Local organization giving back to veterans in need

SALISBURY, Md. – It started with a few puppies and a purpose. Army veteran Chris Hardy brought U.S. Kennels Inc. to Salisbury, five years ago.

His mission was to connect veterans with service dogs, providing those who’ve served the country with a forever companion.

“These dogs will always be there; they’ll give you their unconditional love,” Hardy said.

Mirela Hardy and her husband have helped connect almost 40 veterans with specially trained dogs. She knows firsthand how much support service dogs can offer to veterans in need.

“Being married to a veteran who is disabled taught me a lot,” Hardy said. “I realized how much the community needs us and needs our support, especially veterans when they have PTSD and brain injuries.”

As Hardy prepares the next group of life-saving dogs for their graduation in the spring, he hopes to introduce more veterans to this resource, to bring light into their lives.

“I’m not giving these veterans their life back, these dogs are,” Hardy said. “I can’t take the credit, I’m just here to help them out along the way.”