FSD Puppy Socialization: Weeks 1 and 2
At FSD, raising confident and resilient assistance dogs starts from day one in our nursery.
Dogs Make a Difference for Veterans
FSD Service Dogs can make a profound difference in the lives of the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country.
TenEyck & Flyer
When U.S. Air Force veteran and F-16 pilot TenEyck faced a service-related injury that resulted in mobility challenges, he refused to let his setback limit him and began searching for a solution.
Building the Future
This fall, we launched an exciting renovation of our nursery play yards, funded by a generous anonymous donor, to create a safer environment for our littlest service dog candidates.
Reasons to Raise
Not only is raising rewarding and fun, but it also leaves a lasting impact in the lives of people challenged by disabilities. There are endless reasons why you should consider becoming an FSD puppy raiser, but here are just a few!
Why We Use Labs
While many breeds are excellent candidates for assistance dog work, Labrador retrievers are the most widely utilized breed around the world… and for good reason! Learn more about why FSD primarily utilizes Labs (as well as golden retrievers and Lab/golden crosses) in our program.
Sean & Cooper
In the spring of 2024, FSD Professional Therapy Dog Cooper began his new role as an official deputy with the Isanti County Sheriff’s Office with his partner, Investigator Sean. Together, Sean and Cooper are making a significant impact by providing comfort and stress relief to victims amidst mental health crisis, domestic and sexual violence, tragedies, critical incidents, death notifications, and during jury trials.
Freedom Service Dog in training survives rattlesnake bite
Nana, a 1-year-old golden retriever puppy in training to become a Freedom Service Dog, recently faced a harrowing ordeal.
Freedom on the Slopes
In the spirit of the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, we are proud to share the inspiring story of FSD graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran James, who competed in Men’s Snowboarding in the Pyeongchang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. Now, Freedom Service Dog Zena is an everyday game changer in James’s life.
