WDVA Receives National 2026 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Foster Dog Program
Washington Department of Veterans Affairs Receives National 2026 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for Foster Dog Program
Foster Dog Program at Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard honored for innovative Resident-led partnership with Kitsap Humane Society
The Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA) announced it has received the 2026 Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award for the Foster Dog Program at the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard. The award recognizes the program’s innovative, Resident-led partnership with the Kitsap Humane Society that places senior shelter dogs in a resident-run foster home, improving quality of life for both Veterans and animals.
Program Overview
Launched in March 2024, the Foster Dog Program is fully operated by Washington Veterans Home residents who are trained and certified as volunteers by the Kitsap Humane Society. Residents take on responsibilities including walking, feeding, grooming, medication administration, and coordinating adoption visits. The program has placed five senior dogs into permanent homes in just over a year and continues to strengthen resident engagement, purpose, and community connection.
Key facts:
- Start date: March 2024
- Program budget: $0 ongoing cost to the facility; initial kennel setup funded by Bremerton Submarine Veterans
- Partners: Kitsap Humane Society; Bremerton Submarine Veterans; local VFW and American Legion posts
- Outcomes: Five senior dogs adopted; increased participation by Residents in activities; measurable improvements in mobility and engagement among participants; increased morale within residents and staff
Why the Program Earned the Award
The Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award recognizes programs that demonstrate outstanding service, innovation, and measurable impact. The Foster Dog Program exemplifies these qualities as an “Innovative State Program” by:
- Delivering an exceptional experience for Veteran residents through meaningful volunteer roles that restore a sense of purpose.
- Innovating with zero ongoing cost to the state home by leveraging community partnerships for training, supplies, and veterinary needs.
- Strengthening community ties through collaboration with local nonprofits and Veteran organizations.
- Providing transferable practices that other state Veterans homes can adopt to help senior dogs and engage Veterans.
Quotes
WDVA Director David Puente Jr.: “This award celebrates the compassion and capability of our Veterans. They continue to serve their community by giving senior dogs a second chance and, in return, finding renewed purpose and joy.”
“Our Veterans, who have contributed through their military service, still have a desire to give back to their country and community, even if it is simply saving one dog at a time. It is amazing to see what they have accomplished in spite of their cognitive and physical challenges. They still have a “need to be needed,” as we all do, and are doing something about it.”
Executive Director, Kitsap Humane Society: “Our partnership with the Washington Veterans Home shows how community collaboration can change lives—both human and animal. The residents’ dedication has helped us place senior dogs who are often the hardest to rehome.”
Resident Volunteer, Washington Veterans Home: I had my doubts when the program was starting up, but have really enjoyed participating. It is always difficult to say goodbye when these dogs find their forever home. Resident Lou White.
Community Impact
The Foster Dog Program requires minimal staff involvement and no ongoing facility expense. Kitsap Humane Society provides training, food, and medical care for the shelter dogs. The United States Submarine Veterans Inc. (USSVI) Bremerton Base helped to funded all of the kennels and infrastructure for this program.
The program has attracted Veterans Home Residents who rarely participate in other activities and motivated some to engage more fully with therapy services. Because most communities have humane organizations with adoption programs, this model is easily replicable at other Veterans homes nationwide.
Supporting Materials and Media
Photos, news coverage, and program materials are available online:
WDVA social media posts:
About the Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award
The Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Award is a prestigious recognition presented by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in partnership with the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA). It honors state-level programs that demonstrate outstanding service and innovation in supporting Veterans and their families.
WDVA's previous Abraham Lincoln Pillars of Excellence Awards
This year's award marks the ninth Pillar of Excellence Award for WDVA since 2014.
2014
- Veterans Training Support Center (VTSC) – Built a statewide trauma-informed care network for Veterans with PTSD and TBI.
- Veteran Homelessness Reduction Programs – Implemented housing-first strategies that significantly lowered Veteran homelessness.
2015
- Incarcerated Veterans Initiative – Reduced recidivism by connecting justice-involved Veterans to benefits and reentry support.
2016
- Suicide Prevention & Peer Support Initiatives – Developed culturally competent, peer-led outreach to prevent Veteran suicide.
2018
- Vet Corps Program – Supported student Veterans with peer navigators on college campuses.
2019
- Suicide Prevention & Peer Support Initiatives (second recognition) – Continued excellence in peer-led suicide prevention efforts.
2023
- Military Spouse Initiative – Addressed employment, licensure, childcare, and basic needs for military spouses through statewide partnerships.
2025
- ArtsWA WAM Grant Innovation - Honoring innovative integration of creative arts into Veteran healthcare and transitional housing program services.
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