Guardian Revival & Merck Partner to Award Companion Dog to Local Veteran and First Responder

Press Release

May 17

Guardian Revival partnered with Merck’s Veterans Leadership Network (VLN) and Merck Animal Health to pair a local military veteran and former first responder with a companion puppy through Boots & Paws, Guardian Revival’s companion dog program that provides free dogs and yearlong support to strengthen the mental health and well-being of veterans and first responders.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Boots & Paws Dog Awarding in Beacon, N.Y.

Beacon, N.Y. — Guardian Revival partnered with Merck’s Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), and the company’s animal health division, Merck Animal Health, to award an 8.6-week-old labradoodle puppy to Don, a military veteran and former first responder, through Guardian Revival’s Boots & Paws program, which provides free companion dogs, along with a year of care and follow-up support, to help strengthen the mental health and well-being of military, veterans, and first responders.

Don named his new puppy Pepsi and shared his appreciation for the awarding, saying that he’d forgotten how much he missed having a dog and that Pepsi was “good for his soul,” according to program staff.

This special pairing was made possible by the generosity of Merck’s VLN, which helped fund Pepsi’s companion puppy package. Boots & Paws exists to provide free companion puppies to guardians, while Merck Animal Health’s focus is to empower those who care for animals and improve outcomes for animals and the people who depend on them, which makes for a natural partnership between the two organizations.

“Our companion puppies are awarded to guardians at no cost, and that kind of life-changing support is only possible because of sponsors like Merck who believe in this mission,” said Rachel Hill, Program Director of Boots & Paws. “These dogs aren’t just companions — they play a pivotal role in reducing stress and anxiety, easing loneliness, and encouraging exercise, all of which support the mental health and well-being of our guardians.”

“Merck’s Veterans Leadership Network is proud to support Guardian Revival and the vital work it does for veterans and first responders,” said Ross Free, Director of Marketing, Integrated Livestock & Aqua, Merck Animal Health and Field Chapter Co-lead of the VLN. “Pepsi and Don’s story reflects what we care about most: strengthening the bond between people and animals and supporting those who have sacrificed so much for their communities and country.”

About Guardian Revival

Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free programs focused on strengthening the mental health and wellness of military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their families. Through Boots & Paws, the organization matches qualified guardians with companion puppies and provides the resources they need to thrive together. To learn more about our programs, stop by our website, connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About Merck Animal Health

Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is a global animal health business committed to The Science of Healthier Animals™. For more than 130 years, we have pioneered groundbreaking science. Today, we are driven by continuous innovation to develop breakthrough medicines, vaccines, and technology. Rooted in direct experience on the farm and in the clinic, we work hand in hand with our customers every step of the way. Our singular focus is to empower those who care for animals, helping them manage their vital responsibility with confidence. Because when it comes to animal health, no one sees it like we do. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram.