Military
A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help - Denny the Service Dog
Military
Surgery
United States
Virginia
Created March 20th, 2025
A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help

Eric Provow has spent his life serving others. As a retired combat veteran with 20 years split between the Marine Corps and Air Force, he dedicated himself to some of the most elite military units, enduring multiple combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. After retiring, he continued his mission of service as a firefighter and paramedic.

But despite his courage on the battlefield and beyond, Eric silently battled the invisible wounds of war—Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For over a decade, he carried this burden alone, undiagnosed, and untreated. In 2017, it nearly cost him everything when he almost lost his battle with PTSD. Then came Denny—his lifeline, his guardian, his saving grace. This specially trained service dog was more than just a companion; he was the reason Eric found hope again in civilian life.

Now, Denny needs our help.

On March 17, Denny was rushed to the emergency vet with a life-threatening condition—intestinal torsion. He underwent emergency surgery, but complications arose. Denny’s heart rate became dangerously high and irregular, requiring 24/7 monitoring by specialists. He spent six days at the emergency vet center before finally coming home on Saturday, March 22. Once things settled, we totaled the charges on our credit card—over $20,000. Denny is nearly back to his old self, though he still has some restrictions.

For years, Eric and Meg have selflessly given back through their nonprofit, Making Everything Good (MEG)—helping veterans, first responders, their families, and the local community. Now, it’s our turn to give back to them.

Any contribution, big or small, makes a difference. If you can’t donate, please share this fundraiser and their story.

Thank you,

– Shawna, Denny’s Aunt

Updates

April 8th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

LIFE IS GOOD!!! Denny is almost completely healed up. It is great to have my bestie back to him normal self.

April 5th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

Exciting news from Eric!


Denny went for his follow up exam yesterday and the surgeon said everything looks great.  Everyone at The LifeCentre in Leesburg had to come see him and everyone was excited to see how much better he is now.

March 30th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

A quick update:

Denny is still recovering and is in good spirits! Denny thinks he can do more than he’s allowed so dad has his work cut out for him to make sure the healing goes right! ❤️


March 25th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

As Denny continues his recovery journey, the bill with the total due has arrived. The total cost has gone up to $20,000. PLEASE share this fundraiser. A huge thank you to everyone that has donated! Your help is greatly appreciated!!! 

March 24th, 2025
Shawna Wood, Organizer

Denny is recovering well at home! He has his appetite back and is happy. Keep it up Denny!!! 

Donations & Comments

Only administrators, organizers, and beneficiaries can reply to comments.

Adrienne&John Caycedo
Adrienne&John Caycedo donated $100
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Adrienne and John, thank you very much. Denny and I hope you are doing well.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you very much for your donation!

Leslie Schmitt
Leslie Schmitt donated $50
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Leslie, thank you very much.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much for your donation!

Shirley Jones
Shirley Jones donated $500

I love you Denny and I hope this helps. Keep getting better.

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Ms Shirley, you are one of a kind. Thank you very much. When Denny is all better, I will make sure to come see you. Love you!


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Shirley, Thank you! Beyond grateful for your help!!!

Sylvia White
Sylvia White donated $100
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Sylvia, thank you very much for your generous donation.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you very much for your support!

Ryan Miner
Ryan Miner donated $100

Thanks for your service to community and country!

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Ryan, thank you very much. Denny and I are extremely grateful.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you for your help!!!

Ginger Neff
Ginger Neff donated $500

Love, Thornley

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Ginger, Denny and I cannot express how grateful we are for your donation. Denny and I hope you are well.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much for your generosity and help!

Michael McLaughlin
Michael McLaughlin donated $100

God blesd

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Micheal, thank you very much for your generous donation and God Bless you as well.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you for your donation and helping out!!!

Kimberly DeFiori
Kimberly DeFiori donated $250

Love you all

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Kim and Sara, you two are amazing. Kim you were the one that got me Denny and now you do this. Thank you so much, love you!


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Susan Lautar
Susan Lautar donated $50

Donated for my son, Matt, who thought very highly of you and followed Denny. Wishing you many more years with your wonderful pup.

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Susan, thank you so much. I am humbled and honored to have you donate for Matt, we miss him.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so very much!

Kristine Wanner
Kristine Wanner donated $100

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Kristine, Denny and I are very grateful for your donation. It was a honor to get to talk to you.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Kris…thank you very much for your donation! ❤️

Non-Donor Comments

There have been no comments to this fundraiser yet.

A Hero’s Best Friend Needs Your Help - Denny the Service Dog
$7,675 raised of $20,000 goal
78 Donations
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Fund the First Logo
Campaign Organizer
Shawna Wood Bronze: Donate at least $100 to earn this badge. Verified User
Campaign Beneficiary
Beneficiary Photo
Eric Provow
Fundraiser Stats
78
Donors
18
Shares
442 Days
Running
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