K9 Guardians provides a new service dog

FALLBROOK – Disabled veteran retired Marine William Tiller lost his service dog, Kricket, March 23. Kricket was Tiller's faithful service dog and best friend, he said.

Leisa Tilley Grajek of K9 Guardians Inc. commissioned animal artist Chris Weston to paint a portrait of Kricket for Tiller to hang in his Temecula home.

Weeks later, Tiller reached out in his loneliness and asked if K9 Guardians could assist him in receiving another service dog.

Pistol Paul Von Tilley was placed with Tiller, helping serve Tiller's disability needs. Paul fit into the family routine, Tiller said, not just helping him, but also his wife Eleana and even their grandchildren. In just a few short months, the service dog is now a part of the family and means the world to the Tillers, they said.

With the help of Legacy Endowment Community Foundation and The Elizabeth Wilson Endowment, K9 Guardians received a grant in the amount of $5,000. This funding helped pay for the $15,000 costs associated with raising, specialty training and placing Pistol Paul with his veteran.

K9 Guardians is able to provide service dogs for disabled veterans in need through grants and donations from generous donors.

Legacy's motto of "Connecting people who care with causes that matter" speaks volumes in the case of Pistol Paul and Tiller.

Submitted by K9 Guardians.