Pro Bowl Safety Neal Supports Military Veterans With K9 Nonprofit

LILBURN, GA – While rehabbing a significant season-ending injury, Atlanta Falcons Safety Keanu Neal is forging relationships with the heroes of metro Atlanta, military veterans who are rehabbing from battle, at Top Dogg K9 Foundation. On Wednesday, Neal announced his association as the nonprofit’s brand ambassador. Top Dogg K9 Foundation rescues, trains and pairs service dogs to veterans, improving their quality of life.

“I love the No. 22, but it has an even bigger meaning to me,” said Neal whose father served in the Vietnam War. “Being a part of a veteran-owned organization that pairs trained service dogs to veterans is a great way to give back.”

The nonprofit estimates that approximately 22 veterans nationwide lose their lives daily. Through canine companionship, Neal, who wears No. 22 on the field, wants to help. No. 22 is the number of heroes that he and the nonprofit are hoping to save every day from suicide in launching its #Save22 campaign.

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He and his four-legged companion, a French bulldog named Keyno, both spend time at the Gwinnett County foundation, which is located at 4776 Stone Mountain Highway in Lilburn, while in rehab.

“We’re thrilled of Keanu’s support of our efforts,” foundation founder Blake “Top Dogg” Rashad said. “Saving veterans every day is our goal, and we’re so glad to know that Keanu serves as a voice for veterans.”

Local veterans of Top Dogg train rescue dogs from shelters so they can become loving and capable companions.

Top Dogg’s Call to Action

Top Dogg K9 Foundation is on a mission to save the lives of military veterans with its #Save22 operation. Studies have shown that dogs are benefitting veterans returning home from combat to civilian life. Charitable givers can pledge to donate $22 a month and share the #Save22 within their social media network to increase the number of dogs provided to veterans annually. To donate, visit http://topdoggk9.org/.

Top Dogg K9 Foundation, established in 2011, provides resources and service dogs to disabled military veterans who suffer from physical and mental issues to increase their quality of life. V.D.O.G.S. is an anacronym for Veterans Deserve Outstanding Generosity and Services. Military veterans lead the organization and are former U.S. Army and Police K9 Trainers.

T0 donate $22 to #Save 22, visit http://topdoggk9.org/.

For more information about Top Dogg K9 Foundation, visit http://topdoggk9.org/.

Photo 1: Atlanta Falcons Safety Keanu Neal is pictured with, from left, Mitch and Jonathan Mathis at Top Dogg K9 Foundation in Gwinnett County.

Photo 2: Local veterans of Top Dogg train rescue dogs from shelters so they can become loving and capable companions. Pictured with their dogs (from left) are Steven (and King), U.S. Army; Chris (and Arie), U.S. Marine Corp.; Mitch (and Luca), U.S. Army; Charles (and Maxx), U.S. Air Force; Blake "Top Dogg" Rashad (and Ziggy), U.S. Army; Atlanta Falcons Safety Keanu Neal; and Jamie (and Ace), U.S. Army and Navy.

Photos courtesy Top Dogg K9 Foundation