Christopher Baity, Executive Director of Semper K9 Assistance Dogs, and one of his assistance dogs, Vinnie, met with members from the USPTO Military Association (UMA) and ResponsAbility during the weekly UMA Coffee Break on April 12.

Attendees delighted in interacting with Vinnie and learning about the mission of Semper K9 Assistance Dogs to enhance the quality of life for wounded, critically-ill, and injured members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Baity is a combat veteran Marine Corps dog trainer and kennel master with three combat deployments, one civilian deployment and two additional overseas deployments with working dogs.

Semper extensively trains and provides service dogs such as Vinnie to wounded service members at no cost. Baity said that by enhancing the quality of life for service members and their families, Semper K9 is able to help them regain confidence and independence.

ResponsAbility is the USPTO’s affinity group for disability awareness and action.

The mission of the UMA is to provide fellowship, mentorship, and advocacy for military veterans working at the USPTO, and to help educate others on the important contributions that veterans have made—and continue to make—to the workforce and our nation. Membership is open to all USPTO employees.