Las Vegas nonprofit R.W.B. Dog T.A.G.S. (Red White Blue Dog Training After Government Service) received a local honor this month when volunteer Miriam Saadati was named the Vegas Stronger Champion. The organization’s mission—”Saving Two Lives At A Time”—focuses on pairing rescued dogs with retired veterans, giving each a purpose and a second chance.

How the program works

R.W.B. Dog T.A.G.S. rescues dogs from shelters, trains them for service, and then matches them with veterans who need emotional support or assistance with physical injuries. Volunteers like Saadati foster the dogs while they undergo training, ensuring they receive care and socialization before placement.

Veteran‑dog partnership in action

One of the program’s success stories is Marine Corps veteran Sheldon Moniz, who was paired with Harley Quinn, a rescue from the Henderson shelter, about nine years ago. Moniz, medically retired after sustaining back and shoulder injuries, said the dog helps him manage both physical pain and emotional stress.

“I was looking for a dog that could help with my physical injuries as well as my emotional injuries,” Moniz explained. “Having Harley here gives me purpose and relief every day.”

Volunteer impact

Saadati highlighted the mutual benefits of the program. “It’s a great emotional support for the veterans, for me as a foster, and for the dogs,” she said. “We work for the forever connection, giving each dog a job and each veteran a companion.”

Moniz praised Saadati’s reliability, noting that when emergencies arise, she is the go‑to person for coordinating fosters and ensuring the program runs smoothly.

Recognition and future goals

Findlay Automotive Group’s Jeff Giles presented Saadati with a $599 check and the title of Vegas Stronger Champion, acknowledging her dedication to the cause. “We want to call you out as our champion and thank you for what you do,” Giles said.

R.W.B. Dog T.A.G.S. aims to match 13 veterans with 13 dogs each year and offers training certification programs for both veterans and dogs. Community members can support the effort by visiting the organization’s website.

Why it matters

Programs that connect rescued animals with veterans address two pressing community needs: providing homes for shelter dogs and offering therapeutic support to those who have served our country. By honoring volunteers like Saadati, Las Vegas highlights the power of local compassion and service.

Original reporting: KTNV 13 Action News Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.