Weavers donate $1M to K9s For Warriors

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. – Former Jaguars owners Wayne and Delores Weaver announced a $1 million donation to K9s For Warriors at its Ponte Vedra facility Friday.

Several veterans and their service dogs attended.

Two veterans spoke, calling their canines lifesavers and instruments of healing from unseen wounds.

"I got a second chance at life," said Sheri Martinez, an Army and Marine veteran and graduate of K9s For Warriors. "I really believe would not be alive had K9s For Warriors not come into my life. I had hit rock bottom. I found them when I needed the most. A lot of people coming through here have the same problem."

"We're the tip of the spear," said Emmanuel, a Navy veteran and graduate of K9s For Warriors. "The rear itself is still going because we have momentum, we have families, volunteers, generous people that care for their country as well. What I like to say is, one hand washes the other, both hands wash the face."

K9s For Warriors will break ground next month on a new facility in Nocatee. It continues to rescue dogs, then train them to provide care for veterans recovering from physical and mental injuries.


About the Author:

Kent Justice co-anchors News4Jax's 5 p.m., 10 and 11 p.m. newscasts weeknights and reports on government and politics. He also hosts "This Week in Jacksonville," Channel 4's hot topics and politics public affairs show each Sunday morning at 9 a.m.