Discover the incredible journey of Carol Borden, the founder of Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. From training the top 
Service Dog in the US to receiving multiple national awards, her accomplishments are truly extraordinary.
Born as the daughter of a disabled Korean War veteran and growing up to be the mother of a disabled Iraq/Afghanistan veteran, her life is filled with inspiring stories that have led her to founding one of the largest service dog organizations in the US.
Decades of Service Dog Training and Transforming Lives
With nearly six decades of dog training experience, Mrs. Borden has gained recognition among the most respected figures in the industry. In 2010, she founded Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training and donating service dogs to individuals with a variety of disorders, including PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, Seizure Disorders, Mobility Issues, and more.
Mrs. Borden has profoundly transformed the lives of countless individuals by providing them with highly trained service dogs. The service dogs trained under her prestigious college-accredited and VA-approved curriculums have been accepted to work inside
the Pentagon and other Department of Defense facilities, in addition to providing life-saving assistance to those in need.
To date, Guardian Angels has paired over 400 service dogs with individuals across the United States, making it one of the largest service dog organizations in the nation. Mrs. Borden’s unwavering dedication to this cause has earned her numerous national awards, including being named the Corporate Pet Industry Woman of the Year, national awards for her organization’s work under her leadership in mental health and suicide prevention, and the top award from the Department of Labor for dedication to hiring veterans.
Creating Change in the Service Dog World Through Legislation
Her influence extends beyond just education – she has been sought after as an expert consultant for service dog bills in multiple states that have become law. She has even provided guidance and insight to airports like Tampa International and 
Gainesville Regional Airport in redesigning their service dog relief areas.
To further share her knowledge, she also co-authored a research article with Princeton University which has been peer-reviewed and published. Additionally, she is the brilliant mind behind establishing the Borden Veterinary Hospital and the Borden Institute of Higher Learning.
Mrs. Borden’s legacy is one of service and dedication to those in need, and this legacy lives on through the hundreds of service dogs she has trained, placed, and continues to support today.
Establishing Corporate Sponsorships to Execute The Guardian Angels Mission
Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs works with a range of corporate sponsors, including PNC, Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, Steelers, Pirates, United Rentals, EY, Highmark, and 
many more, who help make their mission possible by providing funds, time, equipment, services, and support.
“Our sponsors are truly the lifeblood of what we do. Yes, we are training these amazing dogs that change people’s lives and even save people’s lives on a daily basis. Still, we wouldn’t be able to do any of that work. We wouldn’t be able to save any of these people’s lives if it wasn’t for our donors because those are the people who give to our mission so that we can execute it,” said Mrs. Borden.
From sponsoring service dog teams to sponsoring the construction of a new campus, the donations Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs receives from their donors and sponsors are the reason the organization exists and provides them the ability to help people.
Tireless Fundraising and Raising Awareness for Veterans in Need
Guardian Angels also hosts several events each year across the nation to raise both funds and awareness. Their largest event is the Community Mutt Strut, which has grown into a marvelous Pittsburgh-area event each September.
Each day, 22 veterans tragically lose their lives to suicide. When paired with a service dog from Guardian Angels Medical Service 
Dogs, that number drops to zero. The Mutt Strut, held during Suicide Prevention Month, provides guests with an up-close look at the lifesaving impact these incredible dogs have on their recipients.
This year the Community Mutt Strut will be held in person on September 16th in Pittsburgh, PA, and nationwide online with a silent auction from September 13th – 16th. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Great Lawn on the North Shore, the Mutt Strutt is a must for dog lovers and supporters of the Guardian Angels’ mission of helping Veterans, First responders, and civilians.
This family-friendly event will be a day filled with fun, entertainment, and education while supporting the life-changing work done by Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. This year’s Community Mutt Strut is presented by PNC Bank and sponsored by The Pittsburgh Pirates, EY, Lamar, and many other generous sponsors.
The event will feature a scenic dog-friendly walk, pet dog trick demonstrations, pet-related vendors, live music, and food trucks.
If you are located in the Pittsburgh, PA, region, you won’t want to miss out on this unforgettable event! Mark your calendars and get ready to Strut Your Mutt for a great cause! Register online now to join us on September 16th or if you would like to support Carol’s mission you can donate online.
All proceeds from this event will benefit Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs and their ongoing mission to rescue, raise, train, and then donate medical service dogs to those in need.
