans on the Delmarva Peninsula.
Submitted by a Loyal Volunteer & Board Member,
Linda Amos
U.S.Kennels Incorporated continue to serve veterans during the pandemic giving moral support and necessary training for the veterans and their service dogs. It is an honor and privilege to work for this non profit organization.
Remember, the people at U.S. Kennels Inc. do more than just get you a service dog. While Chris was looking for a service dog for me, he saw how bad off I was and recommended that I check out a facility in Martinsburg W.V. while I was waiting. With support from them and of course my wonderful family, I am able to take control of my life again and be a better husband, father, son, friend, dog owner and overall better person. Thanks to Chris and all of the volunteers at U.S. Kennels Incorporated. You have possibly saved my life and family. Thank you,
C.J. Crew USAF Ret.
I had the pleasure of having our booth next to USK at the Ocean City Pet Expo. These guys are absolutely amazing and the work they do- veterans programs are hard to come by on Delmarva, especially for service animals. Brody was such a well behaved boy (especially for a Newf pup!) and Tu completely stole my heart! I'd like to thank Alan for allowing me to cuddle, spoil, and feed Tu, I already miss him!
This is a wonderful organization, They rescue Dogs from shelters and animal rescues. they pair up a disabled veteran. So the organization rescues to things at the same time. What a great program
I am write this review to update my old one, Attu and I have graduated the service dog program for a while now. I have stay and start to volunteer my time as USK IT guy, I love this program. I am so glad to watch and see what USK has become and it is amazing site to see USK grow to what it is today. I love it and if you came to the program as a Vet. or as a Volunteer or just a person that is interested, you would say the same. Mirela & Chris work so, hard to make it what it is today, even the volunteers are awesome and have made the program so, much better. YOU ALL ROCK!!!
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U.S. Kennels Is amazing Organization that has helped me and my pup Attu, They have been there every step of the way with us and so much more. Chris Hardy has the biggest heart and is always putting everyone before himself. His Wife the president Mirela Hardy is just the same they give and give and do there best to make sure there veterans are happy. God bless you both and your team they are amazing group.
This organization is amazing. I have been able to learn so many things while interning at this center. Everyone here acts as one big family which benefits the staff, volunteers, and veterans. I enjoying coming in and being around everyone. The services they offer really make a difference in lives of the veterans and the animals rescued. I couldn't imagine volunteering anywhere else and plan to continue volunteering here as long as I can.