The Putnam County Guardian Dog Park
We’re honored to announce the dedication of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park — a collaborative project between Guardian Revival, Putnam County, and the PFC Dwyer Vet2Vet Program — designed with compassion, connection, and community in mind.
Located in the Upper Park of Putnam County Veterans Memorial Park, this 50,000 square foot facility was created with a mission:
Provide a space where veterans, first responders, and their dogs can safely train, play, and connect
Raise awareness about the mental health needs of our guardians
Honor the life and service of Captain Max Kalkstein, a beloved Army veteran and K9 police officer who served with bravery, heart, and compassion
The park includes a public dog run for recreation, and a future training course is planned for K9 handlers, Boots & Paws recipients, and local agencies.
Why a Dog Park in Putnam County?
Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws program has long helped guardians build healthy routines through animal companionship.
As the program grew, we saw a need for dedicated space — a place where the bond between person and dog could be strengthened, and where healing could happen naturally, outdoors, and in community.
Dogs help us build structure, reduce anxiety, and feel less alone. For those carrying the weight of service, these simple things make a world of difference.
A Dog Park With a Deeper Meaning
This Putnam County Guardian Dog Park is also a place of remembrance. It is dedicated in memory of Captain Max Kalkstein, who embodied the very best of what it means to be a guardian.
Max was an Army combat veteran and K9 handler with the Ridgefield, Georgia Police Department. He served with strength and heart, and like so many of our guardians, he faced invisible wounds from his service. His story reminds us why this work matters.
This park is our way of saying: we see you, we honor you, and we’re here for you.
A Putnam County Community Effort
We extend deep thanks to the leaders who brought this vision to life:
Putnam County: County Executive Kevin Byrne, Parks & Rec’s Chris Ruthven, and VSA Director Karl Rohde
Guardian Revival: Co-Founder Alex Othmer, CEO Aaron Leonard, and Boots & Paws Director Rachel Hill
And to the many veterans, first responders, and community members who helped shape this project
Become a Member of the Putnam County Guardian Dog Park
The Putnam County Guardian Dog Park isn’t just a place for dogs. It’s a place for healing.
A place for gathering together. For honoring service — both human and canine. For raising awareness and taking action on behalf of those who’ve given so much.
If you’re a Putnam County resident and want to become a member of the dog park, you’ll need a general Park Pass, along with a separate Dog Park Pass. Proof of current dog vaccinations is required, and registration must be completed through the Parks & Recreation Office.
You can find more information here:
Putnam County Parks & Recreation Website
This park is more than just a patch of grass and a fence — it’s a place of purpose, a space for recovery, and a celebration of the bond between guardians and their dogs.
Whether you're looking for a space to train, connect with your community, or simply spend some time with your dog, the park is here for you.
About Boots & Paws
Boots & Paws is a program of Guardian Revival, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that improves the mental health & well-being of military & first responders — our guardians — and their families, at no cost to them.
Our guardians are (active, former, and retired) Military, Veterans, Reserves, National Guard, Law Enforcement, Fire & Rescue, Emergency Medical Services, Dispatchers, Corrections, and Federal Agents.
Dog ownership provides therapeutic benefits, including reducing stress & anxiety, easing depression & loneliness, and encouraging regular exercise.
