Our Team
At Wynter’s Fund, our leadership team is united by one mission — to keep service dogs healthy so the veterans and individuals with disabilities who depend on them can live with safety, confidence, and independence. Every decision we make begins with compassion, integrity, and accountability. Our team brings together experience in nonprofit management, animal welfare, and veteran advocacy to ensure every dollar raised directly supports those in need.
Chris Heidlebaugh, Executive Director & Founder
Wynter’s Fund was founded by Chris Heidlebaugh in honor of his family’s beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Wynter — a faithful companion who brought healing, joy, and peace to everyone she met. Inspired by Wynter’s legacy and the service dogs who change lives every day, Chris created Wynters Fund to bridge the financial gap for veterans and individuals with disabilities facing unexpected veterinary costs.
As Executive Director, Chris oversees program development, partnerships, and community outreach, ensuring that the organization remains transparent, compassionate, and mission-focused. With a background in leadership, entrepreneurship, and faith-driven service, Chris brings both heart and strategy to every aspect of the fund’s mission.
Our Promise
At Wynter’s Fund, our promise is simple — to serve with love, integrity, and purpose in everything we do. We exist because we believe every veteran and individual with a disability deserves to keep their trusted service dog healthy, happy, and by their side for years to come.
We promise to:
Lead with Compassion: Every story we hear matters. We approach each application and partnership with empathy, care, and respect for the people and service dogs we serve.
Operate with Integrity: We handle every dollar entrusted to us with transparency and accountability, ensuring funds go directly toward verified veterinary care.
Build Trusted Relationships: We partner with veterinarians, service dog trainers, veteran organizations, and caring donors to create a network of support that reaches those who need it most.
Uphold Wynter’s Legacy: Wynter taught us the power of unconditional love, loyalty, and comfort. Through this fund, we continue her spirit by helping others experience that same bond of healing and hope.
Serve with Gratitude: Every life touched, every service dog helped, and every donor who gives makes our mission possible. We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us.
Our promise is more than words — it’s a commitment to every handler who reaches out for help, every veterinarian who partners with us, and every donor who believes in our mission. Together, we’re building a future where no service dog is left untreated and no hero is left without their most loyal companion.
Because when we care for a service dog, we care for the person who depends on them. And that’s a promise we’ll always keep.