Bonnie-Jill Laflin highlights Hounds and Heroes supporting veterans and book, In a League of Her Own

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Bonnie-Jill Laflin, founder of Hounds and Heroes, who highlights the nonprofit that rescues dogs from shelters to train as therapy and service dogs for disabled veterans. Bonnie-Jill shares testimonials about the positive impact of Hounds and Heroes on veterans and their families, and how they collaborate with other organizations serving veterans and their families, like Airpower Foundation.

During the interview, Bonnie-Jill also discusses her background as a sports broadcaster and the first female NBA Scout for the Los Angeles Lakers. She highlights her book celebrating female pioneers in sports, "In a League of Her Own," and discusses her experiences breaking barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields. The interview concludes with information about Hounds and Heroes' expanded mission to include equine therapy and how the community can support their efforts.

Hounds and Heroes Founder Interview

Jeremy interviews Bonnie-Jill Laflin, a sports broadcaster, author, and founder of the nonprofit Hounds and Heroes. Bonnie-Jill discusses her background, which includes growing up on a horse ranch with a father in law enforcement and a mother who loved animals. She explains how her experiences led her to start Hounds and Heroes in 2011, which rescues dogs from high-kill shelters and trains them as therapy and service dogs for disabled veterans. They also touch on her work as the first female NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers and her book "In a League of Her Own: Celebrating Female Firsts in Sports."

Service Dogs Transforming Veterans' Lives

Jeremy and Bonnie-Jill discuss the transformative impact of Hounds and Heroes, a program that pairs veterans with service dogs. Bonnie-Jill shares testimonials from veterans who have found purpose, stability, and improved family relationships through these partnerships. She highlights the program's collaboration with organizations like Airpower Foundation, which provides crucial support and resources. Bonnie-Jill expresses fulfillment in facilitating these life-changing connections and emphasizes the positive impact on both veterans and their families.

Female Sports Pioneers: Unsung Heroes Celebrated

Bonnie-Jill discusses her book celebrating female pioneers in sports, emphasizing the importance of recognizing trailblazers who paved the way for future generations, including those who may not have sought public attention. She highlights the sacrifices made by these women, such as personal relationships and family life, to pursue their passions in sports. Bonnie-Jill expresses hope that readers, regardless of gender or background, would gain inspiration and empowerment from the stories, encouraging them to break barriers and support the potential of all individuals.

Pioneering Female NBA Scout's Journey

Bonnie-Jill shares her experience as the first female NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers, describing how she initially worked without pay while balancing sports broadcasting duties. She faced challenges being accepted as a female scout, even changing her appearance to fit in, but eventually learned to be authentic to herself. Bonnie-Jill advises young girls to embrace their uniqueness, maintain strong work ethic, and develop thick skin, noting that while the path may be difficult, authenticity and determination can overcome gender barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Hounds and Heroes' Expanded Mission

Bonnie-Jill discusses Hounds and Heroes' expanded mission to include equine therapy for children of fallen soldiers and wounded warriors, and she invites community support through donations, volunteering, and following their social media channels. She mentions the availability of her book "In a League of Her Own" at major retailers and encourages individuals to visit bonniejill.com for updates on her upcoming second book.

Visit https://www.houndsandheroes.com to learn more and connect with Hounds and Heroes. Visit https://www.bonnie-jill.com to learn more about Bonnie-Jill Laflin.