Meet our 2024 graduates

Tammy & Jett

Tammy is a warm, kind person with a passion for reading, exploring the outdoors, and creating through arts and crafts. Living with multiple sclerosis, she cherishes time spent with her husband and their family dog and finds fulfillment helping self-publishing authors. FSD Service Dog Jett helps Tammy maintain her independence by picking up dropped items, assisting with daily activities, opening doors, helping her sit up in bed, finding help when needed, and providing loving companionship. With Jett always by her side, Tammy is excited to go on more outdoor adventures, connect with friends, and spend lots of time cuddling together. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Larry & Bordeaux

Larry, a U.S. Army veteran and former Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician, now serves as a deputy emergency manager with the VA. Larry enjoys fishing, bowling, skating, and spending quality time with his family. Larry found his perfect match in FSD Service Dog Bordeaux, who has been trained to help mitigate his PTSD symptoms by awakening him from nightmares, providing love and stress relief, interrupting anxious behaviors, and helping him maintain a healthier work-life balance. Larry looks forward to spending more time traveling, going on outdoor adventures, and enjoying the sunshine with his loving battle buddy.

Kelly & Bowie

Kelly is a passionate lifelong learner who works as an emotional learning specialist at an elementary school. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, hiking, traveling, yoga, and taking long walks. Kelly is thrilled to welcome FSD Professional Therapy Dog Bowie into her family and her work. Bowie will help Kelly’s students learn about feeling identification, how emotions show up physically in the body, emotional regulation, stress management, and providing support during crises. Kelly is excited to create a more positive impact and brighten lives, one smile at a time, with Bowie by her side. This team is sponsored by Rocky Mountain Snow Guards.

Liv & Avril

Liv is an outgoing and resilient audiologist who lives as a T10 paraplegic. She loves spending time with her boyfriend, participating in adaptive outdoor adventures, cooking, and trying new restaurants. Liv found her perfect match in FSD Service Dog Avril, a sweet and gentle black Labrador retriever. Avril helps Liv be more independent by retrieving items, opening doors, and finding help when needed. Liv is excited to travel and create more memories outdoors with her new best friend Avril. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Doug & Thumper

Doug is a compassionate individual who works as the Director of EMS at a Colorado hospital. A huge Colorado Avalanche fan, he enjoys camping, golfing, baking, fishing, and spending time with his family. Doug was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Thumper, who will play a critical role in providing love, joy, comfort, and stress relief to first responders during breaks and difficult moments. Doug is confident that Thumper’s presence will leave a lasting impact on the everyday heroes he works with. When they’re not working, Doug looks forward to unwinding and exploring the outdoors with Thumper and his pet golden retriever. This team is sponsored by The Gary and Leslie Howard Family Foundation.

Imna & Shuri

Imna is a dedicated mom, an Implant Inventory Manager with the VA, a full-time student, and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran living with PTSD. When she’s not balancing work and school, Imna enjoys spending time with her family, exploring Colorado, and visiting historic towns and state parks with her son. During her service in the Marine Corps, she was a part of the 1st Marine Division Rifle and Pistol Teams where she competed in both classes. To help mitigate her PTSD symptoms, Imna was matched with FSD Service Dog Shuri who interrupts her nightmares, lessens her anxiety in public, boosts her confidence, and helps her live life to the fullest. This team is sponsored by AnnieMac Home Mortgage in partnership with the Panebianco Family Foundation.

Kaylee & Silver

Kaylee is a licensed clinical social worker who provides mental health services to elementary students. She was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Silver, who assists Kaylee in her work by helping with emotional regulation, social and emotional skill growth, engaging in activities with clients, and acting as a calming presence during sessions. Kaylee has a robust background working with children and animals, including two years spent teaching students in Guyana with the Peace Corps, and studying human-animal conflict with elephants in Kenya! Now, she’s pursuing a certification in play therapy to further enrich her practice. Kaylee looks forward to spending time in nature and watching movies with Silver.

Jason & Zarek

Jason, a loving husband, outdoorsman, and truck driver, is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran living with PTSD. He was partnered with FSD Service Dog Zarek who helps Jason feel more comfortable and confident in public, picks up dropped items, interrupts anxious behaviors, lessens his anxiety, and provides loving companionship. With Zarek as his battle buddy, Jason looks forward to feeling more secure at stores and sporting events. A traveler who has visited every U.S. state, Jason also enjoys playing disc golf, barbequing, and hunting. This team is sponsored by the Ken W. Davis Foundation.

