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Navy SEAL Museum Ft. Pierce

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Navy SEAL Museum, Donors Gift Service Dogs to Two Special Operators

Fort Pierce, Fla. – March 12, 2021­ – The Navy SEAL Museum is proud to announce the donation of a service dog to a Navy SEAL veteran through the Museum’s K9 Project. Made possible with partnership with Baden K-9 and donors, Bob and Donna Peregrin, a 12-month-old German Shepherd was gifted to a retired Navy SEAL.

“I am so grateful for the donations that allow us to provide these exceptional K9s to our veterans,” said Grant Mann, Museum Executive Director. “I have seen the loyalty and unconditional support that these special partners provide to the members. It is life-changing! Thank you.”

Donna and Bob Peregrin have long been dedicated patriots with enormous respect and gratitude for the military. Through a mutual friend, Mr. Peregrin met Josh Perry of Baden K-9 a few years ago, ultimately purchasing a Baden dog he named “Bell.” Bob had plans to visit the Navy SEAL Museum, but unfortunately, he passed away unexpectedly late last year.

Mrs. Peregrin visited the Museum during the 2020 Muster event in November and donated to the K9 Project. Her generous gift placed “K9 Callie” with a Navy SEAL in Texas in memory of her late husband. K9 Callie was embedded into the veteran’s home following extensive training, making her suitable for service mobility and companionship. This particular canine is noted for her exceeding intelligence, obedience, and intuition. Like other Baden K-9 dogs, her temperament is even and she is anxious to do the work set before her.

“Miss the opportunity to grasp the truth about the relationship between man and dog, and you will miss the opportunity to understand your own journey,” said Mike McConnery, owner and founder of Baden K-9.

In continued support and sacrifice following her husband’s untimely passing, Donna made the difficult decision to donate Bob’s canine, Bell, to the Museum’s K9 Project. Recognizing that Bell needed an experienced handler, the Museum placed Bell with a retired Tier 1 CANSOF (Canadian Special Forces) Operator, Kevin Whitenect, who lost his beloved working dog last year.

About Baden K-9
Baden has been in business for over 40 years. Baden is totally committed to providing the finest and most capable working service dogs in the world. Whether you are purchasing a dog for home and personal protection, or for use in hostile areas, each client is treated with the same degree of professionalism. Baden’s dogs have been used with great success as service dogs to soldiers and law officers, guides for the blind and disabled, protectors for victims of violent crimes, guardians of the family/home/business/and companions and playmates for children. Our breeding program for all of our dogs at Baden is for temperament and character and to continue building a solid breeding base.

About Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce
The National Navy UDT-SEAL Museum Fort Pierce is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Navy SEALs and their predecessors. Built on the original training grounds of the first Navy combat divers, Navy SEAL Museum Fort Pierce opened its doors on Veterans Day in 1985.

From humble beginnings, the Museum has experienced tremendous growth, achieving national stature in 2007. Continuing a legacy of preservation and inspiration, Navy SEAL Museum San Diego opened in October of 2025.

The Museum remains committed to the promotion of public education by providing the opportunity to explore Naval Special Warfare history through interactive exhibits, while honoring the fallen at the SEAL Memorial, and caring for Naval Special Warfare families through its various charitable outreach initiatives.

For more information, visit NavySEALMuseum.org.

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