Healing Through Connection, Not Control
A History of Lived Experience
EmpowerPups by Hero’s Puppy for Life, was founded by Frank Griggs, a Purple Heart recipient and lifelong advocate for veteran healing.
We place purpose-selected puppies with veterans, first responders, and others living with debilitating conditions.
Our relationship-based, trauma-informed training model not only gives dogs a purpose but restores independence, hope, and connection to the people we serve.
Programs That Change Lives
Hero’s Puppy for Life™
Service Dog
Training & Placement
Our Hero’s Puppy for Life™ program pairs purpose-selected service dog candidate puppies with veterans, first responders, and civilians living with PTSD, mobility challenges, or other debilitating conditions.
Using the Frank Griggs Relationship Bond Training™ methodology, dogs are trained by creating a strong relationship between our recipient and puppy, and using trauma-informed techniques rather than rigid command-and-control methods.
This approach builds:
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Emotional security for both handler and dog
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Confidence and independence for those living with trauma
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A lifelong partnership that changes two lives—human and canine
Pup Foundations™ Public Puppy
Training & Education
Pup Foundations™ introduces the general public to relationship-based puppy training using the same skills and techniques applied in service dog training.
Through accessible, family-friendly classes like:
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Puppy Preschool – early socialization and foundational skills
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Basic Canine Program – obedience and communication for all breeds
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Canine Training Foundations – prepping future therapy or service dog candidates
Every class is trauma-informed and ethically designed to build unconditional love and trust, prevent behavioral issues, and keep dogs out of shelters.
"He's become more outgoing. He's become happier. He' been able to get out in public a lot more. He's sleeping better...It's really made the difference in just him becoming his true self again."
Kristen, loving Wife of U. S. Army Veteran Recipient, Jason
EmpowerPups relies on a compassionate community of donors, sponsors, and volunteers to place purpose-selected with U.S. Armed Forces Veterans, Emergency First Responders, and others living with disabilities.
Your Donation
• Transforms lives for those living with PTSD, mobility challenges, or other disabilities through the healing power of the human-canine bond
• Creates lasting partnerships by training puppies side by side with our hero recipients, ensuring trust, confidence, and independence
• Strengthens communities by empowering heroes to thrive and reconnect with the world around them
Be the link between a hero’s challenge and their life-changing partner
Bring the Hope of a New Life Through the Love of a Puppy
We Need You!
Quick Guide
Fast access to our programs, stories, and ways to make a difference.
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Mailing Address
P.O. Box 21274, Denver, CO 80221-0274
Westminster Facility
9910 Wadsworth Pkwy, Unit 200
Westminster, Colorado
Colorado Springs Facility
410 S. 8th St., Unit D
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Email: custsvc@heropuppyforlife.org
Tel: 303-946-3321
Please call to schedule all appointments