Meet our 2025 graduates

Janelle & Huxley

Janelle is a mother and former police officer who now helps oversee police academies across the state of Colorado. FSD Service Dog Huxley’s loving and affectionate personality makes him the perfect match for Janelle, who shares his love for adventure and care for others. Huxley will help Janelle mitigate her PTSD symptoms by increasing her confidence to go out in public, interrupting anxious behaviors, creating space in crowds, performing deep pressure therapy, retrieving items, and more. This team was generously sponsored by Christine and Reece Duca.

Josh & Poseidon

Josh is a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in the security forces and now works as a personal trainer and coach. He was proudly matched with FSD Service Dog Poseidon, whose outgoing and silly personality never fails to brighten the room. Poseidon will help Josh manage symptoms of PTSD and a traumatic brain injury by interrupting anxious behaviors, reducing hypervigilance in public, creating space in crowds, nudging him back to the present moment, retrieving dropped items, awakening him from nightmares, and more. This team was generously sponsored by Peggy Knight.

Carly & Doc

Carly is a young woman living with autism. She was thrilled to be matched with FSD Service Dog Doc, who was named after the iconic Doc Martens shoe. A gentle giant with a calming presence, Doc will support Carly by helping her regulate emotions, ease anxiety, and build greater independence at home through custom-trained tasks, including deep pressure therapy, interrupting repetitive behaviors, and more. This team was generously sponsored by Gilda Kaplan.

Vincent & Rumble

Vincent is a former EMT living with PTSD. They are currently pursuing their master’s degree in social work and hope to build a career in crisis intervention. Vincent was matched with FSD Service Dog Rumble, who is known for his funny feet, making silly rumbly noises, and his incredible hugs. Rumble will help Vincent live with more confidence and joy by interrupting anxious behaviors, reducing hypervigilance in public, creating space in crowds, locating exits in stressful situations, retrieving items, and more. This team was generously sponsored by David and Jennifer Hood.

Shannon & Hermes

Shannon lives with a traumatic brain injury, Opsoclonus-Myoclonus-Ataxia Syndrome, spinal disc degeneration, and PTSD. She was partnered with FSD Service Dog Hermes, who is known for his serious work ethic. Hermes will help Shannon live with greater independence by providing mobility assistance and counterbalance, retrieving and carrying items, opening and closing doors and drawers, interrupting anxious behaviors, assisting with putting items away, and more. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Hadley & Ponzu

Hadley is a middle school student living with Angelman syndrome who dreams of becoming an architect or professional movie watcher. She was partnered with FSD Service Dog Ponzu, who is known for his friendly nature and uncanny ability to make friends everywhere he goes. Ponzu will support Hadley by providing comfort in stressful situations, performing deep pressure therapy, interrupting anxious behaviors, and easing anxiety during medical appointments. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Jeremy & Scooby

A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and program analyst with the Department of Veteran Affairs, Jeremy was matched with FSD Service Dog Scooby to help mitigate his PTSD symptoms. Scooby will help Jeremy live with more independence, happiness, and hope by performing deep pressure therapy, retrieving items, alerting to anxiety, creating space in crowds, and helping him feel more confident in public. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Daniel Pickle.

Christa & Alva

Christa is a lighting and design consultant living with mobility challenges as a result of a stroke. She was matched with FSD Service Dog Alva, who will help her live with more independence and confidence by retrieving dropped items, opening doors, pressing automatic door buttons, performing deep pressure therapy, and assisting with everyday tasks.

EV & Udon

EV is a devoted student living with autism. FSD Service Dog Udon will help EV increase independence by performing deep pressure therapy, interrupting anxious behaviors, and helping them build their confidence and branch outside their comfort zone.

Karen & Kingston

Karen is a receptionist and title clerk living with MS. FSD Service Dog Kingston, who sired multiple litters with FSD and other service dog organizations, will assist her on a daily basis by retrieving dropped items, finding her medical bag or another person in times of need, creating space in public, performing deep pressure therapy, and more.

Katie & Yogi

Katie was partnered with FSD Service Dog Yogi to help her live with more independence after experiencing a stroke and traumatic brain injury. Yogi will assist Katie by easing her anxiety in crowds, retrieving items, opening and closing doors and drawers, and helping her break the ice with strangers.

