Boots4pups

Boots4pups is a nonprofit organization that raises funds to train service dogs for veterans and first responders with PTSD or occupational stress injuries. Our annual fundraising event is the Cpl Nathan Cirillo Memorial Cup to be held in September 7, 2019 at the Rideau Canoe Club.

 

In late 2014 Citadel Canine was approached by retired Canadian Army Major Hilaire (Nick) Nicolas, who wanted to raise funds to acquire PTSD service dogs for newer military veterans, as a way to celebrate his 70th birthday.  Major Nick decided that a pledge based walk along the Rideau Trail from Kingston to Ottawa would do the trick.  In the early Summer of 2014, this unique walk was undertaken.  The walk set a new record at just 10m days to complete the nearly 360K distance.  This walk needed a name, and after much discussion, the committee supporting Major Nick`s walk settled on BOOTS 4 PUPS as the tag line for the walk.  This term has lasted, and is now the official title for the volunteer committee spawned by Major Nick`s walk.  The Boots 4 Pups committee organizes and runs local events to raise funds to train and deliver service dogs to both new veterans, AND first responders, inc:  Police, Fire, EMT, Nursing, and 9-1-1 personne