This past April, our Shelter to Soldier alumni teams gathered at the Navy SEAL Museum San Diego for a meetup none of us will soon forget.
The museum, which opened in October 2025 near the Embarcadero, brings Naval Special Warfare history to life through immersive theaters, a SEAL Memorial Wall, and historical galleries spanning World War II to the War on Terror, all guided by docents who are retired SEALs themselves. It was a powerful setting for a powerful group.
Joining us were USMC Veteran Tim with service dog Oliver, USN Veteran Shaneka with service dog Max, USN Veteran Karen with Grace, and USA Veteran Becca with service dog Gail, attending their very first alumni meetup as a team. Watching these veteran and service dog teams move through a space dedicated to honoring military service and sacrifice was something truly special.
Our monthly alumni meetups are more than a social gathering. They are a cornerstone of how we support our veterans in transition, healing, and connection, and none of it happens without the generosity of people who believe in this community.
A heartfelt thank you to Rita, aunt of USN Veteran Karen, for so generously sponsoring this month’s gathering. Your support made this afternoon possible, and the impact of that kindness goes far beyond a single day.
We are already looking forward to next month’s adventure with SUP Pups!
This past May, our Shelter to Soldier alumni teams traded their service dog vests for life vests and took on something a little more adventurous: stand-up paddleboarding on the beautiful waters of San Diego Bay near Liberty Station. As with our past alumni gatherings at the San Diego Zoo and the Navy SEAL Museum, this morning was made possible by the generous heart of Rita Smith, whose ongoing sponsorship continues to give our veteran teams the space to connect, unwind, and simply enjoy life together.
We were joined by four incredible veteran and service dog teams: USMC Veteran Stephanie and Phoebe, USA Veteran Becca and Gail, USN Veteran and Successor, USN Veteran Karen with Grace, and USN Veteran Chelsea and Thistle. From the moment everyone arrived, the energy was warm, relaxed, and full of the easy camaraderie that makes these gatherings so special.
Our host for the morning was Sam from SUP Pups, and we cannot say enough about the experience she created for our teams. Sam went above and beyond from the start, welcoming our alumni with a chalkboard sign and setting up a puppaccino station for the dogs to enjoy later. Her thoroughness and patience shone throughout the morning as she worked with each veteran and service dog team individually, making sure everyone felt confident and comfortable before heading out onto the water.
And out onto the water they went. Watching these teams glide across the bay together was a sight none of us will forget. Every team had the same expression: those wide, unstoppable grins that tell you something really good is happening. These are veterans who have carried so much out on the open water with their dogs, just living.
A huge thank you to Sam and the entire SUP Pups team for making our alumni feel so welcomed and so seen. We are already looking forward to the next adventure!
Sisterhood of Service 2026: A Day of Connection, Restoration, and Celebration
On May 11, Shelter to Soldier and Foundation for Women Warriors proudly co-hosted the 4th Annual Sisterhood of Service at Cape Rey, a Hilton Resort & Spa in Carlsbad. This special day was thoughtfully created for women Veterans and active-duty servicewomen—to rest, to connect, and to be cared for in a way that so often gets overlooked. Year four was, without a doubt, our most impactful yet.
The morning began with a peaceful yoga flow on the lawn overlooking the Pacific Ocean—a moment to breathe, reset, and be fully present. Accompanied by a calming sound bath, it set the tone for a day centered on wellness and intentional connection.
Following the session, attendees gathered for light refreshments before moving into the heart of the experience: a thoughtfully curated series of wellness offerings. This year’s lineup was exceptional. Dr. Jennifer Drumm and Breanne from Maverick Chiropractic Clinic provided chiropractic care, while Krista from K Spence Aesthetics offered rejuvenating mini facials. Karen and Patrice from Acupuncture Continuum delivered acupuncture and cupping treatments. Throughout the morning, women rotated between services, and with each experience, the energy in the space grew more relaxed, connected, and joyful.
One of the most beloved elements of the day was the flower bar—a space that quickly became a centerpiece of creativity and expression. Attendees crafted their own bouquets and flower crowns, many of which were worn proudly throughout the remainder of the afternoon, adding a beautiful and whimsical touch to the gathering. The women had the opportunity to “shop” from gorgeous selections of business casual attire with Foundation for Women Warriors- free to take!
The resource fair brought together an inspiring group of organizations dedicated to supporting women, including Shelter to Soldier, Foundation for Women Warriors, Leap to Success, Resounding Joy, Saje Natural Wellness, Tricia Hernandez, and The Land at Home Project. These connections provided valuable tools, services, and community support for those in attendance.
Lunch, catered by Urbane Café with snacks and refreshments generously provided by Whole Foods, offered another opportunity for connection. The shared meal fostered meaningful conversations and a sense of camaraderie that carried throughout the day.
