Gunnar & Otto
The Gift of Freedom
Life looked very different for Freedom Service Dog Otto and his human partner, Gunnar, before their paths crossed.
Otto, a sweet and goofy black shepherd mix, had been living in an animal shelter before joining Freedom Service Dogs’ assistance dog training program. For Otto, it was a second chance to not just find a forever home, but to change someone’s life in a profound way.
That someone turned out to be Gunnar, a kind and adventurous young man living with autism.
Growing up, Gunnar faced hardship as he struggled in social situations and felt overwhelmed with anxiety and anger. He struggled to regulate his emotions and connect with others, which took a toll on both him and his family. “I was at the point of giving up,” Gunnar admitted. They needed a solution, and that search for hope led them to Freedom Service Dogs, and to Gunnar’s soon-to-be soul mate, Otto.
In the fall of 2016, after patiently waiting for his perfect match, Gunnar met Otto. The two graduated together soon after, embarking on a journey of healing and redemption that neither could have imagined. The odds had been stacked against them both of their entire lives, but now as a team, they were unstoppable.
Otto could sense Gunnar’s anxiety before Gunnar could, nudging him back to the present moment before he became distressed. And if a nudge didn’t do the trick, Otto would jump on Gunnar’s lap until the world felt safe again. Otto never gave up, especially when it came to Gunnar. His steady, calming presence helped ease Gunnar’s anxiety and anger, allowing peace and confidence to take root.
“Otto showed me that life was worth living, and he showed me the path to keep going,” said Gunnar.
When Otto was on duty, he took his job seriously because Gunnar was the center of his universe. But when he wasn’t working, he was all joy and personality. “We call him Big Old Bear because he does this grunt all the time when he’s excited,” Gunnar’s father, Mike, said. “He’s just an outgoing, happy pup!”
Otto’s sunny disposition and love of working with his favorite human was key to helping Gunnar come out of his shell and become the person he always wanted to be. “Otto helped me socialize and be around a lot of people. Others asked about him, and it helped break the ice,” Gunnar explained. With Otto by his side, Gunnar felt capable of doing things he once feared. Whatever the adventure, Otto opened the doors to new possibilities and gave him the courage to embrace life fully.
By 2024, after years of dedicated service, Otto’s face had become peppered with grays and his body began to slow. Gunnar and his family knew it was time for Otto to enjoy a much deserved retirement so he could spend his golden years as a beloved companion and best friend. He had done his job.
When an FSD Service Dog retires, clients in good standing can join our waitlist for a successor dog as a part of the lifetime support services we offer. Some choose to apply for a new furry partner, while others, like Gunnar, feel that their dogs have already given them everything they need. Otto had helped Gunnar build such confidence and independence that Gunnar felt he no longer needed a service dog to navigate life. Through love, hard work, and devotion to his human, Otto had given Gunnar the best gift of all: freedom.
Today, Gunnar is a completely different person from the young man he once was. He now moves through life with confidence, joy, and resilience ready to face all of life’s ups and downs. And it’s all thanks to his best bud, Otto—the dog who showed him that life was worth living.
Because of people like you, Gunnar received a priceless gift of independence. Now, others like him on our waitlist are counting on the FSD Family to support our mission, which enables us to place more life-changing service dogs with those in need at no cost. Make a gift of any amount to FSD today and help us give the gift of freedom to people with disabilities. Give now!
If this story made your tail wag, you may also enjoy:
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Published on 11/05/2025
Contact Erin Conley at econley@