Mission Statement

Hounds and Heroes, founded by Bonnie-Jill Laflin, sports broadcaster, and the only female scout in the NBA for the Los Angeles Lakers, is a national nonprofit dedicated to lifting the spirits and morale of our active, wounded, and veteran military troops worldwide, and to increase community awareness, education and, involvement about the cruelty to animals and necessary care for animals through rescue, foster, and adoption.

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Initiatives

• Dedicated to lifting the spirits & morale of our wounded veterans through rescue animals. Rescuing dogs from shelters and pairing them as service or therapy dogs with combat veterans suffering from PTS, TBI and amputees.

• Rescuing horses from slaughter and providing equine therapy for wounded warriors.

• Bed and Blanket Drives for local animal shelters and sanctuaries.

• Bringing combat veterans to sporting events across the country.

• Military Base USO Tours and VA Hospital Visits.

• Military and First Responder Care Package Drives.

• Disaster Relief such as our work at Hurricane Harvey, Butte County Camp Fire and Malibu Woolsey Fire assisting both animals and first responders.

• Working with federal, state and local legislators on creating, improving and strengthening laws that protect veterans and animals.

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A Personal Letter From Bonnie-Jill Laflin

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My love for animals started at an early age and has been with me every since. My passion for animals started with my first dog, Goldrush that I rescued from the shelter. My parents and I rescued numerous animals while I was growing up and continue to do so today. The animals ranged from cows to horses to dogs and cats. I’m a vegetarian because of my love for animals. Today I have five rescue animals that I call my “fur kids” and I cannot imagine life without them. They keep me company and are my best friends with their different personalities and habits. I continue to be one of many spokespersons for animal’s rights by supporting many different causes and by bringing awareness to the cruelty that some animals suffer here in the states and around the world. I encourage everyone to show compassion to all animals.

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Both of my Grandfathers served in World War II, where one of them received the Silver Star and the Purple Heart. My uncle, a Gunnery Sgt. in the Marines, served in Vietnam and my father is a retired San Francisco police officer (undercover narcotics). So, supporting those who protect us came to me naturally at an early age. I have been fortunate enough to be a part of 16 USO and Goodwill tours which include 6 trips to Afghanistan and Iraq. I make many visits to veteran hospitals including Walter Reed, Brooks Medical and VA hospitals here in LA, and I continue to visit bases throughout the United States. Every time I visit our veterans and active troops, the feeling of gratitude and compassion always follows me. I would like to thank the brave men and women who sacrifice so much and continue to protect our freedom that our great country was so proudly built on! I salute you!

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– Bonnie-Jill Laflin

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