Troy & Hendrix
Hendrix Rocks First Responder’s World
An urge to serve others runs deep in Troy’s blood. He grew up in a family with a long history of helping people in need, and knew he wanted to follow in the same footsteps. But when a close friend was killed in a tragic accident involving a drunk driver, Troy’s desire to serve became his mission.
Troy answered his calling by becoming a state trooper in Nebraska. A few years in, he switched gears to work as a state probation officer. Every day brought challenges and difficulty, but he always kept his goal of helping people and bringing positive change top of mind. “I didn’t go into law enforcement for the glory,” Troy said. “I did it because I wanted to make a difference… even if it was just in one person’s life.”
Over time, Troy’s work took its toll. He began to feel the effects of anxiety, burnout, and compassion fatigue—an invisible weight that many first responders carry in silence. Even after stepping away from law enforcement and changing careers, he still felt like something was missing.
And that something just so happened to be a dog.
When Troy discovered Freedom Service Dogs, he instantly connected with the mission and the need to help first responders, veterans, and others living with disabilities. “I immediately felt that FSD was doing something special. They were all there to make a difference, and I could just feel that energy,” Troy said.
When he found out that he qualified for an FSD Skilled Companion Dog as a retired first responder, he felt a spark of hope at the possibility of having a new furry partner by his side.
That spark came to life just a few months later when Troy got the call that FSD had found his perfect match in a goofy, larger-than-life Labrador retriever named Hendrix, who was named after the iconic rockstar, Jimi Hendrix.
While Hendrix didn’t quite meet the requirements to become a service dog or professional therapy dog, he had a heart of gold and a strong desire to bring joy and companionship to someone who really needed him as a skilled companion. That someone turned out to be Troy and his family.
Troy knew things would change for the better with Hendrix around, but he couldn’t predict how much of a difference he would make in his life, and the lives of his wife and children. The moment Hendrix went home, it felt like he had always been a part of the family. It felt like fate.
Troy shared, “The impact Hendrix has made on my family is beyond words. He is so attuned with the entire family, especially me. He can tell when I’m off and will just stay with me. When I’ve had a hard day, he’s always there. He knows when I need him.”
“Hendrix is the ultimate thank you for my service, and I am just so so grateful.”
– Troy, Former First Responder
For Troy and his family, Hendrix is so much more than just a dog and skilled companion. His loving, easygoing personality has helped Troy work through his anxiety and feel more like himself again. He’s also helped Troy’s son feel more comfortable opening up about his emotions. Hendrix is always there to lend a helping paw and let his people know they’re not alone. “Being able to have a calm animal with you that can sense you need compassion is so amazing,” Troy said. “Hendrix is such a lover, and he’s an incredibly special boy.”
In just one year together, the family has already taken Hendrix to pet-friendly establishments, gone on beautiful hikes and strolls around the neighborhood, spent hours at a nearby park, and traveled to visit relatives. “Hendrix is such a chill dog, and we’ve had so many fun adventures together. He is always a good topic of conversation in social settings and has helped me further connections with others and the world around me,” Troy added.
Hendrix is the hero that Troy has been for so many others. Now, he wants to continue paying it forward by helping connect his fellow first responders and veterans with Freedom Service Dogs and sharing his story about the impact Hendrix has had in his life.
Troy shared, “Hendrix feels like the ultimate thank you for my service, and I am just so so grateful.”
If you or someone you know is a first responder, veteran, active-duty military member, or Gold Star Family that may benefit from the comfort, joy, and companionship of an FSD Skilled Companion Dog like Hendrix, visit https://freedomservicedogs.org/skilled-companions/, call 303-922-6231, or email [email protected].
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Published 7/28/2025
Contact Erin Conley at econley@