Ares

Ares is an FSD Service Dog who was partnered with a veteran with PTSD. He will increase his human partner’s independence and confidence by interrupting panic attacks and nightmares, providing mobility assistance, picking up dropped items, and helping ground her during difficult times.

Sue & Nyx

Sue is a retired medical professional living with EDS, POTS, lupus, and osteoporosis. She was partnered with FSD Service Dog Nyx, who will help her increase independence by retrieving items, tugging open doors and drawers, pulling off clothing, pressing automatic door buttons, and helping her brace to stand up.

Elijah & Bento

Elijah dreams of becoming a professional cheerleader. He was matched with FSD Service Dog Bento, who will help mitigate Elijah’s symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD by finding help in difficult times, interrupting anxious behaviors, performing deep pressure therapy, and helping him feel more comfortable during transitions and stressful situations.

Kevin & Foggy

Kevin lives with a spinal cord injury and studies mathematics at a Colorado university. He was partnered with FSD Service Dog Foggy, who will help Kevin thrive and live with more independence by retrieving dropped items, opening and closing doors, getting items out of the fridge, tugging off jackets, and assisting him during meals.

Katherine & Bao

Katherine is a veterinary student living with EDS and POTS. She found her perfect match in FSD Service Dog Bao, who will help her live with more independence and freedom by retrieving dropped items, performing deep pressure therapy, and giving her the freedom to explore new places and things.

Kevin & Slash

Kevin is a School Resource Officer (SRO) at a high school in Isanti County, Minnesota. FSD Facility Dog Slash will work with Kevin to bring comfort, joy, and stress relief to students dealing with stress, trauma, and emotional challenges. He will also help create more rapport between youth and law enforcement. This team was generously sponsored by Christine Duca.

Jennifer & Tazer

Jennifer is a U.S. Air Force veteran who works as an Inventory Manager with Veteran Affairs. Her FSD Service Dog, Tazer, will help mitigate her PTSD symptoms by reducing anxiety, creating space in public, performing deep pressure therapy, and more. He will also help her live with more independence and encourage her to get involved with the community. This team was generously sponsored by Kroenke Sports Charities.

Troy & Kimchi

Troy is a former member of law enforcement and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with PTSD and mobility challenges. Now, he works with justice involving veterans. FSD Service Dog Kimchi, who also served our program as a breeding dog, will assist Troy by retrieving and finding items he needs, nudging him back to the present moment, offering loving companionship, and more. This team was generously sponsored by Joseph Jaggers.

Dan & Messi

Dan is a U.S. Army veteran who struggles with PTSD and works in facilities and motorcycle fleet management. His FSD Service Dog Messi will help him live with more independence, freedom, and confidence by nudging him to the present moment, creating space in crowds, and helping him engage with others in social settings. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Leann & Quali

Leann is a fine arts student living with autism. FSD Service Dog Quali will help her live with more independence and reduced anxiety by performing deep pressure therapy, nudging her back to the present moment, boosting her confidence in public, and helping her stay calm in difficult times. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Thomas & Apex 

Thomas is a U.S. Army veteran living with PTSD. Now, he works for the federal government. Thomas was matched with FSD Service Dog Apex, who is a successor dog to Thomas’s first Freedom Service Dog, Norwin. Apex will follow in Norwin’s paw prints by motivating Thomas to get out of the house, helping him calm down in difficult situations, and helping him foster better relationships. This team was generously sponsored by Lisa Martin Ross and John Ross.

Bekka & Gronk

Bekka is a therapist who works with individuals who have experienced trauma and difficult life circumstances. FSD Professional Therapy Dog Gronk will enrich Bekka’s work by acting as a safe and calming presence to help individuals cope, process, and feel heard during sessions. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets. 

Brian & Guster

Brian is a School Resource Officer (SRO) in Douglas County where he provides support and resources to students at a Colorado middle school. He was partnered with FSD Facility Dog Guster who brings comfort and joy to staff and students, performs deep pressure therapy, and helps bridge the gap between youth and law enforcement. This team was generously sponsored by The Gary and Leslie Howard Foundation.