T.R. & Mystique

T.R. is a young man with autism who dreams of studying entomology—the study of insects. He enjoys playing video games, savoring white chocolate and frozen raspberries, and spending time with his Corgi named Rupert. An avid dog lover, T.R. was partnered with FSD Service Dog Mystique who supports TR by boosting his confidence in public, helping him become more independent, and providing love and companionship. T.R. looks forward to embracing new experiences and making more connections with Mystique as his loyal partner.

Ashleigh & Montana

Ashleigh is a proud mother, Montana native, and U.S. Navy veteran living with PTSD, a traumatic brain injury, and other service-related injuries. During her time in the service as a Military Working Dog handler, she appeared in Animal Planet’s K-9 Boot Camp. Now a public adjuster, Ashleigh enjoys time with her son, traveling, and visiting friends and family. In October 2024, she was partnered with (the very aptly named) FSD Service Dog Montana who helps her on a daily basis by providing comfort, lessening her anxiety in public, retrieving objects, and helping her feel more confident to go out in the community. Ashleigh looks forward to feeling more at ease at events she enjoys, such as concerts and sporting events, with Montana by her side. This team is Sponsored by AnnieMac Home Mortgage in partnership with the Panebianco Family Foundation.

Elena & Cedar

Elena is a vibrant, humorous woman with a smile that lights up every room. She enjoys playing video games, music, traveling, and shopping. FSD Service Dog Cedar helps Elena navigate her genetic movement disorder by retrieving objects, opening doors, taking off her socks and jacket, boosting her confidence in public, and providing loving companionship. Cedar, a successor dog to Elena’s first FSD Service Dog Parka, is always by Elena’s side as she attends her day program, goes to the movies, and visits the mall. This team is sponsored by Gilda Kaplan.

Sarah & Gretzky

Sarah is a licensed therapist who runs her own private practice, offering mental health support to children, teens, and young adults. Her sweet and friendly FSD Professional Therapy Dog Gretzky enhances her work by providing a calming presence during sessions and engaging in therapeutic activities with clients to help them feel more at ease and confident. When they’re off the clock, Sarah and Gretzky enjoy exploring the great outdoors together and spending time with Sarah’s retired therapy dog Lyra.

Kaureen & Onyx

Kaureen is a U.S. Navy veteran living with multiple sclerosis and PTSD. She was partnered with FSD Service Dog Onyx, a silly and affectionate standard poodle. Onyx assists Kaureen by increasing her independence, assisting with daily tasks, reducing her anxiety in public, picking up dropped items, awakening her from nightmares, tugging off clothing, and finding help in times of need. When he’s not assisting Kaureen, Onyx loves watching the birds out of their large windows.

Will & Moose

Will is a loving father and a U.S. Army veteran with PTSD. He was partnered with FSD Service Dog Moose, who helps minimize the effects of Will’s PTSD, such as hypervigilance, anxiety, and panic attacks. Moose also helps him by increasing his comfort level in public, providing companionship, and helping him form stronger connections with others. When Will isn’t working as a Veteran’s Services Representative, he enjoys spending time with his family and participating in archery. He looks forward to golfing, playing pickleball, and going to the beach with Moose by his side. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Sara & Riggs

For Sara, life is golden with FSD Service Dog Riggs by her side! Sara is a passionate woman and recent college graduate living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Riggs helps Sara maximize her independence by opening doors, pressing buttons, and retrieving items. A big fan of golden retrievers, Sara is excited to have Riggs join the pack with her pet golden retriever Lily. When she’s not spending time with her dogs or doing advocacy for SMA, Sara enjoys spending time with her family and shopping at the mall. Her future aspirations include becoming a drone pilot.

Hans & Chinook

A dedicated family man, outdoorsman, and U.S. Air Force veteran, Hans was partnered with FSD Service Dog Chinook to help minimize the effects of his PTSD, such as hypervigilance, anxiety, and panic attacks. Chinook was custom-trained to help Hans feel more comfortable in crowds, interrupt nightmares, create space in crowds, nudge him back to the present moment, and provide unwavering companionship. Hans recently retired from his career as the Dean of Academics and a flight instructor at the United States Air Force Academy Prep School. Now, he’s enjoying his retirement by spending time with his family, going to the gym, hiking, and being an active member of his church. He also hopes to start working with the horses at the Warrior Mission Ranch. This team is sponsored by the Tech Sgt. Jack Kushner Foundation.

