Our mission at Paws of honor
At Paws of Honor, our mission is simple: to provide high-quality veterinary care and essential products at no cost to retired military and law enforcement K9s. These loyal partners dedicated their lives to serving our country and deserve comfort, dignity, and proper medical care in retirement.
The TEAM
Timothy Fleming
Executive Director
A seasoned military veteran with more than two decades of dedicated service, Tim proudly joins the Paws of Honor team.
Tim began his career in 2004 with the United States Marine Corps as a helicopter crew chief. He later transitioned to Okinawa, Japan as an aviation liaison and then Chief Instructor for the Special Operations Training Group where he led and trained Reconnaissance Marines – honing the readiness and effectiveness of our nation’s Special Operations forces. In 2015, Tim was selected to serve in Special Operations within the United States Army where he served until his retirement.
Tim completed a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies as Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Now a civilian with a heart for service and passion for duty, Tim brings his experience to the non-profit world, proudly joining the ranks of Paws of Honor. He is committed to the Paws of Honor mission – honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s K9 heroes by providing the funding of veterinary care and support for their beloved service animals.
With a constant sense of purpose, Tim stands ready to make a profound difference in the lives of those who have served and sacrificed.
Kathleen Ramsey
Client and Veterinary Relations
In May 2022, Kathleen first joined Paws of Honor as an Administrator in our first free-standing office in Williamsburg, VA. Now in the role of Client and Veterinary Relations, she has become the ‘heartbeat’ for the organization.
Kathleen graduated with a BA in Environmental Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies from Florida Gulf Coast University and continued to build on her diverse background by adding experience in Retail Management and Pharmaceutical Manufacturing. Growing up in Florida, she spent much of her time outdoors and working with animals. With numerous family members in the Military and Law Enforcement, Paws of Honor has given her the opportunity to bridge her passions and give back to the community that is such a big part of her life.
Kathleen and her husband stay busy with two toddler boys, a black lab/pit mix, and two cats. She says, “when we are not working, you can usually find us back in Florida visiting family, at a local brewery enjoying some live music (and meeting the local dogs), or planning our next great adventure!”
Tiffany Phillips
Operations Manager
With more than twenty years of experience in administration, development, and community engagement, Tiffany Phillips brings both heart and organization to her role as Office Manager. Before joining the team, she led development and marketing efforts at Bacon Street Youth and Family Services and Hospice House of Williamsburg and spent over a decade connecting local businesses and nonprofits through the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce. Tiffany ran her own Virtual Office Manager business, TDC Business Services, for over 10 years.
Tiffany’s father and grandfather both served in the U.S. Navy and she loves being able to honor them by providing the financial backing for these K9 heroes and their handlers.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Stephen, and their three cats – and she proudly admits to having a bit of a flamingo obsession (you’ll probably spot one or two in her office!).
Melissa Uy-Jefferson
Administration/Grant Specialist
“Being a part of Paws of Honor allows me to give back to those who have served our great nation and local communities, both our four-legged companions and their handlers.”
Growing up a ‘Military Brat’ Melissa has a special place in her heart for those who serve and have served. She joined the organization in 2022 and supports the administrative day to day operations of the organization. She loves her part in providing the vital backing these retired heroes and their families need.
She graduated from George Mason University with a BS in Economics and a secondary BS in Public Administration. Her favorite activities include going on walks and binging episodes of NCIS. She is an avid dog lover, who provides a loving home to 3 rescue dogs and an active bomb-detection K9 handled by her husband. In addition to caring for her beloved pups, she is a mom of two.
Lilly D'Angelo
Donor and Event Specialist
Lilly lived and attended trade school near Virginia Beach and has since followed her career that led her to Florida and Pennsylvania. Wanting to come back to the area and be close to family, she found her place here at Paws of Honor.
Lilly grew up down the street from her grandparents’ farm and is the oldest daughter of six! She spent much of her childhood raising ducks, horses, chickens, cats, and dogs with her siblings which gave her the foundation of hard work and passion. With lots of veteran family members, Lilly is ecstatic to be able to give back to the military men and women and law enforcement community through Paws of Honor.
In her free time Lilly and her husband, Kyle, love to travel (especially to theme parks), binge watch ‘Friends’ or anything crime-drama related. They also love finding exciting new restaurants to try.
At home Lilly and Kyle have a pack of rescues. Two cats, Hazel & Hades, and their lab mix, Tramp.
Dale Rider
Graphic Design & Marketing
Dale has been with the organization since 2023 and has loved every minute of it!
He’s had dogs in his life since his earliest memories and has never gone without one in his household. While in the military, he had the opportunity to see military working dogs in action and immediately fell in love with their courage and intelligence. These dogs not only completed their missions but also maintained a playful side that greatly boosted morale. Inspired by this, Dale sought every opportunity to spread the word about these amazing canines and eventually found his way to Paws of Honor.
At home, Dale enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, Erin, and their pack of four animals: Onyx (German Shepherd), Stella (Shorthaired Pointer Mix), Nacho (Mountain Cur Mix), and Lola (Cat). He also enjoys playing videogames, going to the gym, and trying new breweries.
The Problem
When working dogs retire, usually around age 10, their benefits stop. Handlers are left to cover all expenses—often facing $10,000 or more in veterinary costs during the dog’s final years. This heavy burden can force families into heartbreaking decisions, even euthanasia. Our heroes deserve better.
The SOLUTION
Through partnerships with veterinarians, suppliers, and donors, Paws of Honor ensures that retired K9s receive the care they need. With the support of 573 clinics across 44 states, we’re making sure handlers can focus on love and companionship—not medical bills.
our inspiration
our inspiration
Paws of Honor was born from a moment of tragedy and courage. On September 11, 2001, our founder, Bob Youngblood, Director of Old Dominion Animal Health Center, witnessed the aftermath of the Pentagon attack. Among the first responders were the Pentagon K-9 Protection Force—dogs who worked tirelessly alongside their handlers in unimaginable circumstances.
Treating many of those dogs after 9/11, Bob saw firsthand the unbreakable bond between officers and their K9 partners. He also discovered a painful truth: once these dogs retire, they are classified as “equipment” and lose access to the care they desperately need.
What began as one veterinarian determined to make a difference has grown into a nationwide movement. Since our founding in 2015, Paws of Honor has partnered with clinics, suppliers, and donors across the U.S. to ensure that no retired K9 hero is left without care.
Join US in Supporting our k-9 Heroes
These incredible animals gave everything in service to our safety. Now it’s our turn to give back. By donating, you help cover veterinary expenses so K9s can enjoy a healthy, happy retirement. Together, we can make a lasting difference.