To close the event, Sharyn Kauffman, Ph.D. returned for her second year to lead her powerful workshop, “Joy as Medicine: Finding Light in Uncertain Times.” Her message resonated deeply, offering reflection, encouragement, and a meaningful close to an already impactful day.
Of course, no Shelter to Soldier event would be complete without our Canine Ambassadors. Nala, Tito, Angus, and Harley were in attendance and, as expected, quickly became the most sought-after guests. Therapy dogs have an incredible ability to connect, offering comfort and joy exactly where it’s needed most.
Sisterhood of Service is a powerful reminder of what community truly looks like—women who have served, coming together in a beautiful and supportive space to connect, heal, and be celebrated. It’s a day filled with meaningful moments, shared experiences, and the kind of care these women so deeply deserve.
We extend our deepest gratitude to The Boeing Company, our Women of Service Sponsor, for helping make this event possible, and to Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, our Presenting Sponsor, for providing such a stunning and welcoming setting for the day.
Together, we are proud to create spaces where women Veterans can feel seen, supported, and connected—because they deserve nothing less.
On Friday, April 25, 2025 golfers, sponsors, and supporters came together at the Willow Glen Golf Course at Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan for Shelter to Soldier’s 6th Annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament, presented by Frontwave Credit Union.
What began as a day on the greens quickly became something much more meaningful. Thanks to the generosity of our community, the event raised a net $66,735.90 to support Shelter to Soldier’s Psychiatric Service Dog Training Program and our Food Pantry, which currently provides daily nutrition and care for 39 dogs currently in training.
Together, this incredible community made a real difference for the post-9/11 veterans and the rescue dogs served through our programs. This is what Saving Lives, Two at a Time looks like.
Join Us Again in 2026!
We are thrilled to be returning to the beautiful Willow Glen course at Singing Hills Golf Club for our 7th Annual Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time Golf Tournament. This year, our goal is to raise $70,000 to support even more veterans and dogs through our lifesaving programs.
Registration is now open, and spots fill quickly.
Register now to play, sponsor, or support the 2026 tournament – Early Bird foursome and single golfer rates through 2/15!
Be sure to watch the highlight video below and scroll through the photo gallery to relive the unforgettable moments from last year’s tournament.
The 1st Annual Salute to Paws 5K & Gratitude Festival for Dogs was a tremendous success, bringing together our amazing community of sponsors, vendors, donors, and participants to celebrate the love we share for our canine companions. This unforgettable event raised vital funds to support our mission of rescuing dogs and training them as psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and Military Sexual Trauma (MST).
Our fundraising goal for the event was $75,000, and thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, we came remarkably close—raising an impressive $74,100! These funds will go directly towards life-saving work, providing service dogs that offer emotional support, companionship, and a new sense of independence to veterans in need.
As we enter the season of LOVE, we can’t help but reflect on the abundance of kindness and support we’ve received over the past year. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who has wrapped their arms around our mission and engaged with our community efforts. Whether it was supporting our Canine Ambassador therapy dog teams in the community or contributing to our fundraising initiatives, your impact has been felt far and wide. The inaugural Salute to Paws 5K & Gratitude Festival was a true testament to the power of love and dedication, and we couldn’t have done it without you.
A special thanks to our sponsors and event partners, whose support made this first annual event possible. Together, we’ve made a lasting impact on the lives of rescue dogs and veterans, and we can’t wait to see what’s ahead as we continue this important work.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to what the future holds for our Salute to Paws community!
This #GivingTuesday we hope you’ll join in our momentum to reduce veteran suicide, improve the mental health of our nation’s brave heroes, and reduce dog homelessness and euthanasia by giving a gift of any amount to to support our lifesaving mission. Giving now means you’re investing in a forever home and life of purpose for otherwise homeless dogs like Goose, and a lighter, brighter path forward for veterans who have sacrificed it all, like Shelter to Soldier graduate Ricardo, USMC. Thanks to the generosity of CBG Building Company and Clark Cares, the impact of your gift is DOUBLED! That’s right, ALL donations no matter the size will be doubled up to $10,000 for Giving Tuesday!
Now is your chance to make a difference. Your contributions bring deserving veterans together with service-trained, rescue dogs to help both recover and move forward.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving formed to create a brighter future for our world. At Shelter to Soldier, we adopt dogs from local shelters and train them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and/or Military Sexual Trauma (MST). The program also places emotional support animals (ESAs) with active duty military and veterans, and deploys the Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors therapy dog team to serve the active duty military and veteran communities.
We can’t do the work we do without your support. Thank you for fueling our impact!
Every day,an average of seventeen US veterans and at least one active-duty service member is lost to suicide. That’s an average ofone life lost every 80 minutes. PTSD is a major battle for our men and women in uniform, and its effects last far and beyond the battlefield.
