Mike Ritland’s life changed in an instant on a dusty road in Iraq. The former Navy SEAL was with a group of Marines during a dangerous operation when their combat dog detected a threat and saved their lives. In that moment, everything clicked. These four-legged warriors deserved the same respect and care as their human counterparts.
After 12 years as a Navy SEAL, including serving as a Naval Special Warfare Multi-Purpose Canine Trainer, Mike thought he understood the bond between handlers and their dogs. But in 2010, he received a phone call that would define the rest of his life. The Special Ops community contacted him about two retired military dogs—Arko and Carlos—whose temperaments made traditional adoption scenarios impossible. Both had served multiple deployments and saved countless American lives, but they were too psychologically compromised to be placed with their handlers or in regular homes. Without someone willing to take them in, they’d be euthanised.
Mike’s answer was immediate: “No way that was going to happen.”
Arko’s story was heartbreaking. The ideal Belgian Malinois in nearly every way, he’d been sent to apprehend an insurgent during a raid when he was shot point-blank in the chest with an AK-47 round meant for the soldiers behind him. Despite being shot, Arko maintained his bite on the target until his handler gave the command to release. He was flown to a Forward Operating Base for surgery, recovered fully, and returned to action. This was a dog who literally took a bullet for his team.
Carlos’s injuries were even more devastating. During a raid, he and his handler were caught in an IED (improvised explosive devices) explosion in the middle of an intense firefight. The blast collapsed Carlos’s lungs and sinuses, broke both his back legs and hips, and threw him several feet. His handler sustained major injuries too. But despite his catastrophic wounds, Carlos crawled over to his handler and guarded him while the team rushed to help. That’s the kind of loyalty and courage these dogs possess.
Mike took them both in. And when more dogs needed help, he took them too. In 2013, he officially established The Warrior Dog Foundation in Cooper, Texas, with a clear mission: to prevent euthanisation and provide care and dignity to retired working dogs who’d served in any capacity—Military Working Dogs, Contract Working Dogs, and Law Enforcement K9s.
The dogs who arrive at the foundation carry invisible wounds alongside their physical scars. Many are psychologically compromised from chaotic and traumatic experiences. After years of service in the worst places on Earth, they’re physically broken down, and many default to aggression. Some have canine PTSD. Others are simply too old or injured to work anymore. Without the foundation, every single one would be euthanised.
Each dog receives an individualised rehabilitation protocol based on their history and needs. The foundation’s trained kennel assistants understand that these aren’t regular rescue dogs—they’re warriors learning to be dogs again. Through mental stimulation, proper nutrition, supplements, and exercise, the dogs slowly begin to heal. The goal is always to rehome them if possible, but if they can’t adjust to civilian life, they live out their retirement at the foundation’s peaceful facility in rural Texas, far from the chaos and noise that might trigger their trauma.
The stories of transformation are remarkable. Dogs who arrive aggressive and shut down gradually learn to trust again. Dogs who spent their entire working lives in high-stress environments discover what it’s like to simply play. Dogs who saved dozens of human lives finally receive the care and respect they earned.
To date, The Warrior Dog Foundation has rehabilitated and rehomed over 170 dogs—every single one scheduled for euthanisation. The foundation cares for an average of 22 dogs at any given time, at a cost of around $70-90 per day per dog. As a charity, 80-90% of all donations go directly to helping the dogs. Since 2010, Mike has saved over 200 dogs who would otherwise have been put down.
But Mike’s vision extends beyond just rescuing dogs. He’s written three New York Times bestselling books sharing their stories—Trident K9 Warriors, Navy SEAL Dogs, and TEAM Dog. Through his TeamDog.Pet training programme, he’s helped tens of thousands of everyday dog owners train their pets using methods developed with elite military working dogs. He dreams of establishing a scholarship fund for the families of handlers killed or wounded in service, and building a living memorial and museum for Special Operations Forces K9s to showcase their incredible contributions.
The dogs at The Warrior Dog Foundation represent something profound. They’re Belgian Malinois who detected IEDs (improvised explosive devices) that would have killed entire squads. They’re German Shepherds who cleared buildings ahead of their teams. They’re Labradors who sniffed out explosives at military bases. They’re dogs who jumped from helicopters, rappelled down cliffs, and worked in 50-degree heat wearing body armour. They’re dogs who were injured in explosions, shot protecting their handlers, and psychologically scarred by the horrors of war.
And they’re dogs who deserve better than being put down when their service is complete.
As Mike says, “These dogs are not only our best friends, they embody what’s best about us—the courage, loyalty and heart of true warriors. These dogs have saved countless lives and prevented innumerable horrific injuries. As a nation, we owe them a tremendous debt of gratitude.”
As we celebrate 10 years of the Top Dog Film Festival, Mike Ritland’s story is ultimately about the dogs themselves—the warriors who gave everything and asked for nothing in return. Through The Warrior Dog Foundation, Mike ensures these incredible animals receive the honour, care, and dignified retirement they’ve earned. He’s given them what every dog deserves after a lifetime of service: a soft place to land, people who understand them, and the chance to finally rest. That’s not just devotion to dogs—that’s honouring a debt we can never fully repay.
Visit The Warrior Dog Foundation website here and Instagram here
