Scottsdale Charity Bringing Veterans and Rescue Dogs Together

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, the Scottsdale-based Pearce Family Foundation is connecting Valley veterans with highly trained service dogs.

The organization focuses on assisting veterans living with PTSD to regain stability, independence, and daily support after returning from service.

Founded by Meghan Pearce and her husband Sean Alfonso, the foundation has evolved to dedicate itself fully to serving veterans in need.

Under Sean Alfonso's leadership, this mission is realized through a deeply personal and hands-on service dog program.

"Our mission is about helping veterans rebuild their lives meaningfully," Alfonso said.

"Thanks to Art Pearce's endowment covering all operating expenses, 100% of every dollar donated goes directly to providing service dogs for veterans."

For many veterans, transitioning back to civilian life is challenging, especially when dealing with PTSD.

Symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and isolation can make daily routines overwhelming.

That's where service dogs come in.

Each dog undergoes extensive training to recognize and respond to PTSD-related behaviors, grounding their handler during distress and fostering a sense of calm and routine.

"They provide a constant, calming presence that helps their handler feel safer and more grounded," Alfonso said.

"Studies show that veterans paired with a service dog experience significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, less reliance on medication, and improved overall quality of life."

Beyond clinical benefits, service dogs aid veterans in reintegrating into society by encouraging social interaction and restoring a sense of routine and purpose.

Training and placing a service dog is a detailed process that often exceeds $40,000 per dog.

Each is selected for temperament, emotional stability, and intelligence before undergoing advanced training and a personalized matching process with a veteran.

Once paired, veterans receive in-home integration support, followed by ongoing training sessions to ensure the partnership's success over time.

The Pearce Family Foundation's work is deeply rooted in the local community.

The organization exclusively serves veterans in the Phoenix and Scottsdale metro area and partners with a strong network of Arizona-based businesses and supporters, including Cobblestone Car Wash, Jokake, CVL, Constructed Matter, Gibbz Arms, Crescent Crown, and Dink and Dine.

For Alfonso, Military Appreciation Month is a reminder of the importance of this work.

"Many don't fully understand that for veterans, the hardest battle begins after they come home," he said.

"Every veteran we serve has given a part of themselves in service to this country, often carrying invisible wounds. We are proud to be part of their healing journey, and Military Appreciation Month inspires us to expand our reach to help as many veterans as possible."

He emphasized the importance of community involvement not just during May, but year-round.

Supporters can donate directly, join the Angel Club monthly giving program, volunteer, or attend the foundation's annual fundraising events.

This year's upcoming events include the Rally for Veterans Pickleball Tournament on May 16 at Dink and Dine in Mesa, and Clays for a Cause on October 17 at Ben Avery Target Center.

"Every bit of support makes a real difference," he said.

"There are many ways the community can get involved. Whether it's donating, attending an event, or simply sharing what we do, it all helps us reach more veterans who need support."

For more information, visit the Pearce Family Foundation's website.