Nathanael & Teriyaki

Nathanael is a U.S Army veteran living with PTSD. FSD Service Dog Teriyaki helps mitigate his symptoms by reducing anxiety, performing deep pressure therapy, creating space in public, retrieving dropped items, and awakening him from nightmares.

Michaela & Thunder

Michaela is a kind and thoughtful young adult living with a rare genetic disorder known as CDG, cerebral atrophy, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. She is passionate about reading, doing puzzles, coloring, and playing video games. Michaela is excited to start her new life with FSD Service Dog Thunder, who assists her by pressing automatic door buttons, retrieving dropped items, easing her anxiety, and fostering independence and confidence. Michaela looks forward to long walks, cuddles, play sessions, and adventures with Thunder by her side. “I am forever grateful for Thunder. I am happy to have a friend who will love and accept me just as I am,” said Michaela.

Kezzi & Ninja

Kezzi is a U.S. Air Force veteran and former aircraft maintenance officer living with PTSD. Now a legal instructor and community advocate, Kezzi finds joy in painting, singing with her family, and connecting with others using her gift of speaking multiple languages. Kezzi found her perfect match in FSD Service Dog Ninja, who helps her navigate everyday life by awakening her from nightmares, interrupting anxious behaviors, creating space in public, retrieving dropped items, and helping her create new memories.

Lucy & Gondola

Lucy is a kind and generous woman and Spanish translator living with spondylometaphyseal dysplasia. A devoted mother and proud grandmother, she finds joy in being an active member of her church, looking into her family history and genealogy, and spending time with dogs. FSD Service Dog Gondola will help Lucy live life to the fullest by retrieving dropped items and her shoes, opening doors, creating space in crowds, and helping her connect and engage with the public. Lucy is overjoyed to begin this new chapter with Gondola and introduce her to her family.

Ritchy & Selkie

Resilient, caring, and dedicated, Ritchy is a retired mortgage lender living with mobility challenges and a traumatic brain injury. He enjoys golfing, cooking, and playing cognitive games. Ritchy is proud to be partnered with FSD Service Dog Selkie, who brings Ritchy more confidence and independence by retrieving dropped items, opening doors, creating space in crowds, interrupting anxious behaviors, and encouraging him to get out more. With his favorite girl by his side, Ritchy looks forward to traveling, enjoying more independence, and discovering new restaurants. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Lizzie & Rainbow

Lizzie is a kind and outgoing Licensed Clinical Psychologist who supports families in Colorado affected by trauma. She was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Rainbow, who will enrich Lizzie’s work by fostering a deepend sense of safety and connection in her sessions so children feel supported and empowered to share their experiences. Lizzie strongly believes in the healing power of the human-animal bond and looks forward to creating meaningful, positive change with Rainbow as her furry partner. 

Star & Nana

Star is a creative and imaginative young adult with autism who loves video games, drawing, crafting, cosplay, and attending conventions and the Renaissance Fair. They are also a dedicated FSD volunteer and an apprentice dog trainer. Star was partnered with FSD Service Dog Nana, who miraculously survived a rattlesnake encounter during training. Nana helps Star by regulating their emotions, interrupting repetitive behaviors, easing anxiety, creating space in crowds, and finding help in times of need. Star looks forward to Nana accompanying them to conventions and exploring the world together. 

Don & Lazuli

U.S. Navy veteran Don is a devoted family man, passionate scuba diving instructor, and skilled woodworker. He found his perfect match in FSD Service Dog Lazuli, who is stepping into the big “paw prints” of Don’s beloved former service dog, Opal, who is ready to enjoy a well-deserved retirement. Lazuli will help mitigate Don’s PTSD symptoms by awakening him from nightmares, interrupting anxious behaviors, and fostering more positive interactions in social settings. Don is excited to go for walks, hike, and visit his favorite restaurants with his new battle buddy by his side.

