PHOTOS: Canines find forever homes through Pflugerville nonprofit

A dozen canines found forever homes Jan. 9 through the Zeus & Luna 2 Pay It Forward Foundation. The Pflugerville-based nonprofit organization unites German shepherd puppies with military veterans, first responders and emergency medical services personnel.

Nonprofit founder Carla Carroll said inspiration for her nonprofit came through working at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command, where she meant countless veterans and their service dogs.

For individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions, Carroll said these animals are both forever friends and a central life line.

"I remember asking them, 'Why do you have a service dog,'" Carroll said. "And they all just said, 'This dog knows me. And when I get a little upset or frightened, she just knows what to do.'"

Jan. 9 marked the nonprofit's first litter of puppies to be united with their named recipients. In her dreams, Carroll said she hopes to see her nonprofit grow into a camaraderie house with lodging, on-site counselors and puppy training stations.

"It's their buddy; it's their best friend," Carroll said. "It's their shadow, and that bond is inseparable."

To read more about the Zeus & Luna 2 Pay It Forward Foundation, click here.