Military
A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help - Denny the Service Dog
Military
Surgery
Virginia
Created March 20th, 2025
A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help

Eric Provow has spent his life serving others. As a retired combat veteran with 20 years split between the Marine Corps and Air Force, he dedicated himself to some of the most elite military units, enduring multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. After retiring, he continued his mission of service as a firefighter and paramedic.

But despite his courage on the battlefield and beyond, Eric silently battled the invisible wounds of war—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For over a decade, he carried this burden alone, undiagnosed, and untreated. In 2017, it nearly cost him everything when he almost lost his battle with PTSD. Then came Denny—his lifeline, his guardian, his saving grace. This specially trained service dog was more than just a companion; he was the reason Eric found hope again in civilian life.

Now, Denny needs our help.

On March 17, Denny was rushed to the emergency vet with a life-threatening condition—intestinal torsion. He underwent emergency surgery, but complications arose. Denny’s heart rate became dangerously high and irregular, requiring 24/7 monitoring by specialists. He spent six days at the emergency vet center before finally coming home on Saturday, March 22. Once things settled, we totaled the charges on our credit card—over $20,000. Denny is nearly back to his old self, though he still has some restrictions.

For years, Eric and Meg have selflessly given back through their nonprofit, Making Everything Good (MEG)—helping veterans, first responders, their families, and the local community. Now, it’s our turn to give back to them.

Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share this fundraiser and their story.

Thank you,

– Shawna, Denny’s Aunt

Updates

March 30th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

A quick update:

Denny is still recovering and is in good spirits! Denny thinks he can do more than he’s allowed so dad has his work cut out for him to make sure the healing goes right! ❤️


March 25th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

As Denny continues his recovery journey, the bill with the total due has arrived. The total cost has gone up to $20,000. PLEASE share this fundraiser. A huge thank you to everyone that has donated! Your help is greatly appreciated!!! 

March 24th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

Denny is recovering well at home! He has his appetite back and is happy. Keep it up Denny!!! 

March 22nd, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

Update on Denny!!!!

Denny is home! Praying for continued progress in his healing!

March 22nd, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer


Donations & Comments

Only administrators, organizers, and beneficiaries can reply to comments.

Shannon Weader
Shannon Weader donated $50
1 day ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Shannon, thank you very much, we really appreciate it.

Scott Williams
Scott Williams donated $250

Denny and your family are in our prayers.

1 day ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Scott, Denny and I are extremely grateful for your generous donation. Thank you!

Tracey Capelety
Tracey Capelety donated $20
1 day ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Tracey, thank you very much for your donation.

Karen Rodabaugh
Karen Rodabaugh donated $100

I'm so glad to be able to help. I'm also glad that Denny is getting better.

1 day ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Karen, Denny and I are so thankful for your generosity. He is getting better and more himself everyday. We hope you are doing well.

Dennis Vorbau
Dennis Vorbau donated $100

Denny is a good pup (with a great name!). Glad to hear he is on the mend.

2 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Denny, thank you so much. You and Kathleen are awesome.

Pam Gramling
Pam Gramling donated $100

Love you Eric!

2 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 day ago

Pam, I am very grateful for your donation.

Christina Volker
Christina Volker donated $40

Hope Denny feels better soon! -Rebel

2 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
2 days ago

Christina, thank you very much, we greatly appreciate it.

Kelsey Rebert Himes
Kelsey Rebert Himes donated $40
2 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
2 days ago

Kelsey, thank you very much for your generosity.

Katy Defoe
Katy Defoe donated $100

You do all the things for others, and I can do this for YOU- plus I might be a bit partial to your 4 legged kids. Oh I mean service dogs!

3 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
2 days ago

Katy, Thank you very much for your generous donation. They are kids and family that is for sure. Thank you again.

Tom Vaclavicek
Tom Vaclavicek donated $50
4 days ago

Reply from Eric Provow
4 days ago

Tom, thank you very much.

Non-Donor Comments

There have been no comments to this fundraiser yet.

A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help - Denny the Service Dog
$7,330 raised of $20,000 goal
73 Donations
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Fund the First Logo
Campaign Organizer
Shawna Wood
Campaign Beneficiary
Beneficiary Photo
Eric Provow
Fundraiser Stats
73
Donors
15
Shares
14 Days
Running
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