Meet Our Puppy Placement Families
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made through our Puppy Placement Program, connecting specially chosen puppies with families who have applied for support.
Our mission is to continue growing this program—providing not just puppies, but hope, healing, and companionship to those who need it most. We remain committed to supporting families and individuals every step of the way, through both placement and ongoing outreach.
Willow’s New Family
Aaron and Mary Haselhorst, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Meet Mary and Aaron—an inspiring couple who recently welcomed Willow into their lives through Macy’s Way.
Married in May 2022, both Mary and Aaron are athletic trainers dedicated to helping others heal and thrive. Aaron currently works at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, while Mary is at Marquette University. After learning they were expecting their first child, Mary began transitioning out of collegiate athletics and is now pursuing a role in the hospital or clinic setting.
A little over two years ago, they experienced the heartbreaking loss of their beloved 10-year-old English bulldog, Captain. Now, with a growing family and an active lifestyle, they felt it was the perfect time to bring a puppy into their home.
They were drawn to our Puppy Placement Program not only for companionship but because of a deep connection to our mission. As Aaron shared with us:
“As your website states, ‘Our passion for animals and our passion for helping others.’ This sums up Mary and me well. Our jobs are all about helping injured individuals return to doing what they enjoy, and we would be proud to represent your organization and help continue spreading Macy's legacy to Wisconsin—and have Willow be a regular visitor to the training room.”
We’re honored to have Mary, Aaron, and Willow as part of the Macy’s Way family.
Arlo’s New Family
Sina Nu’u, Vermillion, South Dakota
Meet Sina and Arlo—an inspiring duo making their mark in the community through Macy’s Way.
Originally from Texas, Sina is now an assistant volleyball coach at Dakota Wesleyan University. With a lifestyle rooted in athletics and youth mentorship, she’s constantly engaging with both collegiate and younger athletes—making her a perfect fit for our Puppy Placement Program.
Sina plans to have Arlo certified as a therapy dog to support the well-being of athletes and students alike. From community outreach to becoming part of everyday life on the Hastings campus, Arlo is already on his way to making a difference.
As Sina shared with us:
“I love the purpose of Macy’s Way and the impact Arlo could serve to the communities I am involved in.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Moose’s New Family (formerly GusGus)
Kacie Hall, Seguin, Texas
Meet Kacie and Moose—a pair full of purpose, passion, and heart.
Kacie is a 22-year-old graduate student living in Texas. After earning her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education in May 2022, she began pursuing her Master’s in Special Education with dreams of becoming either a high school special education teacher or a 1st grade teacher.
She already spends much of her time supporting and mentoring young people as a high school volleyball coach at Veritas Christian Academy and a club coach with the Texas Tigers. With a heart for both teaching and serving others, Kacie hopes to bring Moose into the classroom and gym as a certified therapy dog.
As Kacie told us:
“I hope that the dog would be with me in my special education classroom with the students. I have a huge heart for dogs and love to be able to be there for people who need the help. I also have a heart condition that is not severe, but I understand the difficulties a medical condition can impose on a life and family. I wish to bring joy to other athletes and special education kids with Moose. I plan to keep spreading Macy’s story to young adults in the classroom, in the gym, and throughout the community.”
We’re proud to support Kacie on her journey and can’t wait to see all the joy Moose brings to the lives of those she touches.
Kaia’s New Family (formerly Boo)
Krause Family, Omaha, Nebraska
Meet the Krause Family and Kaia Boo—a bond formed through love, loss, and the hope of healing.
The Krause family was nominated by a close friend who witnessed their strength and resilience firsthand. After the sudden passing of their beloved husband and father, Matt, and the recent loss of their 13-year-old Labrador, the family has faced unimaginable heartbreak in just a short period of time.
In his nomination, Dan shared:
“I don't hesitate in saying the Krauses are one of the best families for a puppy and will provide an abundance of love to Kaia Boo.”
At Macy’s Way, we believe in the healing power of connection—and we hope Kaia Boo brings comfort, companionship, and a sense of peace as the Krause family continues to navigate this difficult chapter.
Blair’s New Family
John and Maggie McKew, Omaha, Nebraska
Meet John, Maggie, and Blair—a growing family with a big heart and an even bigger mission.
Newlyweds John and Maggie are preparing to welcome their first child in April 2023. John serves as an assistant coach for the Creighton Men’s Basketball team, while Maggie—after a standout volleyball career at Creighton and a recent coaching role at the University of Nebraska at Omaha—now runs her own business and offers private lessons.
As they grow their family, they’ve also welcomed Blair into their lives through Macy’s Way. Their hope is to train Blair as a therapy dog who can bring joy and comfort to residents of the local VA hospital, nursing homes, and even around the Creighton campus. Maggie plans to make these visits with John and her father, who uses a wheelchair—making this mission all the more personal and meaningful.
We’re honored to support this beautiful family and can’t wait to see the difference Blair will make in the lives he touches.
Nelly’s New Family
Molly Trevathan & Tyler Mohl, Omaha, Nebraska
Meet Molly, Tyler, and Nelly—a dynamic trio with a shared passion for healing and helping others.
Molly, 28, is a former athletic trainer for the Creighton volleyball and rowing teams, and she and Tyler lead an active lifestyle surrounded by people due to the nature of their careers. With Molly’s experience working with athletes, they knew Nelly could become more than just a companion—she could serve as a powerful tool for healing.
Their hope is to train Nelly as a therapy dog to assist athletes not only through physical injuries but also mental health challenges. As Molly shared:
“You can see it on their faces as soon as Nelly comes in. Some of these kids are homesick or struggling on their own for the first time. It can be a lot, and having Nelly show up and just be there for these athletes can make such a difference in their day and in their mood. It matters.”
Nelly was placed with Molly and Tyler on Macy’s 24th heavenly birthday, creating a beautiful, full-circle connection. Molly hails from St. Louis, where Macy had her transplant, and coincidentally, rapper Nelly is from St. Louis too—which led to the perfect name choice for their new therapy dog.
We are confident Nelly has found a loving home where she’ll thrive and make a profound impact on the lives she touches.