Mutts With A Mission brings service dogs to AUSA expo

Patriot and Ghost-Eye, two service dogs in training with Mutts With A Mission, will appear at RTX’s booth at the 2026 AUSA Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 12-14. The appearance is meant to raise awareness for the nonprofit’s work with veterans, wounded warriors, law enforcement officers and first responders.

Why it matters: - Mutts With A Mission uses service dogs to support people with line-of-duty-related disabilities, including Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders. - The AUSA annual meeting gives the nonprofit direct access to military, defense and policy audiences that can lead to new awareness and sponsorships. - RTX’s booth will give conference attendees a chance to meet working dogs in training and learn how service animals can affect daily life for recipients.

What happened: - Patriot and Ghost-Eye, two service dogs in training, will represent Mutts With A Mission at the 2026 Association of the United States Army Annual Meeting & Exposition in Washington, D.C., Oct. 12-14. - RTX will host Mutts With A Mission at its booth as a sponsor of the organization. - Puppy Raisers Liz and David Cipolla will attend with the dogs. - Conference attendees can meet the team at RTX booth #1305. - More information is available on the organization’s website.

The details: - Mutts With A Mission raises dogs from puppies with volunteers to prepare them for future recipients. - The nonprofit trains service dogs for qualified Veterans, Wounded Warriors, Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders. - The organization also provides Facility Dogs to law enforcement agencies. - Mutts With A Mission also provides Expeditionary Facility Dogs to the U.S. Navy. - RTX is a global aerospace and defense company that develops and manufactures advanced technologies and systems. - Mike Savarse, executive director of Advanced Technology at Raytheon, said RTX values the dedication and service reflected by Mutts With A Mission.

Between the lines: - The booth placement puts a nonprofit mission in front of a defense industry audience that can amplify fundraising, partnerships and recruiting of supporters. - The dogs are the attention-grabbing entry point, but the longer-term goal is to connect the organization’s training model to real-world needs for veterans and other service professionals.

What's next: - Mutts With A Mission will appear at the AUSA meeting during the Oct. 12-14 conference window. - The nonprofit will use the event to build relationships with potential sponsors and expand awareness of its service dog programs. - Attendees can visit RTX booth #1305 to meet Patriot and Ghost-Eye in person.