Defender Service Awards by Land Rover
October 3, 2025
We are thrilled to be a top 5 finalist in the Defender Service Awards by Land Rover, presented by Hearts & Science, and now we have the chance to win a Defender 130 and $30,000 to power our mission – but we can’t do it without you. The winner will be determined by public voting from October 3 – October 19.
Winning a Land Rover Defender 130 would be transformative for our daily operations. This incredible vehicle would allow us to:
- Safely transport new rescue dog recruits from shelters to our training campus in Oceanside.
- Get service dogs out into the community for essential public access training, preparing them for everyday life with a veteran who needs them.
- Travel with our Canine Ambassador Therapy Dogs and Morale Dogs to local U.S. Navy ships, providing comfort and connection to thousands of active-duty sailors and marines.
Here’s how you can help right now:
- Mark your calendars with this invite to vote daily through the 19th:
Apple (iCal) | Google | Office 365 | Outlook
- Share this email with your network (links below).
- Vote daily from October 3–19th to support Shelter to Soldier.
- Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join in — every single vote brings us closer.
As the only San Diego and the only CALIFORNIA nonprofit selected as a finalist, this is our community’s chance to rally together and bring home a Defender 130 — answering the call for rescue dogs, military, and veterans who need our programs.
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we can make this victory possible.