Operation HEEL

12/07/2025

Mindful minute—enjoy!

12/01/2025

Dog Aging Project Peer-Reviewed Study - “Dogs with consistent CBD💧 use showed a decline in the intensity of aggressive behaviors over time compared to a more steady trend among non-use dogs. […] The decline in the intensity of aggressive behaviors suggests the potential use of CBD in dog training. Further studies are needed to advance our understanding of this novel supplement at the mechanistic, clinical, and population levels.”

CBD has shown real promise in supporting dogs with anxiety, reactivity, and aggression. However, access to high-quality CBD is limited in many regions, and regulations vary widely across the U.S. and globally. For families who cannot access CBD or want a more standardized, long-term solution, GABA-producing calming probiotics offer a powerful, fully legal alternative with growing scientific support for dogs.

A 2025 randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial found that dogs given a patented GABA-producing probiotic strain (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum LP815™) experienced significant reductions in aggression and anxiety, along with improved sleep stability and faster post-separation calming. No serious adverse effects were reported across more than 1,100 doses, making it a safe option for extended daily use.

Want to explore a science-backed probiotic🦠 option for your dog comment BETTERBELLY and we’ll send you more info.

12/01/2025

We welcomed some new friends🐶🐈 this weekend from our partners at Ozarks Pet Rescue and Perry County Dog Shelter. They’ve been settling in, and we’re working on grooming and intake medical. Keep an eye on our website for their profiles to go up hopefully in the next couple days!

11/30/2025

Cooper needs your help for giving Tuesday!

If you’re willing or able to donate please consider donating to Coopers go fund me campaign. We are still working towards our goal. We are incredibly grateful for those that have already donated. Your support means the world to us and Cooper.

If donating is not possible for you this season that is perfectly okay! You can show us support by sharing our post and our story to raise awareness of our campaign. Getting the word out is just as important to us!

Donate here:
https://gofund.me/fa1e8a9cc

Here is a photo from when he was staying at UW Large Animal Hospital post surgery.

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11/30/2025

Sending warm wishes after the record-breaking snowfall this weekend—hoping everyone is well!

Take a moment to enjoy a mindful minute 🙏

11/11/2025

An honor to serve alongside U.S. military nurses in all services 🇺🇸

11/05/2025

Classes are starting next week—space is still available!

10% of class fee will go towards a local dog shelter of your choice!

Classes take place inside and outside to help you and your dog navigate different settings & challenges!

Free holiday gift included (a must have for dog owners!)

Final group dog training classes for the year!

All classes start on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

Puppy Classes (AKC S.T.A.R. testing available):
1 class per week for 6 weeks at 6:30pm
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/puppy-play-learn

Adolescent dog classes (AKC S.T.A.R. testing available):
1 class per week for 6 weeks at 5:30pm
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/young-dog-good-dog

New Dog Class (newly adopted dogs 5 months & older), includes (1) private lesson:
1 class per week for 4 weeks at 7:30pm
and 1 private lesson after completion of 4-week class
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/new-dog-good-dog-learning-bonding-class

11/01/2025

DON'T MISS OUR LAST HORSE OWNER EDUCATION WEBINAR OF 2025! 📢

Join us next Wednesday, Nov. 5, for "Care and Management of the Elderly Equine".

Just like people, the needs of horses change as they continue to age. Members of the AAEP Horse Owner Education committee will present on a wide range of topics to help you properly care for the elderly equine in your life. Discussion points will include diet, dentistry, common diseases and illnesses, preventative care, and more. Do not miss this informative session on how to help your older horse live its best life!

Registration is FREE but required. A recording of the webinar will be available if you miss the live event.

Register here: https://events.zoom.us/ev/Ah5yOsCebSifxMhDsKU4IL28l58V2uXLCCZy2BJfr1cVGkPrhte-~AkTrbyktZL-X6LN0LpntEqMChUPte_sAlD_Vc22m-q6fZUf_K_Bby90XhQ

This informative session is brought to you by the AAEP Horse Owner Education Committee.

10/30/2025

True OR False:
Spending too much time with a puppy creates separation anxiety.

To find out the answer to this question AND to prevent symptoms of separation anxiety in your puppy, adolescent dog, and/or adult dog sign up for a class today 🙌

Go to www.opheel.com to sign up or for more information!

10/28/2025

Final group dog training classes for the year!

All classes start on Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

Puppy Classes (AKC S.T.A.R. testing available):
1 class per week for 6 weeks at 6:30pm
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/puppy-play-learn

Adolescent dog classes (AKC S.T.A.R. testing available):
1 class per week for 6 weeks at 5:30pm
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/young-dog-good-dog

New Dog Class (newly adopted dogs 5 months & older), includes (1) private lesson:
1 class per week for 4 weeks at 7:30pm
and 1 private lesson after completion of 4-week class
Sign Up Here:
https://calendly.com/operationheel/new-dog-good-dog-learning-bonding-class

10/28/2025

Great big thank you to Sheehy Express in Waterloo, WI, for bringing in soft ground to ensure our horses and human clients are comfortable and stay healthy 🤠

Support small business any way you can!

10/21/2025

Please share!!!

🚨 URGENT NEED: BARBERS! 🚨

​We are desperately looking for a few more licensed barbers to join Operation Fresh Start at our upcoming Stand Down Madison event!

​We are asking for help specifically on Saturday, October 25th, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

​We only have 3 barbers signed up so far and really need your help. A haircut is more than just a trim—it's about dignity, respect, and helping our veterans feel seen.

​If you are a barber who can volunteer during this time, please send us a message or sign up immediately!

​The final countdown is on! We are just 6 days away from the Stand Down Madison - Wayne D. Horner Memorial main event.

​We are anticipating 100 to 120 veterans coming through our doors for services, including haircuts, and we need your help to serve them all.

​To make this event run smoothly and ensure every veteran feels supported, we still need volunteers for key roles. Here are the most impactful ways you can contribute:

​1. ✂️ VOLUNTEER (All Roles)
Join us on-site at The Salvation Army of Dane County. Every hour you contribute makes a difference.
​Shifts Available:
​Friday, Oct 24th (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
​Saturday, Oct 25th (6:00 AM - 3:30 PM)
​Roles: Setup & teardown, welcome/buddies, clothing/gear distribution, runners & floaters.
​✅ Sign Up to Volunteer: [https://www.standdownmadison.org/volunteer]

​2. 🎁 SHOP OUR AMAZON WISH LIST
This is the most direct way to provide essential gear. Items are shipped directly to us for distribution. We still need 22 items!
​➡️ Shop Here: [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2T3N5T5N52HZ6]

​Thank you for supporting our local homeless and at-risk veterans!