Port Orchard veterans foster dog program earns national award

PORT ORCHARD — A partnership between the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard and Kitsap Humane Society has received national recognition for a resident-run program that pairs veterans with senior shelter dogs awaiting adoption.

The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs announced Sept. 8 that the Foster Dog Program received a 2026 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award, which recognizes state programs for service, innovation and measurable impact.

Launched in March 2024, the program allows residents of the Washington Veterans Home to operate a foster home for senior dogs from Kitsap Humane Society. Residents are trained and certified as humane society volunteers and handle responsibilities including walking, feeding and grooming the dogs, administering medications and coordinating adoption visits.

Five senior dogs have been placed in permanent homes through the program, according to WDVA.

The program also stands out for its operating model. It has no ongoing cost to the Veterans Home, relying instead on partnerships with community organizations to provide resources.

Kitsap Humane Society provides training, food and medical care for the foster dogs, while the Bremerton Base of United States Submarine Veterans Inc. helped fund kennels and other infrastructure needed to launch the program. Local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts also have supported the effort.

WDVA said the program has produced benefits beyond finding homes for older dogs. Veterans who previously participated in few activities have become involved with the foster program, and some have increased their participation in therapy services. The department reported improvements in mobility and engagement among participants as well as increased morale among residents and staff.

“This award celebrates the compassion and capability of our Veterans,” WDVA Director David Puente Jr. said. “They continue to serve their community by giving senior dogs a second chance and, in return, finding renewed purpose and joy.”

The partnership also addresses a challenge facing animal shelters: finding homes for older dogs.

“Our partnership with the Washington Veterans Home shows how community collaboration can change lives — both human and animal,” the executive director of Kitsap Humane Society said in the announcement. “The residents’ dedication has helped us place senior dogs who are often the hardest to rehome.”

Resident volunteer Lou White said he initially had reservations about the program but has come to enjoy participating.

“I had my doubts when the program was starting up, but have really enjoyed participating,” White said. “It is always difficult to say goodbye when these dogs find their forever home.”

The Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award is presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs. It recognizes state-level programs demonstrating innovation and service to veterans and their families.

The 2026 honor is the ninth Pillars of Excellence Award received by the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs since 2014. Previous awards have recognized programs addressing veteran homelessness, suicide prevention, incarcerated veterans, student veterans, military spouses and the use of creative arts in veteran health care and transitional housing.

WDVA said the Port Orchard program could serve as a model for other veterans homes because it requires limited staff involvement and can be replicated through partnerships with local humane organizations.

For the Washington Veterans Home residents involved, however, the program’s impact is more immediate: providing care and companionship to an older dog until a permanent home can be found.