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.
Therapy dogs have become crucial companions in various settings, bringing comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those in need. In this blog post, we will explore the multifaceted benefits of therapy dogs and how their presence contributes to the well-being of those they interact with.
Perhaps their greatest super-power is how they can actually change our chemistry. Interacting with therapy dogs is known to release oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” The surge of oxytocin can improve mood and lift your spirits. The simple act of spending time with a therapy dog can improve a person’s emotional well-being. Beyond emotional well-being, therapy dogs also contribute to physical health. Petting a dog has been linked to physiological changes such as lower blood pressure and heart rate making you feel more relaxed. The calming presence of dogs helps to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and combat feelings of loneliness. The non-judgmental nature of these furry friends creates a safe space for people to express their emotions without fear of judgment or criticism (UCLA).
For individuals who may struggle with social interactions, therapy dogs act as social catalysts. Therapy dogs help to facilitate conversation and social engagement even when they aren’t the topic of the conversation itself. This social bridge helps individuals overcome barriers and foster a sense of connection with others.
Therapy dogs extend their services to a diverse range of people and needs in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, disaster response areas, and more. Often, they cater to the specific needs of different groups, from children with learning disabilities to veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) which is the inspiration behind our Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassador program. As their presence continues to make a difference for the thousands served by our team every month, our ambassadors are a testament to the healing power of the human-animal bond. Our mighty team of 5 active therapy dogs share a common goal to serve as a “buffer” for those who are suffering from the invisible wounds of trauma, and they aim to Be a Light of hope in our community.
U.S. Navy Veteran Aaron Neely shares his stance on how dogs transformed his life and recovery after service. As Aaron retires his first service dog and welcomes Murphy as his second, Neely illustrates how far he has come in the last five years with Liberty by his side.
Opinion:I struggled a lot as a Navy veteran after serving. My service dog changed everything.
When I first started having problems, it was hard for me to grasp. Problems showed up at work, then with the family, and eventually led to divorce, breakups and trying to co-parent kids. It was just a mess.
When I applied to Shelter to Soldier, an Oceanside nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post traumatic stress, I mumbled a lot and I didn’t speak up. It was hard for me to leave the house. It’s hard not to be emotional about that chapter of my life, because that’s all I thought my life was going to be. Just sitting on my couch and seeing my kids only occasionally.
I was on my way to Shelter to Soldier recently and I thought, wow, it’s been five years and today I am very engaged in both my children’s lives. I have developed some independence outside my service dog, who has been there for me every step of the way. I went from being very unhealthy, and I am no fitness model, to going to the gym, hiking, and getting out and about. Today, I do more and live more. There are so many wonderful things that I do each day that are enriching my life that were not happening before having my service dog, Liberty. Thanks to her, I feel rejuvenated, experience peace within myself, and have developed new and healthy relationships. All these things that are now possible because of Liberty — because I earned her — and today, I want to give back to Shelter to Soldier because it has invested so much in me and changed my life.
Liberty recently had to retire from her service dog work, and Shelter to Soldier was able to celebrate her retirement with a special ceremony before I graduated with my successor service dog, Murphy. It was a tough transition for me “letting go” of Liberty as my companion and transitioning her to a pet dog life of retirement in my home. She has some arthritis and mobility issues that were limiting her ability to be on her feet as much as I needed from a service dog. Through Shelter to Soldier, any previous graduate (in good standing with certifications) is automatically eligible for a successor dog should the original service dog need to retire from duty for any reason. Thanks to those on the incredible team at UNITE Hair who sponsored my second service dog, Murphy, that the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs and More and trained specifically for my needs over the past year and a half.
The night before my graduation with Murphy, I said our usual “Liberty, let’s go snuggle” command which is her cue for us to go to bed. Over the last few weeks, she has had a hard time with it. But that night I told her “It’s your last night on duty!” and she got up and went right to bed. I realized at that moment how far Liberty and I have come in five years. Liberty came out of training and straight to an NFL football game with me in Seattle — the Seahawks against my Vikings. She came home on a Wednesday night in the rain, and we were in Seattle the next day, and a few days later at Monday Night Football — and she just did great. Liberty just sat up after laying there the whole game and rested her chin on my leg. For the past five years, it’s been a lot of that. Her being there for me.
Unfortunately, with my diagnosis, I chronically ruminate about suicide. I’ve had a couple of attempts and thank God, never completed it. It’s just something that I’m going to have to deal with. And I’ve noticed with the dogs and through treatment, those thoughts are less and less, and life feels more like it’s worth living. The kind of diagnoses I have will go through life with me. Seeing how Liberty has supported me the last five years gives me so much hope for how Murphy will support me in these next five years. This is my future, this is my life, and the Shelter to Soldier team has created that for me. These dogs don’t come home this well prepared to love unless they’ve been loved.
So, if you’re a veteran, those at Shelter to Soldier are not folks who are feeling sorry for you. They are investing in not just your future, but the future of your friends and your family because we are in a battle for life. I’m thankful to the donors and thankful to Shelter to Soldier. My heart is full of gratitude for what it does for all of us.
Register now to play, sponsor, or support the 2026 tournament – Early Bird foursome and single golfer rates through 2/15!
