CCM Partners with K9s For Warriors to Gift Service Dog to Veteran

Special recognition celebrated during on-field experience at Cleveland Browns Salute to Service Game

CrossCountry Mortgage, the official mortgage partner of the Cleveland Browns, partnered with K9s For Warriors to sponsor a service dog for a Northeast Ohio Military Veteran. The special project is part of CCM’s title sponsorship of the Cleveland Browns Salute to Service game, as a part of Browns Give Back.

The recipient is a Navy Veteran named Ellis who bravely served from 1995 to 2012. He applied to K9s For Warriors because he ‘needed a friend to support him after his military service.’ K9s For Warriors paired him with his battle buddy named Valor, a black Labrador Retriever. Valor was procured from St. Johns Pet Center in St. Augustine, Fla. in October 2023. He came from a backyard breeding case, where more than 20 dogs were rescued. Valor is a graduate of the Paws For Change Program at K9s For Warriors where inmates from the Montgomery Correctional Center in Jacksonville, Fla. helped Valor learn his first training cues.

“My service dog is just a huge jump in the right direction for me. There are days when I am not feeling my best, but Valor is a strong dog,” said Ellis. “He helps me and it’s only going to get better from here.”

As part of CCM’s title sponsorship of the Browns 2024 Salute to Service game and year-round support of the military, CCM honors a local Veteran each year during the game. CCM partnered with K9s For Warriors earlier this year after learning about the life changing programming they offer to Veterans after transitioning from the military to civilian life.

“As a company, we feel strongly about honoring Veterans as an expression of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices these individuals have made to protect our nation. We know that the American dream of homeownership wouldn’t be possible without their Service to our country,” said Laura Soave, chief brand officer, CCM. “To have the opportunity to partner with K9s For Warriors to give back and change the life of a very deserving Veteran is truly a privilege, and we are honored to be a part of this special project.”

Ellis and Valor were recognized during a special on-field moment during the Cleveland Browns Salute to Service game on November 3, along with representatives from K9s For Warriors.

“K9s For Warriors is honored to partner with CrossCountry Mortgage to pair Northeast Ohio Veteran Ellis with a special service dog like Valor,” said Lindsay Grayson, Chief Revenue Officer at K9s For Warriors. “Valor was rescued from a backyard breeding case and inmates in the K9s For Warriors Paws for Change Program assisted with his training. He was given a second chance and is now changing his Veteran’s life as his battle buddy.”