Wasilla group focuses on recovery, reintegration for veterans

A new nonprofit for battle-scarred veterans is bringing dogs and warriors together.

Wasilla-based HRT K9, in just its second year of operation, is already hustling to keep up with demand. HRT stands for Hart’s Recovery Team. It’s named after founders Justin and Heather Hart, whose organization supports disabled veterans by providing fully trained service dogs.

Veterans are matched with a dog, then both dog and human undergo individualized training tailored to address that vet’s specific needs. The goal is to help veterans disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder and accompanying symptoms regain independence, improve their quality of life, and actively engage in the community.

Helping veterans is personal for the Harts. In May 2021, after unsuccessful inpatient treatments for PTSD and alcoholism, Justin was medically retired from the Air Force. Months of struggle ensued.

That December, Justin entered Texas-based Warrior’s Heart, a private treatment facility for active military, veterans, firefighters, police, and EMTs. The Harts agreed it was a decision that changed everything.

While participating in the K9 program there, Justin, who was always a dog lover, discovered a natural talent for training. He formed a strong bond with a dog at Warrior’s Heart, which he eventually adopted and still has.

Now, modeling their program after Warrior’s Heart, the Harts want to use their experience to bring the hope of recovery and healing to others.

“We want to help veterans reintegrate and give them the tools to live life without fear,” Justin said.

Heather added, “We know from personal experience that service dogs save lives. We are so grateful for what God has done, bringing healing and reconciliation to our family.”

HRT K9 does not charge veterans, so the Harts do a lot of fund-raising to offset expenses. A grant for $11,839 in February from the Mat-Su Health Foundation will bring a needed financial boost.

“The Health Foundation is really behind the nonprofits in this community,” Heather said. “They have similar goals as us. They want to see a healthy, thriving community.”

A minority owner of the Mat-Su Regional Medical Center since 2007, the Mat-Su Health Foundation invests in community health and wellness from its share of hospital profits. Through sponsorships, scholarships, and grants to nonprofits across the Mat-Su like HRT K9, the Foundation has returned more than $138 million to the community since its inception.

Future plans for HRT K9 include finding property more suited to house a full-scale training facility to help address a growing wait list and get HRT K9 out of the confines of the Hart’s garage.

“We want to see individuals in recovery and families united and whole,” Justin said. “We want to be a real resource for the community, even if it’s just to provide a place that a veteran can stop by if they’re having a bad day.”

Much of that remains a deeply personal journey for the Harts.

“PTSD does not go away overnight,” Justin said. “What I’m doing is still part of my own recovery as much as the veterans I work with. The dogs are a tool to help us cope.”

FIND OUT MORE

www.hrtk9.org