NW Battle Buddies head to Washington D.C.

A Battle Ground-based nonprofit that places trained service animals with military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder is heading to Washington D.C. today to take part in the festivities of the annual Marine Corp. Marathon.

Representatives from Northwest Battle Buddies, along with six local veterans and their dogs, will make the trip at the invitation of General Electric, which is holding a health and fitness expo at the D.C. Armory.

Shannon Walker, a certified dog trainer, started Northwest Battle Buddies less than two years ago as a way to provide trained service dogs to combat veterans.

She said the opportunity to travel to the nation’s capital and spread the word about her program was wonderful.

“The more people see us, the more opportunity we have for people to be part of our organization,” she said.

During the four-day trip, Walker said the veterans and their dogs hope to take in the sites, including Arlington National Cemetery and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.