Veteran Volunteer Connects At‑Risk Kids with Neglected Pets

From Military Service to Community Mission

Gracie Hamlin is no stranger to challenge. After serving in the U.S. Army, she faced injury-related job loss—but refused to let that define her future. With her lifelong compassion for the "underdog," Gracie launched W‑Underdogs in Atlanta, a nonprofit that channels the energy of at-risk youth by pairing them with neglected pets.

Bringing Compassion to Atlanta’s Streets

Shortly after relocating from California—with six rescued dogs in tow—Gracie moved into a neighborhood plagued by poverty and stray animals. Disturbed by the sight of young children lacking supervision and dogs abandoned in poor condition, she saw an opportunity. W‑Underdogs now offers kids a safe space to learn and grow by caring for homeless animals.

“I want these children to be heroes,” Gracie says. “And it begins with giving animals a chance.”

Why Rescue Dogs—and Kids?

One afternoon, Gracie encountered young boys—aged six to eight—crying after being attacked in a park. Her instinct? Protect them. And she realized so many stray animals needed protection too. Drawing from her early years in an orphanage in Costa Rica, Gracie found purpose in helping both children and animals thrive together.

“With W‑Underdogs, I finally found the purpose of my life… this community is my family,” she shares.

Hands-On Training and Life Lessons

Every morning, Gracie leads the kids in feeding, walking, and training the shelter dogs. They learn responsible pet care, basic veterinary hygiene, and dog training techniques—all while building self-esteem and teamwork. As dogs become healthy and adoptable, they're showcased at local adoption events. Since 2014, W‑Underdogs has rescued over 600 dogs and rehomed 100 cats, in addition to TNR efforts for more than 200 community cats.

Building Infrastructure—and Advocacy

Beyond animal care, the community impact is hands-on:

• Doghouse builds using reclaimed wood and materials

• Community fence repairs for struggling pet-owners

• Pet food deliveries to low-income households

• Formation of an Animal Cruelty Task Force, engaging youth with the City of Atlanta to report and prevent abuse

You Can Help—From Anywhere

Gracie invites everyone to contribute:

• Donate reclaimed materials for doghouses

• Volunteer to build or install safe pet shelters

• Support fence fixes and pet food drives

• Advocate when witnessing animal neglect

• Consider starting a similar youth-pet program in your hometown

“Most of us can do something. Be an advocate for change,” Gracie urges.

Why This Matters

Pairing at-risk youth with rescue animals isn’t just innovative—it’s transformative. According to a study by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) , structured interactions with animals significantly reduce anxiety, improve empathy, and promote social skills among adolescents .

W‑Underdogs exemplifies this bond—helping kids gain confidence, responsibility, and civic pride, while giving neglected pets a path to loving homes.

How to Start a Similar Program

1. Research local animal rescue laws and partnerships

2. Form a volunteer team (like teachers, mentors)

3. Develop a curriculum combining animal care and youth leadership

4. Secure donations of materials—fencing, bedding, toys

5. Plan seasonal adoption fairs or pop-up clinics

6. Connect with local law enforcement or animal services to identify neglected animals

7. Train youth in case documentation and advocacy reporting

A Legacy of Service

Gracie’s story—from orphanage to Army, to nonprofit founder—shows one person’s compassion can transform generations. Kids gain life skills, communities grow stronger, and dogs find their second chance.

As more veterans and volunteers embrace the pet-human bond, we see hope and healing ripple outward. W‑Underdogs invites others to step into that circle of care.