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.

Joel Bettinger
Joel Bettinger donated $100
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Joel, thank you so much, you are unbelievable. Here you are again helping me and Denny when we need it.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much for helping out!

Theresa Swanson
Theresa Swanson donated $25

Prayers

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

T, thank you very much.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you for your prayers and your donation!

Heather Horan
Heather Horan donated $100

Sending lots of prayers for Denny recovery!

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Heather, thank you so much, Denny and I are very grateful.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Beyond thankful for your very generous donation!

Anonymous
Anonymous Bronze: Donate at least $100 to earn this badge. donated $25

For you Denny. Not a dog - a friend, a family member, a life saver!

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Thank you for everything you do. You are absolutely correct his by no means just a dog.

David Saunders
David Saunders donated $75
1 year ago

Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much for your help and generosity!

Allison Meconi
Allison Meconi donated $50
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Allison, thank you very much.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Can't thank you enough! Your help goes a long way!

Kimberly Larson
Kimberly Larson donated $50

Hang in there Denny boy!!!!!!

1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Kim, thank you very much girl. Hope that you are doing well.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you so much not only for your donation but also for sharing the fundraiser! Your help and kindness means a lot!

Lisa Kohrt
Lisa Kohrt donated $15
1 year ago

Reply from Eric Provow
1 year ago

Lisa, thank you very much.


Reply from Shawna Wood
1 year ago

Thank you beyond words! Your caring heart and kindness are very special!

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
BBB