Jayni & Venice

U.S. Army veteran Jayni is often described as crafty, loving, and hardworking. She found her perfect match in FSD Service Dog Venice, who helps Jayni mitigate her PTSD symptoms by increasing her comfort level in public, increasing her sense of security, grounding her in the present moment, retrieving items, and finding someone for help in moments of need. Jayni is passionate about helping other veterans and works as a Military Veteran Peer Support Coordinator. She also enjoys wood and leather working and spending time with her family. This team is sponsored by the Ken W. Davis Foundation.

Nelson & Twilight

Nelson is a kind and loyal family man and U.S. Air Force veteran who struggles with PTSD. He was partnered with FSD Service Dog Twilight, who helps Nelson by increasing his comfort in public and outdoors, reducing anxiety, and interrupting his nightmares. Nelson shows houses and is a program analyst with the VA. When he’s not hard at work, he enjoys spending time with his kids. Nelson is excited to welcome Twilight into the family as his battle buddy! This team is sponsored by the Dixie Foundation.

Alyssa & Lincoln

Alyssa is an FSD puppy raiser and a trauma-informed therapist for a nonprofit that serves and empowers adolescents, caregivers, and families. In order to enhance her practice, she was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Lincoln who will bring comfort and stress-relief to Alyssa’s clients, help engage them in activities, and interrupt anxious behaviors during sessions. Outside of work, Alyssa enjoys walking, hiking, camping, and tending to her plants. She looks forward to incorporating Lincoln into her work and spending time together in nature when they’re off the clock.

Archer & Shavano

A big sports fan who aspires to join the Special Olympics, Archer is an athletic boy with autism. When he’s not playing basketball, flag football, or soccer with his brother, he enjoys spending time at the playground and visiting museums and amusement parks. FSD Service Dog Shavano assists Archer by helping him feel more comfortable and confident in public, interrupting repetitive behaviors, retrieving dropped items, and providing loving companionship. Archer and his family are excited to take Shavano on all their future adventures! This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Sara & Zamboni

A courageous U.S. Army veteran, Army Reserve Engineer Officer, and middle school teacher, Sara lives with PTSD and paralysis in her left arm. She was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Zamboni, who had a dual career as a dog dad where he sired multiple litters of puppies with a purpose. Zamboni assists Sara by waking her from nightmares, interrupting anxious behaviors, retrieving items, and creating space around her in public. With increased independence and confidence, Sara is looking forward to new adventures with her family and Zamboni by her side. This team is sponsored by John Ross and Lisa Martin Ross.

Shalyn & Mahi

Shalyn is a young woman with neurocognitive disabilities. She is passionate about her involvement in her community and participating in sports. She enjoys playing basketball and is a medal-winning skier at the Special Olympics! It was love at first sight when Shalyn first met Freedom Service Dog Mahi. Mahi helps open Shalyn’s world by interrupting anxious behaviors, acting as a social catalyst, and providing endless cuddles and companionship.

Mike & Palmer

Mike is a U.S. Army veteran living with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Mike was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Palmer, who assists him by creating space around him in public, interrupting anxious behaviors, performing deep pressure therapy, and waking him from nightmares. Palmer also helps Mike maintain his stability while walking, which increases his independence. Mike is looking forward to “having his life back,” and being able to go on long road trips across the country with his wife. This team is sponsored by Al and Suzy Hirshberg.

Phil & Tobago

A passionate advocate of environmental issues, Phil is a kind man with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Tobago, who helps Phil maintain and increase his independence by building confidence in public, retrieving items, opening and closing doors and drawers, and providing companionship. Tobago is Phil’s second FSD Service Dog, filling the large paws of his beloved successor dog, Nikea. Phil looks forward to bringing Tobago with him to get coffee with friends at his favorite local cafe. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Sima & Sundae

U.S. Army veteran Sima is a resilient woman living with PTSD and mobility challenges. Sima was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Sundae, who is just as sweet as her name suggests. Sundae is trained to help Sima manage the symptoms of her PTSD by waking her from nightmares, interrupting anxious behaviors, and creating space around her in public. With Sundae by her side and a renewed confidence in public, Sima is looking forward to living a more independent life. Sundae is joining Sima’s busy family of two toddlers, dog Teddy, and husband, who is currently serving active duty in the U.S. Army. This team is sponsored by the Ken W. Davis Foundation.

