2025 Volunteer of the Year: Joyce Hutchens
When Joyce Hutchens first read through the requirements to become a Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) volunteer, she took one prerequisite especially personally: must love dogs!
Growing up, Joyce was raised in a family that bred Dachshunds and participated in conformation dog shows. Her parents even showed dogs at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the largest annual dog show in the country! From the very beginning, she felt a pull to train and work with dogs, as it was an essential part of her family and daily life.
That passion stayed with Joyce throughout her adult life and marriage to her high school sweetheart, who was also involved in the dogdom. Now a grandmother, wife, and devoted dog mom to her springer spaniels, Joyce immediately knew she wanted to get involved when she discovered the mission of FSD in 2023.
Since joining our community, Joyce has dedicated more than 200 hours of her time and energy to caring for adult dogs and puppies as a PALS volunteer, assisting with adult dog training and socialization, and promoting FSD’s mission at events. She also plans to deepen her impact by helping our neonatal puppies and mama dogs in the nursery. Her dedication is driven by both her lifelong love of dogs and her commitment to FSD’s mission, and we are so grateful for the talent and time she brings to our organization.
In recognition and honor of her incredible generosity, passion, and willingness to always lend a helping hand, FSD is thrilled to announce that Joyce Hutchens has been named our 2025 Werner Kaplan Volunteer of the Year!
In addition to raising her children and competing in dog sports with her springer spaniels, Joyce spent much of her career working in medical research and education. After retiring, she began volunteering with the Museum of Nature and Science in Denver, assisting with research and study groups in their lab. Although she loved her work with the museum, she knew in her heart that she wanted to spend her time volunteering directly with animals.
That’s when she discovered FSD!
Joyce was drawn to the idea of helping working dogs while supporting veterans, first responders, individuals with autism, and others with disabilities. Because one of her grandchildren has autism, the mission felt deeply personal to her.
She shared, “I really believe in what FSD is all about. I have seen what a gift these dogs are for people with autism and veterans. They’re truly life-changing, and I wanted to be a part of that.”
Now a seasoned volunteer, Joye is a bright light who is always willing to step in and help wherever needed. Over the years, she has provided essential support to our assistance dog instructors by aiding with the training and socialization of our adult dogs and puppies. She has helped ensure that dogs onsite receive the enrichment they need to thrive. She has promoted our mission at events, shared it within her own community, and is excited to soon begin volunteering with our neonatal puppies and mama dogs in the nursery.
While Joyce loves many aspects of volunteering with FSD, her favorite part is seeing the dogs she has worked with from puppyhood through adulthood graduate as life-changing partners.
“I go to every client-dog graduation, and each time, I have a hard time not crying happy tears,” she said. “Getting to see the dogs with their person is why I continue to volunteer. It’s my pay. It’s just so wonderful to be a part of something that you can physically see the change it’s creating in others’ lives. It’s such a gift!”
When asked who her favorite FSD dog of all time is, Joyce just started laughing.
“Picking a favorite is so hard,” she said. “These dogs are all so amazing, and they enjoy working and learning! I have loved all of them, but Ravioli and Gretzky really come to mind. Right now, my favorite is Thistle (who graduated as a facility dog in June 2026). I have worked with him since he was a little ball of black fluff to who he is now as a giant adult. It’s been so special to watch dogs like Thistle grow and change lives!”
“Having a hand in changing lives is such a gift! I love spending time with the dogs and the welcoming people of FSD. I love my plaque that came with my Volunteer of the Year recognition, and I am just so thankful,”
– Joyce Hutchens
In addition to the dogs and the impact they create, Joyce is grateful for the incredible FSD community that has always made her feel welcomed and appreciated. Along the way, she has formed meaningful friendships, and our facility often feels like a second home to her.
She shared, “Everyone at FSD is so easy to work with. People ask how my day is going, and I always respond that I am great because I am right where I want to be. How could I not be OK?”
Joyce’s kindness and hard work never goes unnoticed. Our assistance dog instructors, client services team, and service dog trainees have all benefited from her commitment, wealth of knowledge about dogs and dog training, and the positivity she brings to the team.
When asked about Joyce, our client services team and assistance dog instructors shared:
“Joyce is always willing to help and is very consistent. She does an incredible job and always has a smile on her face. It is a pleasure getting to know her and working with her. Her role is essential to the dogs’ training, and we are very thankful for her constant love and support of FSD!”
From a childhood spent surrounded by dogs to helping future service dogs change lives today, Joyce’s journey has always been guided by a love of animals and a desire to help others. Every dog she supports in training and every hour she gives helps create more life-changing client-dog partnerships. Her impact reaches far beyond the walls of FSD—touching the lives of our dogs, our staff, our clients, her fellow volunteers, and the entire community we serve.
Congratulations, Joyce—and thank you from all the pups and people of FSD for what you do!
The 2025 Werner Kaplan nominees were Joyce Hutchens, Kristin Zaccheo, Alex Peek, April Husak, Dustin Leemon, and Kristy Silva.
Congratulations to all these deserving nominees and thank you for your hard work and dedication!
FSD is only able to partner life-changing service dogs with those in need with the help of compassionate volunteers like Joyce! From raising puppies, to transporting dogs, helping our neonatal puppies and mama dogs, or spending time with our puppies and adult dogs onsite, there’s a volunteer opportunity for everyone at FSD. Interested in starting your journey with us? Learn more about our tail wagging opportunities HERE!
Contact Erin Conley at [email protected] for all media inquiries.