Dogs Make a Difference for Veterans

This Veterans Day, and every day, we pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country, including the many veterans who have graduated from Freedom Service Dogs since our founding in 1987. We consider serving veterans to be a privilege, and we are committed to providing these brave men and women with custom-trained service dogs and lifetime support, completely free of charge.

FSD Service Dogs can make a profound, life-changing impact in the lives of veterans, active duty military members, and first responders who live with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other service-related injuries. By awakening them from nightmares, interrupting anxious behaviors, or finding help in times of need, a Freedom Service Dog makes the impossible possible for veterans adjusting to life after their service ends.

Read on to hear directly from some of our past veteran graduates and learn how their Freedom Service Dogs have made a difference in their lives. If you're feeling inspired, consider making a gift to help us get more leashes into the hands of veterans like them.

“The bond between Cha Cha and I just gets stronger all the time. She is literally by my side 90% of the day. Bottom line, she has made me a calm, happy person. A big thank you for the privilege of sharing my life with Cha Cha!”

Wayne, U.S. Marine Corps veteran

Graduated in 2023 with Freedom Service Dog Cha Cha

"Sundae is everything I needed, and I am so thankful for her. She is far more than just a dog. She interrupts my nightmares, and now I don't have to go through them anymore. She helps regulate my system and allows me to get back to sleep."

Sima, U.S. Army veteran

Graduated in 2024 with Freedom Service Dog Sundae

"Having Mentor in my life has given me the ability to step out of my cage that I've labeled PTSD and walk back into the world. He watches my back like the teammates before him, and he allows me to live in their memory and keep their stories alive."

Danny, U.S. Air Force veteran

Graduated in 2020 with Freedom Service Dog Mentor

“With Cayenne it's like I can breathe again, knowing she is there and that she has my back. My confidence has increased, I am not as hypervigilant as I was, and my anxiety has been dramatically reduced. I feel a sense of calm that I haven’t felt in many years, and I am so grateful. With Cayenne at my side, I can continue to support other veterans such as myself and know they won’t be left behind."

Lara, U.S. Navy veteran

Graduated in 2021 with Freedom Service Dog Cayenne

"Sturgeon is beyond amazing. Honestly, I don't really know where to start. I know that when he is with me I can be successful and do things I haven't done in decades. Sturgeon has allowed me to be a dad again, and for that, I am forever thankful."

Jerry, U.S. Army veteran

Graduated in 2024 with Freedom Service Dog Sturgeon

"Cruz saves my life every day, just by being here for me. He has this connection with me, and when I feel bad or start crying, he puts his paws on my lap and gives me a hug. I realize what a difference he has made in my life, and it’s truly unbelievable to me. I can do more with Cruz by my side.”