Heidi & Breeze

Heidi is a caring and supportive special education teacher who works with high school students with disabilities. Outside the classroom, she enjoys outdoor adventures, hiking, camping, and listening to music. Heidi was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Breeze, who will bring joy and stress relief to the students in Heidi’s classroom. Breeze will support students by assisting with emotional regulation, offering comfort during stressful moments, and helping teach essential life skills like doing laundry. Heidi looks forward to introducing Breeze to her students and sharing mountain adventures with her new best friend. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Nick & Dijon

Nick is an ambitious and dedicated U.S. Army veteran who served across five combat deployments, advancing from a mortarman to a sniper team leader. Now, he works as a quality engineer for a global health and wellness company and enjoys running, hunting, and being outdoors. FSD Service Dog Dijon helps mitigate Nick’s traumatic brain injury and service-related injuries caused by an IED explosion in Afghanistan by creating space in public, providing deep pressure therapy, interrupting anxious behaviors, fostering independence and confidence, and offering love and companionship. Nick looks forward to taking his new ranger buddy to the lake to enjoy time with family. This team was generously sponsored by Lisa Martin Ross & John Ross.

Robyn & Honey

Perseverant and kind, Robyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to supporting kids and families in elementary and middle schools. Outside of work, she enjoys staying active, reading, baking, and camping with her husband and son. FSD Professional Therapy Dog Honey enriches Robyn’s work by helping students learn social skills, co-regulate, reduce stress, and bring joy to students. Honey is following in the “paw prints” of Robyn’s first FSD Professional Therapy Dog, Ransom, who graduated with her in 2014. Robyn looks forward to the connection, happiness, and comfort she’ll provide to her students with Honey by her side.

Cadry & Orion II

Cadry is an electrician and U.S. Army veteran who lives with service-related injuries and PTSD. Loyal, loving, and energetic, Cadry was partnered with FSD Service Dog Orion II, who supports Cadry by interrupting anxious behaviors, creating space in public, enhancing his confidence and independence, and providing love and companionship. With Orion II by his side, Cadry is motivated to get out more and get back to the activities he loves, such as hunting, hiking, fishing, and riding horses.

Chandler & Evie

Chandler is a fun and outgoing U.S. Army veteran who served as an Army medic in a cardiology unit. Now, he is passionate about abstract painting and is pursuing a degree in art. FSD Service Dog Evie helps Chandler mitigate his PTSD and traumatic brain injury symptoms by helping him feel more comfortable in public, interrupting anxious behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy, and offering unconditional love. Chandler looks forward to visiting national parks, going to stores, and attending college with his battle buddy by his side.

Jesse & Laddie

Previously serving in multiple deployments with the U.S. Marine Corps, Jesse now supports fellow veterans as a part of the Veteran Affairs Homeless Outreach Team. Jesse was matched with FSD Service Dog Laddie to help him mitigate the impacts of PTSD and his left-hand amputation. Laddie provides vital support by creating space in public, interrupting anxious behaviors and panic attacks, retrieving items and pressing buttons, and motivating him to leave the house. Jesse can’t wait to travel, watch sports, spend time outdoors, and relax with his new best bud.

Tom & Alanis

U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former civil engineer Tom is known to be a hardworking, determined, and loyal friend and husband. FSD Service Dog Alanis helps mitigate his symptoms of his PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and other service-related injuries by creating space in public, providing deep pressure therapy, interrupting anxious behaviors, offering constant love and companionship, and more. Tom is proud to welcome Alanis as the first service dog to join his community and looks forward to working as a team to complete daily tasks, navigate public spaces comfortably, and actively participate in their community.

Lara & Mushu

Lara is a resilient and compassionate Interfaith Chaplain who enjoys cooking, gardening, and spending time with her wife and son. She served 15 years in the U.S. Navy as a Fleet Marine Corpsman, where she was activated in Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 4th Medical Battalion. After her service, she struggled with combat-related breast cancer, as well as PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other physical challenges. Mushu is following in the “paw prints” of Lara’s first Freedom Service Dog, Cayenne, who was nothing short of life-changing. Mushu supports Lara by helping her stay connected to loved ones and other veterans, creating space in public, interrupting anxious behaviors, awakening her from nightmares, helping with balance, picking up dropped items, and providing deep pressure therapy. This team was generously sponsored by Christine Duca.