MPRA sat down with Michael Hinkle, president/co-founder of 4 Pawz 4 Heroes and Army MP Veteran, to discuss his mission to provide our nation’s heroes with their perfect service companion.

Michael, we are thrilled to partner with 4 Pawz 4 Heroes! What inspired you to establish this organization?

After receiving Fred, my own four-legged service companion, in 2022, I knew I had to give back, or “pay it forward.” So, Kelli Stone— co-founder of 4 Pawz 4 Heroes and fellow service companion advocate—and I partnered with Missouri Pet Breeders Association to do just that.

Fred looks familiar…almost identical to the black lab in your logo.

Yep! Fred is the face of the organization. The gift of Fred is why I started this organization. We’ve gone everywhere together since I received him when he was 8 weeks old. I’ve done all his training…well, I did ask a couple of the professionals for advice at times.

He’s also my ultimate helper and companion. If I drop something, he picks it up and returns it. He never lets me stay on the computer too long, always nagging me to play ball when it’s time for me to logoff. If I’m having a difficult day, he stays close and shows affection. Fred always knows what I need, whatever that may be. He truly is my Velcro dog.

Sounds like you trained him well! How could he not be the mascot? Even his signature tongue sticking out made the logo!

Yes, funny story. I was on a video call with the printer, and she saw the tongue sticking out on my wheelchair controller knob, which is a bust of Fred (it was taken from a picture and 3D printed by my awesome wheelchair representative). She said, “I have to edit your logo!” I said, “excuse me?” She said the tongue must be part of the logo. Most every picture of Fred is with his tongue out!

What do the colors of the 4 pawz in your logo represent?

These four colors represent the heroes we serve, including veterans, first responders, Gold Star Families, and surviving spouses.

Your logo truly tells your organization’s story and purpose, which includes pairing those you serve with their own perfect companion. Tell us about this process.

The full process can take almost a year and starts when someone reaches out to us either online or in-person. The potential handler fills out an application and answers questions that help us determine which dog might pair best with the applicant. Once a puppy is born, he/she, like a new Soldier, goes through basic training.  Following “graduation” from basic, we begin twice-a-week training at our facility with the pup’s new companion.

And how many heroes have you paired with a companion?

We have two heroes waiting for their puppy to be born, two who have started the process, and another two who have just begun the application process.

Amazing! You’ve already done so much to support those in need. What are your future goals for the organization?

Our goals are to pair as many pawz as we can; we hope to eventually lessen the dreaded 22 a day stat!  We also look forward to opening a training center and market for our handlers and the community [Lebanon, Mo.] in general. We plan to install a 100’ x 100’ fenced training area, free play area, and agility/obstacle course for folks to train their pets.  We also hope to donate a dog to the Make a Wish foundation and different schools in the area have requested companion dogs.

Where can we find you and Fred next?

You can find us next at the American Legion Rider’s ROMP in Osage Beach, Mo., May 30 to June 1st. We also do pop up live broadcasts highlighting our sponsors and partners, like MPRA!

Thank you again for sitting down with us! Together we can better support those heroes that selflessly serve this great nation!

Thank you, and I agree! This partnership allows us to expand our reach and provide even more comprehensive support to those who have served. By combining our expertise in canine training with MPRA’s dedication to the military police community, we can create a stronger network of resources for our veterans and service members.

Interested in learning more about 4 Pawz 4 Heroes, visit 4Pawz4Heroes – Purebred Service Dogs, Gold Star Families PTSD First Responders Veterans Surviving Spouses Service Dogs Service Dog Training, Gold Star Families, Ptsd, First Responders, Veterans, Surviving Spouses, Service Dogs, Service Dog Training., Purebred Service Dogs.

Interested in partnering with MPRA? Contact Us – Military Police Regimental Association