The newly formed K91 Rescued to Rescue Foundation hosted an inaugural Paws for Heroes Benefit at the Heritage Center to fund the objective of the nonprofit to rescue shelter dogs and “transform them into skilled, compassionate service animals, bringing hope and healing to veterans and first responders battling trauma.” The group pairs the dogs they have trained with veterans and first responders with the hope of empowering lives, reducing suffering and lowering suicide rates. They state that the bond built between humans and animals can make significant differences in the lives of those who have served our country. K91 Rescued to Rescue gives shelter dogs previously considered unadoptable a second chance at life by training them to serve and be loved by men and women who have faced trauma, giving each an opportunity to rely on each other and shape their life’s journey together. They have made 12 matches to date. Brian Reimsnyder, a former K9 sergeant at Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, launched K91 Training and Consulting in 2019 to rehabilitate and train dogs at a private facility, with the goal of continuing upon his retirement. Last summer, in partnership with H.A.L.O.’s Homeward Bound Program, he began the process of working with unadoptable dogs, training them and then pairing them with veterans and first responders; giving them both purpose. The work inspired him to form his own nonprofit, which was finalized in October. County Commissioner Joe Flescher, a friend of Reimsnyder from when they were both with the sheriff’s department, noted that first responders and veterans face tragedies on a regular basis, yet also have to function within the parameters of daily life. He added that they typically don’t share their experiences with family members and are hesitant to obtain therapy. “You don’t know when it’s going to spark up, but it’s going to. We have to deal with those snapshots because they continue to grow, and you develop a book. That book is in your heart and mind and never goes away,” said Flescher. “Sometimes people can’t get help, and they need something. They need a partner. They need somebody to help them through. We have the perfect solution for that,” said Flescher. After viewing a video about the program, guests met several of the dogs trained at K91 and their new handlers. Proceeds from the event will go toward the boarding, grooming and veterinary care of the dogs, and donations are also needed to enable future pairings. The dogs are currently being trained at a private facility, and according to Mindy Mangle, executive director, they hope to purchase one of their own. For more information, visit K91RescuedToRescue.org. <em>Photos by Stephanie LaBaff</em> [gallery ids="212988,212989,212990,212991,212992,212993,212994,212995,212996,212997,212998,212999,213000,213001,213002,213003,213004,213005,213006"]