Service Dog Sponsorship

A Parti Poodle Restores Autonomy to One Highly-Decorated Veteran

ATLANTA, GA For decorated Army veteran John Adams, life changed forever after he was injured while serving his country. During his service, John earned numerous honors, including the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. But years later, the lasting effects of that service continue to shape his daily life, creating challenges that he and his wife, Summer, face together with strength and perseverance.

Earlier this year, John and Summer learned about Top Dogg K9 Foundation. The nonprofit is dedicated to pairing disabled veterans with fully trained service dogs who can provide support, stability, and companionship. The story resonated deeply with the couple, and John soon applied.

After submitting his application, John received a personal call from Top Dogg K9 Foundation co-founder Blake Rashad, who invited John and Summer to visit the facility and meet the dogs.

But on the way to the facility, their day took an unexpected turn when they were involved in a minor car accident. When Rashad learned what had happened, he brought John to meet the dogs right away. That is when John met Surge, a Parti Poodle with specialized service-dog training.

The connection was immediate.

“Right away, they brought him to me, and he sensed I was upset and he calmed me down right away,” John said.

The couple had not expected to bring a service dog home that afternoon, but the bond between John and Surge was immediate. By the time they arrived home, Surge was officially part of the family.

Since then, Surge has become a steady and protective presence in John’s life. Whether at home, during therapy, or on daily walks, Surge helps John feel more grounded, secure, and confident as he moves through the day.

With Surge by his side, John has begun experiencing a renewed sense of independence. He is spending more time outside the home, enjoying greater confidence in daily routines, and sharing meaningful moments with his family.

Surge’s training was made possible through a corporate sponsorship by Montlick Injury Attorneys. The firm has a long-standing commitment to supporting veterans, service members, and community organizations, including its role as presenting sponsor of the annual 11Alive Veterans Day Telethon, which directly benefits Top Dogg K9 Foundation.

John and Surge’s story is one example of the life-changing benefits service dogs can bring to veterans and their families.

“The impact of a service dog extends far beyond companionship – it is about restoring confidence, independence, and a sense of security,” said Jenny Harty, Director of Community Relations for Montlick Injury Attorneys. “The difference Surge has made in John’s life reinforces why we are proud to support Top Dogg K9 Foundation and its mission to serve those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Montlick Injury Attorneys Announced as Title Sponsor for Inaugural 11Alive Veterans Day Telethon Benefitting Top Dogg K9 Foundation

11Alive Veterans Day Telethon Airs Tuesday, November 11, 2025

ATLANTA, GA Montlick Injury Attorneys will serve as the title sponsor for the first-ever 11Alive Veterans Day Telethon, an event dedicated to raising crucial funds for Top Dogg K9 Foundation. The telethon, which will air live on Tuesday, November 11, aims to support the foundation’s mission of providing highly skilled service dogs to veterans at no cost.

The inaugural event is a major step in bolstering the resources needed to provide life-changing service dogs to veterans who face debilitating mental health issues, supporting their recovery and independence. Montlick Injury Attorneys’ commitment ensures that a significant portion of the administrative and operational costs for the telethon are covered, maximizing the direct impact of every dollar donated by the public.

Jenny Harty, Director of Community Relations at Montlick Injury Attorneys, emphasized the firm’s dedication to veterans in the community. “Montlick Injury Attorneys is proud to stand as the title sponsor for the inaugural 11Alive Veterans Day Telethon. Our mission is to protect and serve the community, and there is no better way to honor that commitment than by supporting the incredible military veterans who have given so much to our country,” said Harty. “Top Dogg K9 Foundation plays a vital role in ensuring these heroes have the best service dogs possible, and we are honored to help drive this effort.”

The Top Dogg K9 Foundation’s is an Atlanta-based non-profit with a mission to reduce the number of military veterans impacted by suicide each year. This vital mission comes with significant financial needs, as a fully-trained service dog can range from $12,000 to $25,000 upon completion of the rigorous Top Dogg K9 program. The telethon is critical to helping bridge this funding gap.

“The overwhelming support from Montlick Injury Attorneys and 11Alive is truly transformative for our organization. This telethon will be instrumental in funding advanced training for our working K9s,” Sheila Rashad, Executive Director at Top Dogg K9 Foundation, stated. “This partnership means more service dogs can be trained and the lives of more veterans can be enhanced and protected across our region. We encourage everyone to tune in and donate.”

The telethon will feature special segments, interviews with veterans and Top Dogg K9 Foundation trainers, and opportunities for viewers to call in or donate online. All proceeds will directly support the training and placement of service dogs with deserving veterans.

After Heartbreaking Loss, Army Veteran Receives a New Service Dog

ATLANTA, GA (April 29, 2025) — In a heartfelt moment of surprise and celebration, Montlick Injury Attorneys announced its sponsorship of a fully trained service dog named Hayden for Army veteran Kerrie Porter, marking the launch of a new partnership with the Top Dogg K9 Foundation. The sponsorship comes just ahead of National Mental Health Awareness Month in May and reflects the firm’s ongoing commitment to honoring those who have served our country.

Kerrie tragically lost her first service dog, Bruno, who was struck and killed by a vehicle after breaking free during a walk—a heartbreaking loss that deeply affected her daily life and emotional well-being. When Montlick Injury Attorneys learned of her story, the firm stepped in to sponsor the extensive training of Hayden—Bruno’s brother—ensuring Kerrie wouldn’t face a long wait for the vital support of a new K9 companion.

“This moment was incredibly meaningful for all of us at Montlick,” said Jenny Harty, Director of Community Relations at Montlick Injury Attorneys. “Kerrie has given so much in service to our country, and we are honored to give something back that provides comfort, safety, and a renewed sense of freedom.”

Hayden will be trained through Top Dogg K9 Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit committed to providing highly trained service dogs, at no charge, to disabled U.S. veterans. The foundation trains service dogs to offer life-changing support and companionship to veterans.
“It is overwhelming to think that so many people care about my progress and my ability to function,” said Kerrie Porter. Reflecting on the surprise of learning about Hayden, she added, “I’m really shocked and at a loss for words.”

“This partnership is about more than just providing a service animal—it’s about restoring hope, dignity, and giving our heroes the support they deserve,” said Blake Rashad, Co-Founder of Top Dogg K9 Foundation. “We are deeply grateful for the support and generosity of Montlick Injury Attorneys.”

Montlick’s sponsorship is part of the firm’s broader commitment to giving back to the community and supporting veterans through meaningful partnerships. By aligning this initiative with Mental Health Awareness Month, the firm aims to raise awareness of the mental health challenges veterans face—and the powerful role service dogs can play in their healing journeys.