September 4, 2026
After nearly 20 years in the Marine Corps, including tours in Okinawa, two combat deployments to Afghanistan, duty at the White House Emergency Operations Center, and Marine Security Guard postings in Barbados and Eswatini, