Patriot K9s Moves to New Facility | | |
The biggest news of this past year is that Patriot K9s of Wisconsin now has a new home of its own. In mid-September, Patriot K9s relocated to a newly purchased property at 4105 Dixie Avenue, on the north side of Wausau in the Village of Maine. The new building offers expanded office space, scenario rooms for training, green space, a large garage, ample parking, and sufficient acreage to build a stand-alone training building in the near future. Patriot K9s also has plans to put in kennels for housing and training dogs. Our new facility opens up many new opportunities to serve veterans in our service dog program.
A ribbon cutting ceremony and open house was held Friday, October 17. The facility was dedicated as the Mary and Frederick Lundin Center. Our training center is a tribute to the parents of Fred Lundin, the former owner of the building, whose generosity made our acquisition of the property possible. Mr. Lundin's parents served their country during World War II. Mary C. Heinen (later Lundin) served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corp and Frederick T. Lundin served in the Army Air Corp.
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Giving Tuesday this year falls on December 2nd. Please recognize the impact that Patriot K9s of Wisconsin has on our military Veterans with a donation to our non-profit organization.
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A Few Words from our Executive Director
As we move forward into another season at Patriot K9s of Wisconsin, I’m reminded every day of the strength and resilience that define both our veterans and our dedicated team. Our programs continue to grow, our partnerships continue to deepen, and the impact we see—whether in a newly trained service dog, a veteran gaining confidence, or a trainer at Redgranite Correctional Institution learning valuable skills—is a powerful reminder of why we do this work. It is truly an honor to witness how our mission changes lives in ways both big and small.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributes to our success: our volunteers, donors, staff, RGCI handlers, and the veterans who put their trust in us. Each of you plays a vital role in carrying out our mission. Together, we are not only training service dogs—we are building hope, restoring independence, and strengthening our community. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the healing bond between a veteran and a well-trained K9 partner.
--Lani Rethaber
| | New Business Manager joins Patriot K9s | | | | |
Patriot K9s welcomes Mara Mayland, our new business manager.
Mara earned her Master of Business Administration from Concordia University Texas. During her academic journey, Mara actively served with several nonprofit organizations, where she discovered a deep passion for mission-driven work.
Originally from the Midwest, Mara spent the past decade in Texas and is now embracing the return to northern winters. She’s excited to be back with family in Wisconsin and proud to join our Patriot K9s team.
| | | Congratulations to this Year's Graduates | | |
Patriot K9s staff, graduates, and their family and friends celebrated
the graduations of classes 24-4, 25-1, and 25-2. Graduation ceremonies were held in February and August.
Patriot K9s welcomes our newest service dog graduate teams:
Andrew & Jack
Richard & Journey
Chris & Bella
Britney & Bruno
Krista & Honey
Nicole & Jade
Jeremy & Kane
Jason & Mika
Allan & Midas
Nicole & Navi
Andrew & Odin
Joanne & Ocean
Lianna & Rider
Quincy & Django
Max & Ziggy
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Fun Time at Packer Party Fundraiser
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On November 16, Patriot K9s Board of Directors hosted the annual Packer Party Fundraiser at the Arrow Sports Club Grill & Bar in Schofield, WI. The event featured a basket raffle, games, silent auction, and music by Tennessee Whiskey Revival.
A big thank you all our donors, attendees, and to the Arrow Sports Club for their support!
| | | | | Patriot K9s Heads to Milwaukee Bucks Game | | | | Patriot K9s of Wisconsin was featured during half time of the Milwaukee Bucks game on November 9, 2025. Attending were representatives of PK9 with our ambassador K9s, K9 Sosa (one of our dogs in training), Shawna Schneider from Off the Grid K9, and several graduates teams from our program. Thank you Milwaukee Bucks for highlighting our organization! | | |
NorthStar Restoration Services Hosts 5K Walk
A Paws For Patriots dog 5K walk was hosted by NorthStar Restoration Services on October 25 in Wausau. Funds raised from the event will go to Patriot K9s of Wisconsin. This was the second walk organized by NorthStar this year. Their goal is to raise $25,000 in support of a service dog-veteran team.
We appreciate the support of NorthStar and their sponsors: Wisconsin Mutual Insurance Company, U.S. Air Force, Drip Media, Sure-Dry, Pat's Body Shop, Domtar, Carpet City Flooring Center, Foundation Supportworks, Hope is Here 89.5 FM, and Tom Lambrecht Art & Design LLC.
| | Thank You to All Our Donors | | Thank you to everyone who has supported our mission this year through their generous donations. We would especially like to acknowledge our donors from this past quarter. | | |
Adaptive Communities
ALRA Dist 11
Alosi Dreikosen American Legion Post 469
AES Restaurant Foundation
American Legion Auxiliary Getchel-Nelson Unit 210
Debbie A
Thomas A
Austin & Sharon B
Kathleen B
Rebecca B
CW Custom Exteriors LLC
Kelly C
Barb D
Deerbrook Rumble
Jeanne E
Everest Youth Hockey
James and Sandra Godfrey Charitable Fund
Dave & Julie H
Sallie K
Lulu's
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Ron F
Victoria F
Marlene G
Eyvonne H
Joanna H
Robert K
Jeffrey M
Michele M
Roy M
Steve & Judy N
Michael P
Redeemer Lutheran Church
Joanna S
Marcella S
Jason Simcakocki Foundation
KarenAnn S
Jane V
VFW Burns Post No 388
VFW Post 10263
Carissa W
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation
And all of our anonymous donors
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The Staff and Board of Patriot K9s of Wisconsin wish you a Happy Holiday Season!
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Lani Rethaber – Executive Director
Catie Dodson – Program Training Manager
Arnold (Vic) Viljevac – Veteran Liaison
Mara Mayland – Business Manager
Sarah Kasper – Trainer/Veteran Coordinator
Terese Barta – Trainer
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Gillian Waukau – President
Gary Bezucha – Vice President
Robert Kittel – Treasurer
Diane Durante – Secretary
Mimi Rethaber
David Holcomb
Ivan Mitchel
Kelly Dahlke
Wendy Nelson
Megan Bozinski
Cassandra Powell
Heather Peters
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Patriot K9s of Wisconsin
4105 Dixie Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401
info@patriotk9s.org
(715) 298-1373
Website: https://patriotk9s.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pk9ofwi
Instagram: @patriotk9sofwisconsin
Patriot K9s of Wisconsin is a non-profit organization that trains veterans and their dogs for service work in post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and military sexual trauma (MST).
Our mission: At no cost to qualified Veterans, we educate and train Psychiatric Service Dog Teams to have a fulfilling and meaningful life in the community of their choice.
Crisis line: 988
| Newsletter editor: Terese Barta | | | | |
