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Envisioning a future where every veteran and first responder struggling with the invisible wounds of service has access to a loyal canine partner, a new nonprofit is building a community of hope, recovery, and lifelong support.

With a mission born from her life’s journey, her family’s legacy, and a passion for service and the healing power of dogs, Lotz of Loyalty was founded in honor of the heroes who sacrifice daily for their communities, according to the founder and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Allison Lotz.

Born and raised in New York, Lotz grew up watching her father dedicate his life to protecting others as a New York City Fire Department first responder. On Sept. 11, 2001, he was among the countless heroes who ran toward danger when the world stood still.

Growing up with that legacy instilled in Lotz a deep respect for service and an understanding of the lasting impact trauma can have, not just on those who serve, but on their families as well.

After serving 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, Lotz saw firsthand the emotional and psychological toll that service can take and later, working as a Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate and pursuing a master’s in emergency management, she learned how healing requires both structure and compassion.

“Lotz of Loyalty is my way of carrying forward my father’s legacy, transforming the loyalty and love that defined his service into a mission that helps veterans, first responders, and their families heal through the unmatched bond of a dog,� Lotz said.

Many veterans and first responders live with post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and moral injury. Families, especially gold star families can also carry profound grief and ongoing stress, according to Lotz. Traditional care helps, but day-to-day symptoms including sleep disruption, panic, and isolation often persist, she said.

Well-trained dogs can provide grounding, routine, social connection, and task-based support that improves quality of life and engagement in treatment, according to Lotz, these dogs can help calm panic, interrupt nightmares, reduce hyper vigilance, and bring daily structure and hope.

“The need is there,� she said.

By pairing trained support dogs with veterans and first responders, Lotz of Loyalty aims to create life-changing partnerships that foster healing, resilience, and hope and in doing so, restore strength and connection for those who have sacrificed so much for the rest of us, she said.

Focusing on breeds known for intelligence, temperament, and adaptability, program dogs come from reputable breeders and trusted rescue partners throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic, Lotz said.

Each dog is evaluated individually, “what matters most is their heart, stability, and willingness to serve,� she said.

Training takes approximately six to eight weeks depending on the dog and the handler’s specific needs, and includes basic obedience, public access work, and specialized tasks like anxiety interruption, and grounding.

“Each dog’s journey is personal, just like the healing process itself,� Lotz said.

The Lotz Loyalty training program is uniquely trauma-informed and relationship-based.

“We don’t just train dogs to perform commands, we teach them to understand their handler’s emotional cues. Every interaction is built on trust and empathy, ensuring that each pairing results in a deep, intuitive bond that supports lifelong healing,� she said.

It costs between $20,000 and $30,000 to train, vet, and place one support dog with a recipient. Despite that number, no recipient ever pays a cent, thanks to the generosity of donors and community partners, Lotz said.

Relying entirely on donations, sponsorships, and community partnerships, the nonprofit’s biggest challenges are sustainable funding and public awareness, she said.

Lotz of Loyalty also strives to educate the public about the real, evidence-based impact of support dogs on trauma recovery.

The program’s first pairing is taking place between Probie and her recipient, a retired New York Police Department detective, who responded to 9/11.

Volunteer opportunities are available to assist with dog socialization, community outreach, and event coordination. Local business sponsorships are also welcome to fund specific dogs, training gear, or pairing events.

Veterans Day holds a deeply personal meaning for Lotz and serves as a time to honor all those like her first responder father who exemplify courage and risk everything for others.

For the Lotz of Loyalty family, “It’s not just a day of remembrance, it’s a day of renewed purpose. Every pairing we complete is a living tribute to those who continue to serve and sacrifice,� Lotz said.

Over the next year, the nonprofit aims to expand its training capacity, pair more veterans and first responders, and strengthen community outreach programs as well as develop partnerships with local emergency services to create educational initiatives on trauma-informed response and canine-assisted therapy.

“The loyalty of a dog can rebuild the loyalty we lose in ourselves after trauma. Each pairing is more than training, it’s transformation. Through their loyalty, we honor service, family, and the courage to heal.�

While the nonprofit’s roots are in Stevensville, Lotz of Loyalty plans to extend its reach across the Mid-Atlantic region and, eventually, nationwide with a long-term goal to create a network of trainers and partner organizations.

“Together, we can create a legacy of loyalty, compassion, and healing,� she said.

More information about Lotz of Loyalty can be found at .