In This Article, You’ll Learn:
- How Hope For Heroes pairs veterans with trained service dogs.
- How Connie helps Mychal manage anxiety, balance, and daily life.
- Why America’s Car-Mart has proudly supported Hope For Heroes since 2020.
When a specially trained dog enters a veteran’s life, everything can change, from daily routines to how they see the world. Hope For Heroes pairs disabled veterans and first responders with dogs trained to provide comfort, companionship, and confidence.
Founded by combat veteran and former K9 handler Mitch Serlin, the organization’s Canine Companion program carefully matches each dog with a hero’s needs, lifestyle, and challenges.
“As a combat veteran with PTSD and a former K-9 handler, I know firsthand the power of a loyal partner,” says Mitch. “That companionship brings confidence and stability. Launching this program was a natural way to combine my training experience with something that truly transforms lives. Time and again, these companions do more than support; they open up someone’s world.”
Each canine placement begins with a thorough vetting process to ensure the right match. The dogs undergo months of specialized training to navigate real-world environments and assist with challenges ranging from PTSD to mobility issues. Since 2021, Hope For Heroes has placed numerous companions, changing lives one partnership at a time.
America’s Car-Mart has proudly supported Hope For Heroes since 2020, contributing $10,000 annually. “Supporting this organization aligns with our mission to give back to those who’ve given so much,” says TJ Pike, Senior Director of Marketing. “These dogs help veterans regain independence, confidence, and companionship, and that’s something we’re proud to be part of.”
Mychal Watts is one of the heroes whose life was transformed through the Hope for Heroes Canine Companion program.
Mychal’s Journey
Mychal served five and a half years in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of E5, before transitioning to the Navy for two years. After leaving the military, he built a 45-year career as an accomplished celebrity photographer, capturing over 2,000 concerts and 1,000 red-carpet events, including work for Getty Images. [Check out Mychal’s website, Mychal Watts Photographer].
Even with professional success, life after service was challenging. Depression and anxiety followed him, and daily tasks felt overwhelming. In 2024, Hope For Heroes paired him with Connie, a fox-red American Labrador retriever named in honor of Lieutenant Colonel Justin Constantine of the Marine Corps, and named after Mychal’s father. The moment they met was unforgettable.
“She looked at me, rolled over to give me her belly, and we’ve been connected ever since. She’s my lifeline; my best friend,” smile Mychal, who credits his best friend and mentor, the late Chief Master Sergeant Ed Schloeman (and founder of Operation Warrior Shield), for introducing him to Mitch and Hope For Heroes, so he could get Connie. [Mychal is a board member of and spokesperson for Operation Warrior Shield.
Before Connie, the weight of depression often held him back. “I would do my photo assignments. That’s what kept me going. But when I wasn’t working, the depression would stop me in its tracks,” he says.
explore New York City together. Every step is easier with her by his side.
Today, Connie helps Mychal in countless ways. Whether at photo assignments, navigating crowded spaces, or walking through New York City, she stays close, often positioning herself between his legs to correct his balance and sense his anxiety. More than a service dog, she’s a true partner in life, supporting him in work, city walks, and daily routines.
“She knows when things aren’t right,” states Mychal. “She’ll put a paw on me, like she’s saying, ‘Don’t pay attention to what’s going on.’”
Purpose, Responsibility, and Joy
Connie has given Mychal renewed purpose. “I’m like a father,” he says. “That responsibility is what saves me. I don’t have time to sit around stuck in my head anymore. I have to take care of her.”
With Connie by his side, Mychal navigates New York City with confidence. He connects with people, shares his gift for photography, and embraces what he calls “a chapter where I’m moving forward. I can cruise through my days.” Connie will continue by his side as he pursues teaching photography and sharing his gift.
Now an advocate for fellow veterans, Mychal encourages others to explore programs like the Hope For Heroes Canine Program. “There are things a dog can do that psychologists can’t fix,” he says.
And what does Connie mean to him? “She’s the love of my life. She is everything to me right now. She makes me happy.”
Thanks to Hope For Heroes and the ongoing support of America’s Car-Mart, veterans like Mychal aren’t just getting through the day; they’re thriving, one paw at a time.
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Give a Veteran a Companion
Connie gave Mychal Watts confidence, purpose, and joy. You can help pair more veterans and first responders with life-changing canine companions. Learn more at Hope for Heroes.
Meet the Founder
Read about Mitch Serlin and the mission behind Hope for Heroes in our blog: Mitch Serlin Provides Hope for Heroes.
