Meet our 2026 graduates

Nathan & Bear

Nathan is a chaplain for Hopkinsville Fire Department, the Vice President of the Kentucky Federation of Fire Chaplains, who is passionate about animal-assisted interventions. When he’s not caring for others, Nathan enjoys spending time with family, fishing, and gardening. 

Nathan and his department are thrilled to welcome Bear to their team—a gentle giant with a natural ability to make people smile. Bear will be the first facility dog placed with a fire station in the state of Kentucky. 

Alongside Nathan, he will support first responders and community members in moments that matter most, such as providing love and stress relief during fire scenes, public events, counseling sessions, natural disasters, and more. With Bear on the team, Nathan and his department’s positive impact can reach even further. This team was generously sponsored by Christine Duca.

Kyle & Nemo

Kyle is a software engineer and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran living with PTSD. An avid sports fan and outdoorsman, he enjoys camping, fishing, and snowboarding. `

We’re proud to say that Kyle finally found his Nemo! Nemo, who is part of the Finding Nemo litter, brings a bright, outgoing personality and a love of play to everything he does. But beyond his sunny disposition, Nemo is also a highly-trained service dog who will make a profound difference in Kyle’s everyday life by easing his anxiety, creating space in crowds, retrieving items, and providing a steady, reassuring presence wherever they go. Kyle can’t wait to go camping with his new best friend and is excited about the bright future they have together. This team was generously sponsored by Lisa Martin Ross and John Ross.

KG & Bubbles

KG has already made a lasting impact on FSD by raising three puppies in training, including Thunder, Bogner, and Bear.

Now, things have come full circle for KG as he’s been matched with his very own service dog, Bubbles! A part of the Finding Nemo litter, Bubbles is incredibly sweet, affectionate, and loved by everyone she meets. Bubbles will help KG mitigate his symptoms of a traumatic brain injury, POTS, and anxiety retrieving items to reduce dizziness and risk of falls, nudging him back to the present moment to help with cognitive awareness, opening and closing doors and drawers, finding help and items he needs, and creating an overall sense of comfort and joy. This team was generously sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Fischer

Freedom Service Dog Fischer is known to play just as hard as he works! With a perfect balance of playful energy and steady focus, Fischer will assist his human partner, a veteran living with PTSD and panic disorder, by retrieving items, finding help in times of need, providing calming pressure, and being a reassuring presence in public spaces.

Nick & Rockie

Nick is a U.S. Army veteran and former police officer with a passion for visiting historical landmarks, camping, and flight simulations. He is looking forward to attending law school next year and working toward his goal of becoming a law enforcement instructor focused on constitutional rights.

Nick is over the moon to start a new journey with Freedom Service Dog Rockie, who is full of personality and always the life of the party. The perfect match for Nick, Rockie will help him navigate his PTSD, anxiety, and depression by interrupting stressful behaviors, grounding him during panic attacks, creating space in crowds, retrieving items, and boosting his confidence. Nick can’t wait to build their bond as they explore new places, spend time with family, and begin in-person law school classes together. This team was generously sponsored by AnnieMac.