From Rescue to Firehouse: Kia’s Journey and the Power of Wellness

As the Health and Wellness Coordinator for the Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department in Evansville, Indiana, I’m always looking for ways to improve the lives of our members. So when I learned about the K9s For Warriors Station Dog Program, I knew we had to apply.

I had researched how trained therapy dogs can help reduce PTSD symptoms and improve mental health among first responders. The data was powerful, but it was the stories from departments already participating that truly convinced me. It didn’t take much to get our leadership on board. Everyone recognized this was an opportunity to make a lasting impact on our firefighters’ well-being.

Along with the standard application, I included a letter describing who we are as a department. Joining Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department doesn’t just make you a member; it’s a family. I wanted the selection committee to understand that a Station Dog wouldn’t just serve our department; she’d be loved by all of us.

When I received the email that our application was approved, I was thrilled. We were told it could take up to six months to be matched with the right dog, so the waiting began. That time gave me a chance to prepare for my new dual role as both handler and dog mom, a responsibility I didn’t take lightly. I dove into research on working dogs, training techniques, and canine health, determined to give our new addition the best possible start.

From Shelter to Station

When the call finally came, we were matched with a beautiful Boxer named Kia. From the beginning, her story was special. She had been rescued from a shelter near Jacksonville, Florida, and brought to the K9s For Warriors campus, where she began her journey toward becoming a service dog.

At K9s For Warriors, Kia underwent months of training to assist a veteran with PTSD. Her trainers quickly noticed something unique about her; Kia thrived on human connection. Her goofy, affectionate personality made everyone fall in love with her.

Those same traits, combined with her calm adaptability, made her the perfect fit for a firehouse.

When Kia graduated from her Station Dog training and made the trip to Indiana, it didn’t take long for her to win everyone over. She made herself right at home, greeting each firefighter like an old friend.

Her presence has helped normalize conversations about mental health, offering calm and comfort after difficult days. Whether she’s lying across a lap, making us laugh, or visiting local schools to talk about first responders and resilience, Kia reminds everyone that healing can start with something as simple as presence.

A Hidden Struggle

Even as Kia thrived emotionally, she was struggling physically.

Her trainers had mentioned she was a picky eater who sometimes needed to be hand-fed. Her vet records confirmed her weight had fluctuated between 44 and 48 pounds. Too low for a Boxer her size.

We continued feeding her the same kibble she’d been on during training, hoping she’d settle into it once she adjusted to her new home. But even after several weeks, she still wasn’t interested. Some days, 80% of her food ended up in the trash. I tried every suggestion — toppers, broth, cheese, shredded chicken — but she’d just pick out the extras and leave the rest.

I felt awful. I wanted so badly for her to thrive, but nothing seemed to help. Every time someone commented on how skinny she was I felt like a failure. I was doing my best to get calories into her throughout the day with healthy treats, but I knew she wasn’t getting the correct nutrition for her needs.

Discovering Wholesomes

I’m a label reader, so the first thing I did was check Wholesomes’ ingredients. What I found was real food, ingredients I recognized, not a list of chemicals or fillers. From my earlier

research, I knew I wanted to avoid things like corn and wheat, and Wholesomes checked all those boxes.

Next, I read the reviews. Many dog owners shared similar stories about picky eaters who had finally started eating again, especially with the Lamb Meal & Rice and Whitefish Meal & Rice recipes. Since Kia hadn’t done well on another brand’s fish formula, I decided to try the lamb variety.

The difference was almost immediate. From day one, Kia cleaned her bowl. At first, I thought it might be the novelty of something new, but she kept eating day after day, week after week. Her weight climbed to a healthy 53 pounds, and now people comment on how strong and lean she looks instead of how skinny.

For me, that meant everything. Kia was entrusted to me by both K9s For Warriors and PTFD. Her care is my responsibility, her nutrition, her health, her happiness. When she wasn’t getting the nutrients she needed, I felt like I was failing her and everyone who believed in us. Now, I know she’s getting everything she needs to stay strong, focused, and full of energy for her demanding role. It’s amazing what the right food can do for both the dog and the handler.

More Than Just a Meal

For me, Wholesomes has become more than just a dog food brand, it’s become part of Kia’s story. Their focus on wholesome ingredients and overall well-being aligns perfectly with what we stand for at Perry Township Volunteer Fire Department: taking care of our community and each other.

As someone who promotes wellness among first responders, it feels good knowing Kia’s nutrition supports that same mission. She’s our teammate, our stress reliever, and often, our reason to smile after the hardest days.

Kia’s journey from rescue to firehouse companion is a story of second chances, not just for her, but for the people she helps every day. She was rescued, trained, and given a purpose that continues to grow with every interaction. And now, with the right nutrition supporting her, she’s able to do that work with strength, focus, and joy.

Seeing her thrive — healthy, happy, and full of energy — reminds me why her work matters so much. Kia helps our firefighters care for their emotional health. Wholesomes helps me care for her.