Sparkling Ice and Giant Eagle are partnering for a second year to sponsor the training of a service dog for a U.S. military veteran through K9s For Warriors.
The campaign, which recognizes PTSD Awareness Month, supports veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and other invisible wounds of war – at no cost to the veterans.
“Talking Rain believes in bringing full flavor to life, which for us means enabling people to embrace activities they enjoy and being able to participate fully in life with their families and their communities,” said Ken Sylvia, CEO of Talking Rain. “Every dog trained and paired with a veteran represents a life restored, and we’re proud to partner with Giant Eagle again to support K9s For Warriors.”
Talking Rain, the makers of Sparkling Ice, has been a partner of K9s For Warriors since 2023. To date, that support equates to 17 service dogs rescued, trained and paired with veterans in need. Rocky, the shelter dog-turned-service dog that Talking Rain sponsored on the presidential campaign trail in 2024, will appear again in store aisles beside variety 12‑packs of Sparkling Ice, co‑branded with K9s For Warriors.
“For veterans living with invisible wounds of war, we know that everyday moments like grocery shopping can be difficult and sometimes even overwhelming,” said Jonathan Mancuso, director of retail media sales at Giant Eagle.
“By sponsoring our second dog with Talking Rain’s Sparkling Ice brand, we’re investing once more in someone’s ability to move through the world with greater ease and confidence. It’s an honor to support someone who has sacrificed so much for our country.”
Shoppers can vote to name the service dog – Berry, Birdy or Sparky – when visiting their local Giant Eagle store. Later this year, the dog will visit Giant Eagle’s headquarters and select stores to greet shoppers. During the visits, Giant Eagle and Sparkling Ice will promote awareness of the importance of service dogs for those with PTSD and invisible wounds and share tips on what to do if shoppers encounter a service dog in a grocery store.
“Every partnership we build brings us closer to meeting the needs of veterans who are still waiting for support and to be paired with a life-changing service dog,” said Daniel Bean, CEO at K9s For Warriors. “With over 300 veterans on our waitlist, the need is urgent, and the generosity of partners like Talking Rain and Giant Eagle makes a tangible difference.”
Since its founding 15 years ago in 2011, K9s For Warriors has paired nearly 1,300 U.S. veterans across all 50 states with life-changing service dogs and rescued more than 2,500 dogs.