Jeremy & Scooby

Freedom Found 

For Jeremy, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, serving our country was never just a job—it was a calling and a way of life.

Fresh out of high school, Jeremy felt compelled to serve a greater purpose, help others, and defend the freedoms of the United States. That calling led him to the U.S. Marine Corps and eventually to a deployment in Somalia, where he earned a Combat Action Ribbon. But the recognition wasn’t the only thing he returned with.

“Serving in Somalia shaped how I see the world and carry myself today,” Jeremy shared. “It also came with challenges that followed me home, and I started to deal with the invisible side of service like many veterans.”

Jeremy faced a new battle with PTSD and service-related injuries as a result of his deployment. Most days, he struggled with feelings of depression, isolation, hypervigilance, and anxiety in public spaces. Once outgoing and adventurous, he felt his world growing smaller and his independence and sense of self identity slipping away.

“There’s a difference between getting through the day and actually being present in it. For a while, I was mostly just getting through it,” Jeremy said.

But Jeremy’s life completely changed the moment he met his Freedom Service Dog, Scooby, an outgoing gentle giant with an even bigger heart. From the day they were partnered, it was as if the clouds parted and the sun was shining once again. For the first time in a long time, Jeremy felt a renewed sense of hope and the possibility of reclaiming the freedom he had been missing. 

“I put my hand on Scooby’s giant head and felt his softness and warmth, and it was like an enormous weight was lifted off me instantly,” Jeremy remembered. 

His perfect battle buddy, Scooby was expertly trained by Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) to support Jeremy by performing deep pressure therapy during stressful moments, retrieving items, creating extra space in busy crowds, alerting to anxious behaviors, increasing his independence and confidence in public, and so much more.

Now always by Jeremy’s side, Scooby’s skilled assistance and companionship have helped him reclaim the freedom and courage to fully engage with life again. Knowing his best friend always has his back has allowed Jeremy to feel more comfortable going out in public, strengthening relationships with family and friends, fostering new connections, and embracing experiences he once avoided.

“Scooby is my constant companion which alone pulls me out of isolation. He opens doors to the world in a way I didn’t expect. People are naturally drawn to him, and through that, I’ve been able to reconnect socially in a way that feels natural instead of forced. ” Jeremy said.

He went on to add, “Scooby has this calm, patient, steady presence and a heart of gold. He’s incredibly tuned in, and he’s grounded me in stressful moments without me even having to think about it. Over time, I’ve noticed how much easier things feel with him next to me. Not because anything external changed in my life, but because I’ve changed.”

Today, Jeremy’s partnership with Scooby has transformed every aspect of his life—from his career, to his personal life, and his relationships. Though retired from the Marine Corps, his commitment to serving others and our country remains steadfast. Through his work supporting fellow veterans with the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Jeremy continues to live a life of purpose by helping his fellow veterans in need. With Scooby providing steady support every step of the way, Jeremy has never felt more empowered to continue helping others, explore new opportunities, and engage more fully with the world around him.

Jeremy shared, “Programs like FSD make a real difference. This isn’t about just having a dog…it’s about giving veterans a tool that helps them reconnect, stabilize, and move forward. That impact spreads beyond the individual and affects families, communities, and how we show up in the world. Supporting FSD directly translates into better lives for veterans who are working hard to find their footing again, like I was. Scooby has made such a meaningful difference in my life, and I know that’s only going to continue growing over time. I don’t take that lightly, and I am so grateful to everyone at FSD and all those who support them.”

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This summer, as we celebrate the freedoms we cherish, we’re reminded that for many veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related injuries, independence can be hard won. Through the support of generous donors, FSD is able to purpose breed, raise, and custom train life-changing partners like Scooby, giving veterans like Jeremy the tools, confidence, and freedom to move forward again. When you support our mission by volunteering with us, spreading the word about what we do, or giving a gift of any amount to help us offset the costs associated with the care and training of our service dogs, you make a direct impact in the lives of American heroes and others living with disabilities.

Dogs make a difference, and so can you!

Give a gift of any amount today or inquire about how you can get involved as a volunteer at [email protected] or 303-922-6231.

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Vincent & Rumble: Freedom Service Dog Changes First Responder’s Life 

Mia & Prima: Dreaming Big with Prima

Published 7/16/2026