Chris Pinder
Kennel Care Assistant
After years of decorated service in law enforcement, I carried more than just the weight of the uniform. The stress, the trauma, the constant pressure to stay strong-it all added up. Like so many warriors, I slipped into survival mode, just trying to push through while looking for a way to quiet the pain.
My turning point came when I realized I didn’t want to just survive anymore- I wanted to truly live. I reached out for help, and that choice changed everything. At Warriors Heart, I found people who understood what I’d been through. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I had to explain or hide. I learned that real strength isn’t in carrying the weight alone-it’s in connection, honesty, and healing.
A huge part of my recovery came through the K9 program. Building trust and connection with a dog grounded me when nothing else could. That bond reminded me what it feels like to be present, safe, and connected.
Now, as a K9 Technician at Warriors Heart, I get to bring that same healing to others. I know what it means when a dog becomes an anchor in the storm, and I feel honored to help create those bonds. This work isn’t just my job- it’s my purpose. Because every warrior deserves to come home-to themselves, their families, and their lives. I was always fighting to just come home.
