Tails of the Hills Country - A Dogs’ Adventure Guide

The Why…

This video was filmed on May 24, 2023, with former Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) multi-purpose canine handler SSgt Alex Schnell with his partner, retired military working dog Bass, at his side. On August 8, 2023, Bass passed under the shaded oak tree in Alex & Maddie’s backyard. You can read his Facebook Tribute here. The video explains the importance of the United States War Dogs Organization for military working dogs, handlers, and retired military working dogs. Alex is a US War Dogs Board Member and San Antonio, Texas resident.

The What…

To Raise $50,000.00 for the US War Dogs!

Update March 2025: We have raised over $33K!

The How…

With The Book Project - The 2nd in a Series!

Update March, 2025: 500 books were delivered in November 2024, only 250 remain!

Tails of the Hill Country - A Dogs' Adventure Guide is a photographic project by Ares & Emzy Pet Photography and two incredible Hill Country Professional Pet Photographers. The project photographed 55 dogs in iconic, dog-friendly areas of the Texas Hill Country to guide visitors traveling with their dogs. The book features our sponsors and locations in the categories that spell P E T S for P - places to play, E - places to eat, T - places to tour, and S- places to stay, shop, or places of safety; obtain care while traveling with your dog.

This book is dedicated to one extraordinary K9 Veteran, Bass. In 2023, Bass was awarded England’s 75th PDSA Dickin Award for displaying conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty while serving with his handler, SSgt Alex Schnell. The PDSA Medal is considered the animal’s “Victoria Cross.”

The first book in the series, The Tails of the Alamo City - A Dogs’ Adventure Guide, was published in October 2021. It featured 35 dogs, only 250 books were printed, and 100% of all proceeds after book costs were donated to two K9 charities. With so few books published, the project raised an astonishing $9,000! $8000. was presented to the United States War Dogs and $1000. was donated to a local rescue.

In January 2024, two amazing professional pet photographers joined the team (meet the team here ). This time, we photographed over 57 dogs in 26 locations. We initially printed 500 books. And 100% of all donations and sales go exclusively to the United States War Dogs. As of March 2025, only 250 copies of the book remain. Only 200 were numbered and signed by me, and only 200 numbered coins were minted, making this a Limited Edition and collectible pairing. United States War Dogs will determine if a second printing of 500 books will occur once the initial 500 are sold out.

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