Limitless Horizons with Flyer

For family man and U.S. Air Force veteran TenEyck, even the sky has never been the limit! After launching his extraordinary 24-year military career as an F-16 pilot in 2000, he served multiple deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Djibouti, and others. Between deployments, he also flew with the Colorado Air National Guard at Buckley Space Force Base. 

In 2022, however, TenEyck faced a service-related injury that resulted in mobility challenges. In true TenEyck spirit, he refused to let this setback limit him and began searching for a solution. His journey led him to discover Freedom Service Dogs and our new FSD Skilled Companion Dog program. Launched at the end of 2023, this program was created so that we can foster more meaningful, lifelong relationships between incredible FSD dogs and veterans, first responders, and other families in need. While FSD Skilled Companions are intelligent and friendly pups, they do not have public access and are not trained to perform specialized tasks like FSD Service Dogs; however, they are highly skilled at providing loving comfort and joy to their families. 

Reflecting on his journey to finding FSD, TenEyck shares, “At the time of my injury, I started looking into service dogs to help with skills and areas that I may need assistance with going forward. Over the course of a year, my injury improved so much that I didn’t feel that I would need a fully trained service dog. One day I came across FSD’s skilled companion program, and it really resonated. I realized I could help a dog find a new purpose, and he or she could help me out as well… it seemed like a good fit.”

The FSD team knew we had the perfect companion for TenEyck and his family—an outgoing black Labrador retriever named Flyer who was waiting to land with someone in need. Because both TenEyck and his wife flew F-16s in the U.S. Air Force, a dog named Flyer who also matched all the things they were looking for in their skilled companion just felt like fate. The moment Flyer, TenEyck, and his family met, it was clear that it was meant to be. 

Since welcoming Flyer into their home, life has felt limitless for TenEyck and his family again. Though Flyer hasn’t been custom trained to assist with specific tasks, his companionship has proven to be one of the most profound gifts in TenEyck’s life. Says TenEyck, “For me, a big part of my recovery is continued physical therapy and movement. Being pushed to take Flyer out multiple times a day for walks has made an impact that has been noticeable amongst my PT’s. The skip in his step when we go out to walk has been infectious, and his quirky personality matches mine. Flyer has been the greatest addition to our family.” 

Retiring from the U.S. Air Force this last year, TenEyck now works as an airplane simulator instructor and evaluator. Outside of work, he and Flyer relish spending time with their family and exploring the great outdoors. He is always quick to share the profound impact Flyer has made in his life. “Being able to put Flyer’s trained abilities to good use has been a blessing, and I feel that what we give him is just as valuable. He is in a loving home and is truly an active and contributing member of our family,” TenEyck explains. 

---

This Veterans Day, on November 11, you have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of people like TenEyck. Your generous gift, no matter the amount, helps us place more life-changing assistance dogs with the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country, as well as other young adults and individuals living with disabilities. Donate today and become an everyday game changer! 

Would you or someone you know benefit from an FSD Skilled Companion Dog? Visit our website, call 303-922-6231, or email [email protected] for more information!