Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs is proud to announce that it has received a generous $60,000 donation to its Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund from long-time donor and friend of the organization, Karen Hilburn. This plan covers the costs of all medical care for service dogs at no cost to the 89 recipients it currently serves and is projected to cost close to $175,000 annually.
“The Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund is vital in ensuring that our service dogs remain healthy and well cared for—with very little cost to recipients. Thanks to generous supporters like Karen, we are able to provide the ongoing veterinary care and support our dogs need to continue transforming lives every day,” said Mary Jo Brandt, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs.
How Honoring a Late Friend Became a Decade-Long Relationship of Support
Karen Hilburn, an animal lover and proud supporter of the military and first responders, was inspired to honor her late friend, who had left her funds after her passing. Wanting to make a meaningful impact, Karen began searching for a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to service dogs. Her friend’s father was a merchant marine, and Karen herself came from a family with strong ties to the military and first responders.
“My father was in the military, my first husband was a rescue pilot in Vietnam, and my second husband was a police officer. I’ve always been very pro-service and very patriotic,” said Karen.
After reaching out to several organizations, she connected with Mary Jo at Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, beginning what would become a decade-long journey of support. Over the last 10 years, Karen has sponsored several service dogs. As part of her sponsorship, she has been able to name each dog, choosing names that honor her mother, father, aunt, and even some of her favorite dogs from over the years.
“It’s hard to explain to someone who has not been involved in a catastrophic injury or PTSD what an animal can do to help a human being. There is something that animals have to offer that humans don’t have the capacity to offer each other. What I’m sponsoring now, the Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund, is really essential,” said Karen.
Karen’s generous donations to the organization have done more than help recipients; they have also become a positive part of her life, encouraging people to donate, even if it’s a small amount. “The value of Guardian Angels’ mission is that its influence and effects last forever. When money is donated to a good cause, it perpetuates the cause’s effectiveness. It goes on for generations,” said Karen.
Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund Impact: Lisa and Yogi’s Story
Lisa, a Marine Veteran and former teacher, is partnered with her service dog, Yogi, who recently received support through the Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund. Lisa lives with a brain injury and aphasia resulting from a car accident, along with a service-connected disability—severe chronic PTSD—and she is also a survivor of Military Sexual Trauma (MST). She relies on Yogi for a variety of tasks, including medical alerts and grounding techniques.
Lisa shared that Yogi gives her something invaluable: the ability to live independently.
“Yogi’s role in my life goes far deeper than tasks. He’s my battle buddy, my source of comfort, and often my comedian. Most importantly, Yogi restores my dignity. He gives me the confidence to live fully, to step back into the world, and to do so with my head held high. Every day with him is a reminder that healing comes on four paws, and that hope can look a lot like a German Shepherd with a big personality,” said Lisa.
When Yogi began to limp, Lisa took him to her local veterinarian, where they ran tests, X-rays, and bloodwork. But they didn’t find an explanation for his behavior. She was referred to specialists at MedVet in Columbus, OH.
The specialists suspected Yogi had neurological issues, so Yogi was admitted overnight, where they ran countless tests, and finally recommended an MRI—the only way to truly understand what was happening. Lisa said that as a disabled Marine veteran on a fixed income, the treatment cost of $17,766.14 was far beyond what she could afford.
“Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, Inc. lifted that impossible weight off my shoulders, ensuring Yogi received every test, every injection, and finally, the surgery he desperately needed,” said Lisa.
She said the support went far beyond financial support. “Their veterinary technician stayed in frequent contact with me—often after hours—answering questions and guiding me through Yogi’s toughest days. I also leaned heavily on their National Recipient Director, who provided encouragement, resources, and reassurance when I needed it most. With Guardian Angels, I never felt alone in this journey,” said Lisa.
With the generosity of Guardian Angels and donors like Karen Hilburn, Yogi received the life-saving care he needed to continue to give his recipient, Lisa, a quality, independent life.
“Every dollar you give turns into hope for someone like me, someone fighting battles you’ll never see. You may never meet the veteran or the service dog your gift saves—but I promise you, the impact is life-changing. I will never forget what you did for us. When you give, you’re not donating to a program. You’re giving a veteran their Healing Hero back, “ said Lisa.
The stories of Karen, Lisa, and Yogi illustrate the heart of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs’ mission: to provide life-changing support to both service dogs and those they serve. The Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund ensures that no recipient ever has to choose between their independence and their dog’s health. With rising veterinary costs, the continued generosity of donors like Karen Hilburn makes it possible for Guardian Angels to sustain this vital program.
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs invites the community to support the Recipient Veterinary Relief Fund, which will help ensure that every service dog receives the care it needs and every recipient has the Healing Hero they deserve.
- Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs Receives $60,000 Gift to Support Service Dog Medical Care - September 17, 2025
- Guardian Angels Expands Mutt Strut Nationally to Support More Veterans and First Responders - July 22, 2025
- PTSD Awareness Month: How Service Dogs Help People with PTSD - June 17, 2025
