April 9, 2026
Hi! I’m Johnny! I’m a 1-year-old lab mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Cox Charities!
I was found as a stray in San Bernardino County, and I’ve been exploring this big world ever sincem, but this week, my world got a little bigger! I got to do something really exciting: meet my veteran. He’s retired Navy, and honestly, I think we’re going to make a pretty great team.
I’m still out here putting in the work: logging public access hours around Oceanside, learning my task cues, and figuring out all the ways I can show up for my person. My trainer Hailey has been with me every step of the way, and the STS family says I remind them of Palmer, a super cool graduate who came before me. Big paws to fill — but I’m tall enough to try!
We’re just getting started!
March 23, 2026
Hi! I’m Chip! I’m a 1-year-old beagle adopted from Wags & Walks under the red star sponsorship of Chris & Greg Hlavaty!
US Army Veteran Peter first became involved with our program while supporting his wife, US Army Veteran Maria, who attends weekly lessons with her service dog in training, Lennox. While Maria was the one enrolled, Peter often came along, and it didn’t take long for us to notice how naturally he connected with the dogs and how comfortable he felt in the training environment. As we got to know him more, we began to feel that Peter himself could benefit from having a dog by his side.
Peter has spent much of his life in service to others. He served in the Army and later re-enlisted in the Army National Guard in 2016, deploying to the Middle East during Operation Spartan Shield. During that time, he often shared how seeing the military working dogs overseas helped him get through difficult days. Dogs have always played an important role in his life, especially his yellow lab, Sky, whom he lovingly called his “daughter.” Losing her in 2022 left a huge void. Those close to Peter describe him as someone who always puts others first by being patient, empathetic, and dependable. His wife shared that the companionship of a dog has always helped ground him in ways nothing else can.
When we introduced Peter to Chip, one of our ESAs in training, the moment stood out right away. Chip can be shy at first and a little awkward when meeting new people, but once he warms up, he is a silly dog with a huge personality. He has a way of looking at you like he has something very important to say, even though he can’t quite get the words out, and that’s exactly what we love about him. Because Chip usually takes time to open up, we were surprised when he immediately focused on Peter, staying close and choosing to engage with him on his own. Seeing Chip’s interest caught our attention, and it made us feel like they could be the right match.
As they spent more time together, the connection only grew stronger. Peter’s calm, steady presence helped Chip feel comfortable, while Chip’s goofy, expressive personality brought out a lighter side of Peter.
Now, Peter and Chip are officially a team in training. What started as Peter coming to support his wife turned into something we didn’t expect but immediately recognized: a shy, awkward dog choosing his person, and a veteran finding a companion whose big personality reminds him to slow down, be present, and not carry everything alone.
March 13, 2026
Adam is a United States Air Force veteran who served 4 years on active duty, followed by 6 years in the Air Force Guard. He deployed to Nasiriyah, Iraq in 2003, Djibouti, Africa in 2004, and again in 2005, a deployment that left a lasting impact after he witnessed the loss of 14 soldiers. Since returning home, Adam has focused on personal growth, resilience, and building a meaningful life for himself and his family.
Adam is a dedicated stay-at-home dad to three children and spends most of his time caring for them. He makes a conscious effort to stay active and engaged in their lives, taking family trips to places such as Legoland, Big Bear, Tahoe, Washington State, and occasionally Sacramento. He strives to be a present, functional father, and his commitment to his family is a driving force in everything he does.
Adam has recently been matched with Duke, a service dog in training, whom we adopted from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Logomark. While we do not know much about Duke’s life before Labs & More, it didn’t take long to see that he had the potential to be an excellent service dog. Duke is a stoic dog with a playful side, and he’s not much of a cuddle bug, often preferring play over attention. His independent personality had us wondering who he would best connect with, which makes this pairing with Adam all the more exciting.
Duke has already built a strong foundation in his training, and now the focus is on helping Adam catch up to everything Duke already knows so they can work together seamlessly. With Adam’s determination and Duke’s steady, playful presence, this team is off to a strong start, building the kind of partnership grounded in trust, support, and the bond every veteran deserves in a true battle buddy..
Douglas is a US Navy Veteran who has shown incredible resilience both during and after his military service. He deployed to Afghanistan from 2009 to 2010, where he served boots on the ground conducting detainee operations while helping stand up a new detention facility. During his deployment, he experienced multiple high-stress situations, including prison riots and a rocket attack that landed close to him. Much of his PTSD stems from these experiences, and one of his proudest accomplishments is beginning the difficult but meaningful work of addressing it after more than 10 years of struggling in silence.
After his service, Douglas earned a degree in Computer Science and went on to work for National University as an ADA/504 specialist, where he supports others by helping ensure accessibility and accommodations for those who need them. His commitment to helping people reflects the same dedication and perseverance that carried him through his time in the military.
Douglas is matched with Boomer, his service dog in training, whom the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Wags and Walks under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Vulcan Materials Company. Before arriving at Wags and Walks, Boomer had been found wandering a neighborhood in Bakersfield and was taken in by animal services. After being transported to Wags and Walks, the Shelter to Soldier team heard about his strong service dog potential and knew they had to meet him. Not long after, Boomer made the trip to the Wings of Freedom Campus, where he settled in quickly and immediately showed a natural drive for training.
Even though Boomer hasn’t been with the program long, he has picked up on his training incredibly fast and already has a solid foundation of skills under his belt. He is a fun-loving, eager shepherd mix who enjoys learning, working, and playing with his favorite squeaky toys, but he also has the calm focus needed to become a reliable service dog.
