Ashley Whelchel is a dedicated wife, mother, and Airborne Army Combat veteran who brings a wealth of experience to Kids Best Friends. She spent the first four years of her 10-year United States Army service as a Military Police Officer, where she honed her skills in law enforcement and community policing.

Driven by her passion for working with dogs, Ashley transitioned to the role of military working dog handler and trainer, spending six impactful years in that position. She deployed once with her loyal companion, a military working dog named Denis. In her role as a non-commissioned officer, Ashley not only trained dog teams but also mentored fellow soldiers, ensuring the welfare of the dogs and preparing teams for deployment with realistic training scenarios. She worked with two remarkable dogs: a Belgian Malinois named Denis and an all-black German Shepherd named Attila.

After her military service, Ashley sought opportunities that would allow her to continue her passion for dogs while giving back to her community. When she discovered Kids Best Friends, she felt an instant connection to the organization’s mission, excited to contribute her skills and experience in a meaningful way.

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