Guardian Angels Expands Mutt Strut Nationally to Support More Veterans and First Responders

PITTSBURGH, PA — July 22, 2025 — Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to host the National Mutt Strut, a virtual event held October 10 to October 22, 2025. The event builds on their successful Mutt Strut walk held in select cities for the past eight years.

Coinciding with World Mental Health Day on October 10, this year’s nationwide fundraiser will raise awareness and vital funds to provide highly trained service dogs to veterans, first responders, and civilians struggling with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other permanent disabilities.

Participants from across the country can join the Mutt Strut by walking anytime, anywhere—solo, with a furry companion, or as part of a team. Suggested walk distances include 1-mile, 2.2-mile, or 22-mile distances, symbolic of the 22 veterans who tragically die by suicide each day in the U.S.

“We expanded the Mutt Strut to reach more supporters and to help place more service dogs with veterans and first responders,” said Carol Borden, Founder and CEO of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. “By walking together—apart, we’re uniting communities nationwide in a powerful show of support for those who have sacrificed so much.”

A Mental Health Crisis We Can No Longer Ignore:

Approximately 22 veterans die by suicide each day in the U.S.
First responders are 10 times more likely to suffer from PTSD and depression.
A person dies by suicide in the U.S. every 8 minutes.

Guardian Angels pairs medical service dogs with individuals in need across the country. In the organization’s 15-year history, zero suicides have been reported among its recipients —a remarkable testament to the healing power of these incredible canine companions.

Registration for the 2025 National Mutt Strut opens on August 1, 2025. Participants who fundraise unlock exclusive Mutt Strut swag and directly help those still waiting for a Guardian Angels service dog.

To register, donate, or become a sponsor, visit: www.themuttstrut.org

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Mary Jo Brandt

Mary Jo has an extensive history working with the media as well as a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. Mary Jo has worked for companies such as Gannett, News Bank Inc., E.W. Scripps Company, Lee Enterprises, Pulitzer, Inc., Arthur Andersen, and has been involved with Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. since 2011. Ms. Brandt has had many hours of training in leadership, coaching, and mentoring. Her teams have consistently been highly effective in support of organizational mission and goals. She has one son, Paul who is currently in the Navy, and a daughter, Amanda in college and working full-time for a law firm in Naples. Ms. Brandt began volunteering with Guardian Angels after both her father and previous employer received a Guardian Angels Service Dog in 2011. Seeing the incredible difference service dogs could make in the lives of their recipients, she became involved through volunteering her time & talent to Guardian Angels. Ms. Brandt was then asked to join the Board of Directors and has served as a Board Member since 2013. Recently, Mary Jo has been named as a 2021 Patriot Scholarship recipient from Colorado Technical University. When asked why this scholarship and completing her Master’s Degree in Business Administration was so important to her, she responded, “This scholarship represents how important education is to our military/veterans and their families. I am honored to be part of this unique community. I am already in a career that demonstrates my commitment to helping others, I expect finishing this degree will allow me to be much more effective in my pursuit of working with our Veterans. This scholarship isn’t just about me. It is about how I can help others.” Today we face an even bigger challenge that none of us saw coming during the midst of the pandemic and worldwide economic collapse beginning to unfold. Yet again, Mary Jo is stepping up to the plate to be sure that our organization continues to serve those that need us, as we triumph in the face of untold adversity of today’s world. Businesses will only survive these difficult times because of leaders like Mary Jo.

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