NATIONAL HARBOR, Md., Feb. 28, 2017— Developed by Peterson Companies, National Harbor has grown into a thriving micro city on the banks of the Potomac River. A mecca of shopping, dining and entertainment, what sets the location apart from others in the metro area is the supreme walkability. All within reach lay a variety of amenities including residences, office space, retail stores, playgrounds, restaurants and beach access. This extreme diversity is what made the partnership between National Harbor and Hero Dogs a perfect fit. National Harbor’s controlled, urban setting makes an ideal training location for service dogs and their veterans.

National Harbor has long been known for its partnerships with veteran organizations. Located within close proximity to the Nation’s Capital and close to military bases, helping veterans in the community is a natural fit.

National Harbor most recently has welcomed Hero Dogs, a 501(c)3 organization in Maryland that raises, trains and places service dogs with veterans at no cost to the veteran, for training sessions to help acclimate them to urban situations. With more than 160 retail shops, more than 40 restaurants, an outlet mall, seven hotels (including 470,000 square feet of meeting and event space), and residential housing, National Harbor allows these service dogs and their veterans to have maximum exposure all within a single day. Hero Dogs recently participated in a CBS This Morning segment at National Harbor, showcasing their service dogs’ elite training along the waterfront plaza.

“National Harbor has a commitment to supporting military organizations and nonprofits dedicated to helping our military,” said Angela Sweeney, vice president and chief marketing officer for Peterson Companies. National Harbor has hosted a variety of veteran organizations, military events and hosts military bands throughout the area to perform on the property’s waterfront stage. “Salute the Sunset” concert series partners with the Air Force and National Harbor is one of the homes of the Air Force bands. Over the past year, National Harbor (and many other Peterson Companies properties) launched a program, “Combat Wounded,” with Wounded Warrior Family & Support to provide convenient parking for Purple Heart recipients. The property also offers a variety of military discounts throughout, visit www.nationalharbor.com/military/ to see the many participating restaurants, retailers and others.

National Harbor, and Peterson Foundation, also support Hero Dogs by sponsoring a dog, in addition to providing a training venue for the numerous dogs undergoing special training. It’s not just the number of retail stores at National Harbor that make it ideal for Hero Dogs; it is the unique variety of stores as well. In Aug. 2016, National Harbor’s Carhartt store, one of only 30 in the country and the only location in the state of Maryland, hosted a fashion show to benefit Hero Dogs. Carhartt’s rugged attire and accessories make them a favorite brand of dog lovers. This event helped connect their customers with National Harbor’s commitment to helping veterans throughout the area.

Hero Dogs even rode on National Harbor’s iconic Carousel, taking the dogs on board just like they would if their future veteran pays a visit to the micro city. With over 12 million people experiencing National Harbor each year, the bustling streets with visitors of all ages give Hero Dogs the opportunity to practice navigating crowds.

Accessible by Amtrak, NH2 Metro Bus and water taxi, National Harbor also allows for a variety of transportation methods so each service dog is well prepared to lead their veteran through daily life.

For more information on National Harbor, go to www.NationalHarbor.com. For information on Hero Dogs, visit www.hero-dogs.org.