Jerry & Sturgeon

Jerry is a U.S Army veteran and motorcycle enthusiast living with PTSD and a traumatic brain injury who was matched with Freedom Service Dog Sturgeon. Sturgeon assists him by providing deep pressure therapy, alerting to anxious behaviors, and creating space around him in public. Through his partnership with Sturgeon, Jerry has found a renewed sense of independence and confidence. He looks forward to having Sturgeon by his side during long workdays, while he helps individuals who have been released from prison learn skills to successfully reintegrate into society. This team is sponsored by Sturgeon Electric Company.

Constance & Couscous

Constance is a small business owner who struggles with the effects of a brain aneurysm and stroke with mild paralysis. She was partnered with Freedom Service Dog Couscous, who assists her by increasing her confidence in public, helping her with balance on her right side, retrieving items, and opening doors. When she’s not working, Constance enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, cooking, and going for walks in her neighborhood.

Miles & Ravioli

Miles is a playful and outgoing young boy living with Spastic Triplegic Cerebral Palsy. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, visiting the zoo and aquarium, and attending community events. Miles was matched with FSD Service Dog Ravioli, who shares Miles’s vibrant and fun spirit. Ravioli helps Miles gain independence and confidence by interrupting anxious behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy, retrieving dropped items, opening doors, and more. “Ravioli is not just a service dog but the perfect match for Miles, bringing joy, companionship, and assistance into his life,” shares Miles’s parents, Lauren and Richard. This team was sponsored by Christine Duca.

Sean & Cooper

Sean is an investigator for the Isanti County Sherrif’s Office in Minnesota. FSD Professional Therapy Dog Cooper (formerly known as Guppy) will work alongside Sean to provide comfort and a communication bridge with Sean’s coworkers and members of the community in crisis during tragedies, at large community gatherings, and more. He will also serve as a grounding presence and help build confidence in victims who have a difficult time testifying in court. When they’re off the clock, Sean looks forward to camping, going for walks, and attending family and neighborhood get-togethers with Cooper by his side. This team was sponsored by Reece Duca.

Sadie & Acacia

Kind and good-humored, Sadie is a young woman living with autism. FSD Service Dog Acacia assists Sadie by interrupting anxious behaviors, performing deep pressure therapy, and providing plenty of comfort and love. When Sadie isn’t working at her job in a counseling office, she enjoys spending time with her cat, horseback riding, visiting parks and museums, and going to restaurants.

David & Macaroni

David is a friendly and kind-hearted man living with Tay-Sachs disease and paralysis. He is very active in his church and is passionate about making 3D animation drawings and watching movies with his friends. With the support of his loving family and church community, David traveled to Colorado to meet his new best friend and ultimate wingman, FSD Service Dog Macaroni. Macaroni assists David at home and at his job at Walmart by retrieving dropped items, pulling up David’s bed covers, opening doors, and helping him maintain his independence. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Teresa & Chipotle

U.S. Army veteran Teresa is an environmental engineer living with PTSD. An active advocate for veteran resources and support programs, Teresa was partnered with FSD Service Dog Chipotle. Chipotle assists Teresa by interrupting night terrors, creating space in crowds, retrieving dropped items, performing deep pressure therapy, and providing comfort in stressful public situations. Devoted to her partner and their fur babies, Teresa is excited for Chipotle to accompany them on long hikes, cruises, and farmers markets. This team is sponsored by the International Association of Drilling Contractors Denver Chapter.

Kiya & Cinema

Kiya is a vivacious young woman living with quadriplegia and paralysis. When she’s not working at her job as an IRS tax agent, Kiya enjoys playing video games, going to Comicon and the Renaissance Fair with her partner, and spending time with her beloved cats, Lady and Licorice. Kiya was partnered with FSD Service Dog Cinema, a petite yet outgoing Labrador retriever who shares Kiya’s zest for life. Cinema assists Kiya by opening doors, retrieving dropped items, creating space in crowds, providing comfort during stressful situations, and helping her gain more independence and confidence. Already the best of friends, Kiya looks forward to exploring the world with Cinema by her side. This team is sponsored by Dr. Marty Pets.

Christy & Havok

Christy is the director of a community center in Utah that assists individuals experiencing homelessness in job searching, housing, childcare, food assistance, and more. She was partnered with FSD Professional Therapy Dog Havok, a charming golden retriever with boundless affection, to provide comfort and joy to Christy’s clients and colleagues. Havok will accompany Christy during walk-and-talk sessions, lend an ear while young clients read, provide comfort during stressful intake appointments, and offer daily support as needed. Passionate about her role and community, Christy is eager to spread joy around the center with Havok by her side.