We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Britnee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Britnee below.

Alright, Britnee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

The idea for the SD Gunner Fund was born out of one of the most challenging times in my life. My husband, Hamilton, a Purple Heart recipient and catastrophically wounded veteran, was struggling to navigate daily life with his injuries. In 2012, we were advised by the Department of Veterans Affairs that a service dog could greatly improve his mobility and help manage his PTSD. What seemed like a straightforward recommendation quickly turned into an uphill battle.

I found myself overwhelmed, navigating a maze of red tape and financial roadblocks to secure a service dog for Hamilton. It became clear that there was a huge gap in support for veterans needing service animals—not just in obtaining them, but in maintaining them as well. There were so many families like ours, facing the same struggle, and no one was stepping in to help. I realized then that this wasn’t just our problem; it was a widespread issue affecting countless others.

When Gunner, a Great Pyrenees, came into our lives as Hamilton’s service dog, everything changed. Gunner provided more than just physical support—he brought peace of mind, independence, and a sense of normalcy back into our family. Seeing the transformation in Hamilton, I knew I couldn’t just stop there. I had to take action and ensure that other veterans and first responders, along with children with special needs, could access the same life-changing support.

That’s when the SD Gunner Fund was founded. It started with a mission to assist families in securing and maintaining service animals, but as I connected with more families and listened to their stories, it became clear the need extended further. We expanded our efforts to include therapy support, funding for educational resources, and even assistance with past-due medical bills.

What made this endeavor worthwhile wasn’t just the personal connection—it was the undeniable impact it had on people’s lives. We weren’t just solving a problem that had been overlooked; we were offering a unique, hands-on, and compassionate approach. What excited me most was the opportunity to truly make a difference—not just for one family, but for many. It wasn’t just about service dogs—it was about service to others, and about filling the gap where no one else would.

Britnee, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At SD Gunner Fund, we’re all about stepping in where support systems fall short. As Founder and Executive Director, I lead an organization that’s dedicated to serving veterans, first responders, and children with disabilities by providing access to critical resources—especially when traditional avenues fail to meet their needs.

Our core services revolve around service dog support—covering everything from acquiring highly trained service animals to funding their ongoing care. But we don’t stop there. We also provide therapy funding, help pay past-due bills at pediatric clinics, offer grants for special education field trips, and support schools and teachers who work with special needs students. If it impacts the well-being of the individuals we serve, we find a way to get involved.

What sets us apart is our hands-on, deeply personal approach. We’re not a massive, impersonal organization—we know the names and stories of the people we serve. We’re rooted in the military and special needs communities, and that connection drives everything we do. There’s no red tape with us—just action, compassion, and results.

I’m most proud of the trust our community places in us. Families know that when they reach out, we’re going to do everything in our power to help—and that’s not a promise we take lightly. What I want potential supporters and followers to know is this: SD Gunner Fund is not just an organization, it’s a movement to honor service, uplift families, and fill the gaps that too many people fall through. We’re committed, we’re capable, and we care deeply about making a real difference, one family at a time.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Staying connected with the families and individuals we serve is a cornerstone of everything we do at SD Gunner Fund. We’re not just providing a service—we’re building relationships. Whether it’s through regular check-ins, social media engagement, community events, or just picking up the phone when someone needs us, we make it a point to be accessible and responsive. People know that when they reach out to us, they’re going to get a real person who genuinely cares.

We foster brand loyalty by leading with authenticity. Our supporters and clients see the impact of their involvement—they’re part of something real, something meaningful. We share success stories, updates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the work we’re doing so they always feel connected to our mission.

We also make it a priority to show appreciation—whether it’s thanking donors personally, highlighting volunteers, or celebrating milestones with the families we serve. Loyalty grows when people feel valued, and we never take that for granted.

Ultimately, trust is what keeps people coming back, supporting us, and sharing our mission with others. We’ve built that trust by consistently showing up, delivering results, and staying true to our values. That’s how we’ve created a community, not just a client base.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Leading a team—especially in the non-profit world—takes more than just delegation. You’ve got to lead from the front, be willing to get your hands dirty, and show your people that you’re in it with them, not above them. I believe in setting clear expectations, giving people the tools they need to succeed, and then trusting them to do their job. Micromanaging kills morale faster than anything.

One of the best ways to maintain high morale is simple: communication and appreciation. Check in with your team—not just about work, but about them as people. Know what they’re dealing with, listen when they talk, and celebrate the wins—big or small. A quick thank you, a genuine “you did great on this,” or just acknowledging their effort can go a long way.

I also believe in giving people ownership. When your team feels like their ideas matter and they’re part of the mission, they’re more invested. Give them space to grow, back them up when things get tough, and never ask them to do something you wouldn’t do yourself.

At the end of the day, morale is about culture. Build a team that feels like a family, support each other, and keep your mission front and center. When people know their work has purpose, they show up differently. That’s the kind of team I strive to build every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sdgunner.org
• Instagram: @sd_gunner_fund
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SDGunner

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