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.

Joelle Pascarella
Joelle Pascarella donated $100
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Joelle, thank you very much. Seems like forever since we saw you, I hope that you are doing well.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Joelle, thank you so much for your donation!

Linda Collins
Linda Collins donated $100

Eric and Meg, Thank You for all you do for others. I know Denny is a Godsend for you Eric and I pray for Denny's healing and recovery. Much Love to you all.

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Linda, thank you so much for the donation and the prayers. We love you and people such as yourself are a Godsend also.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you very much!

Mary Hulse
Mary Hulse donated $200

Love you guys. Praying Denny continues to heal.

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Mary thank you very much for the donation and thank you for the prayers.

Anonymous
Anonymous donated $50
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Thank you very much. When Denny is able, we will get on two wheels and come see you.

Anonymous
Anonymous donated $5
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Thank you very much.

Anonymous
Anonymous donated $50
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Thank you very much for your donation.

Jennifer Regis
Jennifer Regis donated $25

I know this isn't much but hopefully it can help some. Praying Denny continues to heal.

1 year ago

Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much for your help!!!


Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Jennifer, thank you very much and thank you for the prayers.

Reagan Coppage
Reagan Coppage Bronze: Donate at least $100 to earn this badge. donated $100

We love Denny and your family so much this is from all of us! From, the polks

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Reagan, thank you very much for your donation. It is great to hear how much Denny is loved.

Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill donated $50
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Tim, thank you very much for your donation.

JP Rike
JP Rike donated $250

I hope Denny feels better soon!

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

JP, Denny and I are very grateful your generosity.

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
Donate
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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