Clients

“We’re giving back to FSD, but we’re also getting so much in return. We love raising puppies, and we don’t plan on stopping,” says FSD client and puppy raiser, Kristin.

Thomas is a U.S. Navy veteran with a career spanning over two decades, including deployments to Iraq and the Global War on Terror. His faithful— and aptly named—service dog Valor is a constant source of support, aiding him with his PTSD, mobility issues, and hearing challenges. Valor is trained to retrieve items, create space in crowded environments, and nudge Thomas to bring him back to the present moment.

Ménière’s disease drastically changed Josh’s life by ending his military career and claiming part of his independence. After decades of dutiful service in the military, he faced an incurable diagnosis that impacted his future, confidence, and family.   Upon being discharged from the military due to his diagnosis, Josh shared, “I joined the military when I…

As a U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, Tim has received counseling and medication from the VA to address his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and sense of unworthiness around the veteran community. Today, thanks to his Freedom Service Dog, Cypress, Tim says he is experiencing positive changes in his life. “I feel like some of my PTSD symptoms are becoming manageable or at least tolerable, and I look forward to the future.”

Ezra and his service dog, Gadget, graduated from FSD in December 2021, and both Ezra (now 14 years old) and his mother, Amy, spoke at our 2022 graduation ceremony. Amy recounted the history of Ezra’s lifelong challenges with autism and epilepsy, as well as the search for answers and support for her son. She called her speech “A Boy and His Dog: Chapter 1.”

“Zena is awesome. She is there for me when my stress and anxiety get to be too much. I now have a companion that goes everywhere I go.”

“Verde has truly become a huge part of my life, and I can’t imagine being able to do some of the things I have been able to do in such a short amount of time.”

“Cruz saves my life every day,” says veteran

Service dog Reef brings relief—PTSD no longer rules veteran’s life

My service dog, my lifeline — Finley is “whole world” to veteran