11/02/2026
🐾❤️ BEHIND THE SCENES OF A TRUE SERVICE DOG PROGRAM: THE LOVE, SACRIFICE, AND DEDICATION OF ONE INCREDIBLE MAN! 🇺🇸🐶
Tonight, I experienced something that I just have to share with our Rush Creek Sanctuary family. It gave me an even deeper appreciation for our wonderful nonprofit partner, Hia and the incredible man behind the scenes Hiatus K9 Inc Joshua Burnside.
It's almost 2:00 in the morning, and I've spent approximately three and a half hours on the phone with Josh, getting to hear and experience just a small part of what his nights are like caring for his precious puppies.
Almost seven weeks ago, beautiful Olivia gave birth to 11 adorable puppies! 🐾❤️
But what many people don't realize is the tremendous amount of work, dedication, sacrifice, and sleepless nights that go into raising these puppies to become future service dogs for our veterans.
Many people think that when you have a litter of puppies, you feed them, put them in their kennels, go to bed, and start again in the morning.
NOT IN JOSH'S WORLD!
His nights are a continuous cycle of feeding, cleaning, changing puppy pads, helping puppies with their bathroom routines, separating them when necessary, checking on their health, and making sure every single puppy receives the individual attention and care it needs.
And then, just a couple of hours later, he starts the entire process again!
ALL NIGHT LONG! EVERY NIGHT!
Josh may get a couple of hours of sleep, if he's lucky.
What makes this so extraordinary is that Josh doesn't cut corners. Every detail matters to him. From their health and nutrition to their development, socialization, and future training, he is dedicated to giving these puppies the very best foundation possible.
And there's something else I want people to understand.
🇺🇸 Hiatus K9 is a TRUE SERVICE DOG PROGRAM.
These are not simply emotional support animals. Josh is raising and training dogs to become highly skilled service dogs that can perform specific tasks to help veterans with disabilities and challenges they face in everyday life.
The level of dedication and training that goes into his program is extraordinary.
These dogs will someday change the lives of veterans who have already given so much for our country.
And Josh does all of this from his HEART AND SOUL. ❤️
He doesn't do it for recognition or praise. He does it because he genuinely loves our veterans, believes in his mission, and wants to give them the very best.
I have so much respect for this man.
But tonight also made me realize something else.
JOSH NEEDS OUR HELP! 🙏🐾
Right now, Josh and his wonderful mother are doing virtually everything themselves. Eleven growing puppies(and11 other dogs in training and personal dogs ) are an enormous responsibility, and the next few months will require even more time, attention, cleaning, and hands-on care.
So I'm reaching out to our amazing Rush Creek Sanctuary family, our veterans, our animal lovers, and our wonderful community of volunteers.
Would you consider giving a few hours of your time, even a couple of days a week, to help Josh and his mother?
And I want to emphasize that this isn't just about coming over and cuddling adorable puppies, although I'm sure there will be plenty of puppy love along the way! 🥰
This is REAL, hands-on volunteer work!
🐾 Cleaning puppy pens and living areas
🐾 Changing puppy pads and bedding
🐾 Helping keep the puppies clean and comfortable
🐾 Assisting with feeding and daily care
🐾 Supporting their development under Josh's guidance
🐾 Giving Josh and his mother some much-needed help and relief
If you have experience with animals, dog training, or simply have a genuine heart for helping, please consider s, what an incredible opportunity to help another veteran by supporting a program that is preparing service dogs for your brothers and sisters in service. 🇺🇸
At Rush Creek Sanctuary, our mission has always been about healing, compassion, and giving second chances. That's why our partnership with Josh and Hiatus Canine means so much to us.
We share the same belief that animals have an extraordinary ability to change lives.
Josh, I want you to know how much I admire and appreciate you.
After spending these hours with you tonight, hearing the constant work going on in the background, I have an even greater understanding of what you sacrifice to make this program successful.
You are one of those rare individuals who gives so much of himself to make life better for others.
And your mother deserves an enormous thank-you as well. ❤️
TO OUR RUSH CREEK FAMILY:
Please reach out to Joshua Burnside at Hiatus k9 if you would like to volunteer and help care for these 11 precious puppies over the next few months.
Even a few hours of your time could make a tremendous difference.
And if you're unable to volunteer, please share this post! Someone in your circle may be exactly the helping hand Josh needs.
Behind every great service dog is someone who sacrificed countless hours to give that dog the best possible beginning.
Tonight, I got a glimpse of those sacrifices, and I will never look at the work Josh does quite the same way again.
Thank you, Josh, for loving our veterans, loving these puppies, and giving so much of yourself to a mission that truly changes lives. ❤️🇺🇸🐾
Rush Creek Sanctuary & Hiatus Canine
Two missions. One shared passion. Changing lives through the healing power of animals.
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