Shelter to Soldier (STS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and rescue organizations and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. STS also places emotional support animals with veterans and active-duty military and deploys the STS Canine Ambassadors, a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers, to provide visits of love and comfort to local military, veterans and their families.
You are invited to support Shelter to Soldier by attending its 12th Annual “Be the Light Gala” presented by Subaru, USA, on Sunday, August 18th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at L’Auberge Del Mar. In 2023, the program raised a NET $287,177 in lifesaving funds for the rescue dogs and veterans served by the mission, setting the bar for their fundraising goal in 2024.
Shelter to Soldier’s largest annual fundraiser raises critical funds to support its programs that serve military, veterans, and homeless dogs in need of a forever home and life of purpose.
Guests will enjoy musical entertainment by the Tim Apple Band, small bites, libations, silent auction, three-course dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, swag bags, and memorable moments with veteran recipients and the Shelter to Soldier staff. Beer, wine, and Shelter to Soldier specialty cocktails will be provided to all guests.
The evening will include an exciting silent and live auction emceed by auctioneer Clint Bell, and all proceeds from the eventwill benefit the organization’s service dog, emotional support animal and therapy dog programs for US Veterans. Other major sponsors include C.W. Driver (Platinum Sponsor), Cox Communications and UNITE (Silver Sponsors).
Every year, our nation sees approximately 7.6 million animals enter shelters. More than half of those animals are dogs, at 3.9 million every year. This year alone, 1.2 million dogs will be euthanized due to space, behavioral problems, or medical complications.
Shelter to Soldier saves the lives of dogs destined for a greater purpose, and through the program’s dedication to veteran mental health, aims to provide lifesaving support to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. These rescued companions help veterans integrate back into society and find their purpose, often for the first time since their military service. By training dogs from rescues and shelters, Shelter to Soldier saves many dogs from being euthanized each year and, in turn, pairs them with veterans and active military in need of psychiatric service dogs or emotional support animals. . . Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
For more information about tickets, table reservations, sponsorships and to donate silent and live auction items, please visit bit.ly/STSGala12 or email Kyrié Bloem at kyrie@sheltertosoldier.org.
Shelter to Soldier, in collaboration with Foundation for Women Warriors and proudly presented by The Boeing Company, hosted the 2nd annual Sisterhood of Service event to celebrate women veterans throughout Southern California on Thursday, May 16th. It was a day filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and a celebration of the strength of women.
The event kicked off with a serene yoga and meditation session on the lawn overlooking Mission Bay led by the Veterans Yoga Project. As the attendees stretched and breathed in the fresh ocean air, bonds were forged and spirits lifted.
Throughout the day, the women in attendance were treated to an array of offerings tailored to their needs and interests. Military-specific resources shared their programs, ensuring that every attendee had access to the support they deserve. Maverick Chiropractic Clinic provided complimentary adjustments, Resounding Joy played live music, and Tap Truck SD provided refreshments for our guests. Florals provided by Fifty Flowers were crafted into bouquets and floral crowns by the women veterans, offering a refreshing way to engage with one another and explore their creativity.
Following the refreshments and resources, the group gathered for a seated luncheon spread of sandwiches and salads generously donated by Mendocino Farms of Mission Valley while enjoying an event program emceed by Corey Dylan of 100.7 BIG FM, with inspiring guest speakers. Nicky Moore, Director of Training and Operations at Shelter to Soldier, shared a message of hope for women veterans and introduced Kitchi Feenix, author of “Discarded: A True Account of How Abandonment, Abuse, & Control Became a Journey of Finding Purpose.” Kitchi captivated the audience with a poignant poem from her book, touching hearts and igniting a sense of hope. Keshia, the Community Partnerships Director of Foundation for Women Warriors, shared her deeply moving life journey, reminding everyone of the power of resilience and perseverance, and then guided the women through a goal-setting workshop. Dr. Shauna Kaufman delivered a message about self-love and compassion, complete with a guided meditation to conclude the program.
All guests received a gift bag filled with self-care treats, including chocolates from Trader Joe’s, cleanser and moisturizer from First Aid Beauty, Cravory Cookies, and UNITE 7Seconds Detangler, among other gifts to celebrate their service and contribution to our community.
Mission Bay Sports Center generously offered stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking rentals free of charge to our guests—an opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature on Mission Bay and further bond with fellow sisters in service.
As the sun set on the Sisterhood of Service event, hearts were full, spirits uplifted, and bonds strengthened. It was a day to remember—a testament to the power of sisterhood, service, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Stay tuned for future events and join us as we continue to celebrate the incredible women who make a difference in our communities and beyond at our 3rd Annual Sisterhood of Service event, presented by The Boeing Company, in May 2025. Together, we rise.