Now the focus is on helping Douglas catch up to everything Boomer already knows, so the two of them can learn to work together with confidence and consistency. As their bond continues to grow, Boomer and Douglas are building a partnership rooted in trust, support, and the kind of steady companionship every veteran deserves in a true battle buddy.
February 12, 2026
Hi! I’m Reed! I’m a 1.5-year-old terrier mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of SD Botox!
I’m full of energy but that’s exactly what the training team was looking for: a dog who can keep up with a veteran 24/7. And with my new partner, USN veteran Mark, I finally have the perfect active lifestyle to match my high energy and playful personality.
I can be a bit of a goofball and I absolutely love my zoomies, but once I’ve burned off some wiggles, you’ll usually find me stretched out, soaking up pets and attention. I love making people laugh with my silly antics, and I’m already looking forward to bringing comfort, companionship, and joy to Mark every single day. I just know we’re going to be the perfect team!
February 11, 2026
Hi! I’m Bodie! I’m a 2-year-old Labrador Mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from our friends at Labs and More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of the Logomark. I’m the fifth psychiatric service dog trainee they’ve sponsored!
I’m an energetic pup who’s always ready to play! My favorite thing is a good game of chase with my trainer—whether it’s a sprint around the yard or a quick round inside, I’m always up for it. I’ve been working hard on my basic commands and catching treats, and I’m learning more every day. I’m full of energy, always on the go, and I love having something to do—whether that’s training, playing, or just hanging out. I’m excited to be matched with my new best friend, USMC Vet Chelsea, and I can’t wait to be her loyal service dog and partner in all her adventures!
February 3, 2026
Hi! I’m Sir Charles, AKA ‘Charlie’! I’m a 1.5 year old lab mix the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Sandra Zarcades!
Not too long ago I was wandering the streets of Riverside as a stray, doing my best to figure the world out on my own. Luckily, Riverside Animal Control picked me up and gave me a safe place to land before heading over to Labs & More.
I like to think it was my calm, regal presence that won them over. I’m observant, thoughtful, and I take everything in with my big golden eyes. Sometimes people joke that I look like I have absolutely no thoughts going on behind them. That’s part of my charm. I prefer to call it quiet confidence.
All of that led me to the most important day of my life so far… the day I met my mom, She-ron. She’s a US Air Force veteran and from the very first speed dating session together, I could tell she was the one for me, although, the trainers say they knew I was hers the moment we met, and honestly, I felt the same way.
On February 3rd, 2026, it became official. She-ron and I were matched as a team! We’re getting ready to start our weekly training sessions so I can learn how to be the best service dog partner possible for her. I still have a few things to learn, but I’m ready to guide her every step of the way.
Hi! I’m Nova! I’m a 1.5 year old labrador the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs & More under the red star sponsorship of Frontwave Credit Union!
I’m a sweet girl who loves all the treats and I especially love to cuddle! Can you believe I just recently matched with US Navy Veteran, Dan?! We’re already having so much fun together in our bonding stages by playing fetch and cuddling. We’ll make an excellent team and I’m so happy I found my fur-ever dad!
January 6, 2026
Dominic, a US Army Veteran, recently found a lifelong partner in Dottie, a sweet and spirited dog whose journey to him was nothing short of special.
Dottie came to us through Wags N Walks in Los Angeles as an owner surrender, leaving everyone who met her puzzled as to why anyone would ever give her up. Soft as a velvet rabbit, full of energy for training and play, and perfectly capable of keeping herself busy, Dottie had met several veterans before. Still, somehow she always seemed to be the bridesmaid and never the bride. Her adoption and training were generously sponsored by the Red Star Sponsor, Vulcan Materials, making it possible for Dottie to find her perfect match.
When the moment came, it was clear something was different. Instead of her usual antics, running around the yard in excitement before greeting someone, Dottie ran straight to Dominic and sat calmly right in front of him. His trainer, Cassie, watching, knew this was no coincidence. It was fate.
Since officially matching on December 14th, 2025, Dominic and Dottie have been focusing on bonding and some basic obedience. It is easy to see that Dominic is a natural dog handler, and Dottie seems to know she has her dad. Together, they are starting a partnership built on trust, play, and plenty of love.
December 30, 2025
We are excited to announce Bean has officially been matched with US Army Veteran, Justin!
Justin first learned about our mission on Veterans Day aboard the USS Midway, and it was not long before his journey with us began. He served a total of 10 years from 2005 to 2015 between Active Duty and the California National Guard, including a combat deployment to Afghanistan in 2012, where his primary duties included providing security during KLE meetings and serving on QRF.
During his first matching session, Justin met Bodie, Charlie, and Bean. Each dog brought something special to the meeting. Bodie had lots of energy but listened well, Charlie was very calm and steady, and Bean was a perfect angel. In a moment that felt especially meaningful, Bean did something completely out of character for her. Instead of entering the yard with her usual full-blown zoomies, she walked in calmly and approached Justin with grace, quietly requesting pets. From that moment on, it was clear there was a strong connection.
Justin shared that he has a large backyard and believes Bean will encourage him to go on more walks, spend more time outside, and stay active beyond his regular gym routine.
At the second matching session, that bond continued to grow. Justin played two-ball with Bean, learned how to properly give the “out” command, and practiced heeling with her before heading out on a walk together. Even when given the option to see Bodie and Charlie, Justin remained confident that Bean was the dog for him. Justin is incredibly excited and ready to dive headfirst into the program. We could not be more confident in this team. Thank you to SD Botox for supporting Bean and helping make this life-changing match for Justin possible!
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