The Ruff Ruck Challenge is a military-inspired ruck march that funds fully trained service dogs — at no cost — for U.S. veterans and first responders. Every $10,000 raised places one dog.
Tony Laskowicz went live on Facebook one day and rucked 20 miles straight — pack on his back, phone in his hand — to raise money for an employee's service dog that needed life-saving surgery.
The community rallied. The money came in. The dog made it. And that moment sparked something bigger: if we could pull together for one dog, we could build a mission that funds service dogs for the veterans and first responders who need them most.
That mission is The Ruff Ruck Challenge. And every year, we lace up, shoulder our rucks, and walk for the people who carried so much for the rest of us.
Read Our Full StoryWhether you're a hardened rucker or someone who simply wants to show up and support, there's a format for you.
The competitive challenge. 12 miles in under 3 hours carrying a 35–50 lb rucksack or weight vest — a nod to the Army Ranger Ruck Test.
Your four-person team distributes 100 lbs across the 12-mile route — no time limit. Each team must include at least one active or retired first responder or military member.
No ruck required. Just show up, move at your own pace, and be part of the community.
Pick your distance, pick your weight, pick your fundraising goal. Take the challenge on your terms — anywhere.
Show up and stand in solidarity. No distance requirement. Every walker honors the mission.
The next Muskegon ruck is October 2026. Lock in your spot and start fundraising.
RegisterThe Ruff Ruck Challenge places fully trained service dogs with vetted U.S. veterans and first responders — at no cost. Our team reviews every application carefully and partners with professional trainers to match you with the right dog.
About 10 minutes to complete. All information is confidential and goes directly to our review team.
Dollars raised at the Ruff Ruck fund service dog training through a network of trusted partner nonprofits — each committed to placing fully trained service dogs at no cost with veterans and first responders, with dogs sourced from shelters and rescues whenever possible. Each partner brings its own proven training methodology.
Our flagship regional training partner. WMK9 matches service dogs with veterans and first responders throughout the region, providing ongoing support beyond placement.
A nonprofit that trains and places service dogs using cooperative, positive-reinforcement methods with a handler-first philosophy.
We work with additional mission-aligned training organizations as capacity and recipient needs dictate. If your nonprofit shares our philosophy and serves veterans or first responders, we want to talk.
Partner With UsRuck for purpose. Walk for hope. Fund a lifeline.
Your donation funds vetting, acquisition, training, and placement — at no cost to the veteran or first responder who receives the dog.
Monthly giving is what lets us plan placements year over year. Even $25/month, sustained, places a service dog every five years.
These organizations carry the mission alongside us.