FSD Skilled Companion Dogs

At Freedom Service Dogs, we believe dogs can make a profound difference in people’s daily lives. We purposefully place each dog where they can have the greatest impact, where both human and dog benefit from a lasting partnership.

Fewer than half of our puppies will grow up to meet the strict criteria necessary to graduate as service dogs or professional therapy dogs. Yet, these dogs have the ability to make a profound difference. That’s why we have developed a new program called FSD Skilled Companion Dogs.

Intelligent and friendly pups, FSD Skilled Companions enjoy working but, for a variety of reasons, do not meet the high standards necessary to become an FSD service dog or FSD Professional Therapy Dog. Bred for optimal health and temperament, they have generally undergone months of basic training and have appropriate house manners and knowledge of basic cues.

While FSD Skilled Companions aren’t trained to perform specialized tasks and don’t have public access like service dogs, they are friendly tail-waggers who are skilled at providing loving comfort and their main purpose is to bring joy to their families. Some of the dogs may have more advanced training and the ability to help around the house by retrieving dropped items, opening drawers, and more. 

FSD Skilled Companions are placed with veterans, first responders, active-duty military members and their families, and Gold Star families to provide loving companionship in the home. Intended to offer friendship during the good times and the difficult ones, being placed with an outgoing furry friend can make all the difference in the lives of individuals and families who have served their country and communities.

Derrick is one such U.S. Army veteran. After serving 35 years in the military, including tours to Iraq, Germany, and Gitmo for trials, Derrick began to struggle with anxiety and depression. He was partnered with FSD Skilled Companion Dog Jake (formerly known as Monet), to bring Derrick and his family comfort, joy, and unconditional friendship. As Derrick’s wife, Cynthia, shares, “Jake is a companion to Derrick and is helping him physically, as well as emotionally. He helps to dispel the depression that is sometimes present. He is goofy as all get out and he seems to know when you need to rub his ears for comfort.”

Your support is essential for the valuable work we do at FSD! With the addition of this new canine career path, we’re excited to build the FSD Skilled Companion Dog program and help more dogs impact the lives of those who have served their country and communities.

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Would you or someone you know benefit from an FSD Skilled Companion Dog? Contact [email protected] or call 303-922-6231 for more information.