In a heartwarming collaboration that brings together community support and veteran care, Stone Solutions Maine is proud to announce our partnership with Pets for Vets® Portland Maine Chapter, a remarkable organization that transforms lives through the power of the human-animal bond. This partnership represents our commitment to supporting both our local veterans and animal welfare initiatives, creating positive change in our community one match at a time.
Transforming Lives Through Connection
Pets for Vets is more than just an animal adoption program — it’s a carefully crafted initiative that creates lasting bonds between veterans and rescue animals through their innovative Super Bond® process. Founded in 2009 by animal trainer Clarissa Black, the organization has become a beacon of hope for veterans struggling with the transition to civilian life and shelter animals awaiting their forever homes.
“Pets for Vets is an Animal Assisted Intervention that meticulously and thoughtfully creates long term human-animal bonds with custom trained working animals,” explains Marianne Quinn, Portland Chapter Director. “Our goal is to help heal the emotional wounds of military Veterans by pairing each one with a custom trained animal that is specifically selected to match the Veteran’s personality. As a 501 (c) (3), we rely on fundraising and sponsorships to achieve our yearly goals. We are especially grateful for this partnership with Stone Solutions of Maine .”
The Need is Real
The statistics tell a sobering story:
- As many as 20% of returning military veterans suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- 6.5 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters each year
- Approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized annually
These numbers represent not just statistics, but real lives waiting for positive change. Through their thoughtful matching process, Pets for Vets addresses both challenges simultaneously, creating win-win situations that transform lives.
The Portland Chapter: Making Local Impact
Under the leadership of Chapter Director Marianne Quinn, the Portland Maine Chapter of Pets for Vets has been making a significant impact in our local community since 2014. Quinn brings a unique blend of experience to her role, combining her background as a Registered Nurse with her passion for both veteran care and animal welfare.
“I’ve observed firsthand how the unconditional love of a dog can help a Veteran through difficult times while reintegrating into civilian life,” shares Quinn, who started as a volunteer before becoming a trainer and eventually taking on the role of chapter director.
The Super Bond®: More Than Just a Match
What sets Pets for Vets apart is their unique Super Bond® process, a carefully designed matching system that creates immediate and lasting connections between veterans and their new companions. This isn’t about simply pairing any available pet with any veteran — it’s about creating the perfect match through a thorough, four-step process:
- Getting to Know the Veteran: The team spends time understanding each veteran’s personality, needs, lifestyle, and expectations.
- Finding the Right Animal: Using their specialized A.C.E. Selection Protocol, they evaluate shelter animals to find the perfect temperament match.
- Custom Training: Selected animals undergo specific training tailored to their veteran’s needs, using positive reinforcement methods.
- The Match: When veteran and pet finally meet, their connection is immediate and profound, thanks to the careful preparation.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The success of Pets for Vets can be measured in the countless testimonials from veterans whose lives have been transformed through this program. Take Chris, a decorated Army veteran of 17 years and recipient of the Bronze Star Medal. After retiring due to injuries sustained from a life-threatening parachute malfunction that resulted in multiple broken bones and a broken back, Chris reached out to the Portland chapter seeking a companion who could help him maintain his physical health through regular walks.
Through the program’s careful training and matching process, Chris was paired with Oscar, a calm, social dog specifically trained for Chris’s needs. Oscar learned to walk exclusively on Chris’s right side with a loose leash and no pulling, accommodating his injuries. Their instant bond was evident when they first met – despite the busy room full of people, Oscar immediately jumped onto the couch and leaned into Chris, finding his forever home.
These stories illustrate the profound impact these matches have on veterans’ lives, providing:
- Strengthened social connections
- Improved mental well-being
- Enhanced emotional health
- Increased physical activity
- Reduced loneliness
- Better relationships
- Trauma recovery support
- Boosted confidence
- Raised self-esteem
Stone Solutions Maine’s Commitment
As a local business deeply invested in our community’s well-being, Stone Solutions Maine is proud to support Pets for Vets’ mission through this partnership. By joining forces with the Portland chapter, we’re helping to strengthen the bridge between veterans and companion animals in our community.
“As a lifelong Mainer who believes in giving back to our community, partnering with Pets for Vets aligned perfectly with our values,” says Rob Howard, founder of Stone Solutions Maine. “Supporting an organization that helps both veterans and rescue animals feels like a natural extension of our commitment to building stronger communities. Just as we take pride in creating lasting foundations in our masonry work, Pets for Vets creates lasting bonds that transform lives. We’re honored to support their mission here in Maine.”
This collaboration reflects our dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of both local veterans and shelter animals, while supporting organizations that create positive change in Maine.
How You Can Help
The success of Pets for Vets relies on community support and involvement. There are several ways to contribute to this worthy cause:
- Volunteer: The organization needs dedicated volunteers in various capacities, from chapter leadership to foster homes. Learn more about volunteering here.
- Donate: As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Pets for Vets depends on tax-deductible donations to continue their vital work. You can support the Portland chapter in two ways:
- Send checks directly to: Pets for Vets Portland Maine, P.O. Box 412, Cumberland, ME 04021
- Make an online donation at www.petsforvets.com by clicking the “Make a Donation” button – be sure to earmark your donation specifically for the Portland Maine chapter to ensure funds are directed locally. Make a donation here.
- Spread the Word: Help raise awareness about the program among veterans who might benefit from a skilled companion animal.
- Professional Services: While the Portland chapter is not currently accepting new trainer applications, they anticipate opening positions in the near future. Professional trainers interested in joining the program are encouraged to stay connected for upcoming opportunities.
Looking Forward
Our partnership with Pets for Vets represents more than just corporate giving — it’s an investment in the well-being of our community’s veterans and shelter animals. As Stone Solutions Maine continues to grow and serve our community, we’re committed to supporting organizations like Pets for Vets that make such a meaningful impact on people’s lives.
For veterans interested in the program, applications can be submitted online at www.petsforvets.com/apply. The Portland chapter can be reached directly at 207-829-5642 or portland-me@petsforvets.com.
Together, we’re building bridges to better lives – one veteran, one pet, one match at a time. Because as Pets for Vets so perfectly puts it, life is better together.