The SD Gunner Fund has welcomed a new service dog trainer to their organization. Elisa Gibson, owner of Happy Hounds K9 Training, will be working with SD Gunner Fund service dogs in addition to offering training sessions and group classes to the community.

Gibson has been working with animals her whole life and got her start volunteering in animal shelters with her family as a child. She trained her first Rottweiler at age fourteen and has continued training canine companions ever since. Gibson is a certified Dog Trainer by the Animal Behavior College, and a Canine Good Citizen by the American Kennel Club. Happy Hounds K9 Training serves the Hinesville, Fort Stewart, Ludowici, Midway and Richmond Hill areas.

“The SD Gunner Fund is excited to partner with Elisa and to welcome her to the Richmond Hill community,” said SD Gunner Fund Founder and President Britnee Kinard. “Elisa’s training background is sure to be an asset to our organization and we look forward to growing with her support.”

The SD Gunner Fund assists veterans and disabled children with the financial expenses of owning much needed service animals. These animals require a variety of necessary items to perform their service, such as vests, custom harnesses, and veterinary visits. Services dogs are trained to support individuals with mobility, hearing, psychiatric, and brain/neurological disabilities and perform tasks to meet the individual assistance needs of their partner.

“I’m proud to partner with the SD Gunner Fund because I know the work they’re doing is extremely beneficial to the individuals they serve,” said Gibson. “I can’t wait to start working with SD Gunner Fund service dogs and I look forward to observing their progress as they become vital assets for their human companions.”