Meet our newest graduates: June 2024

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.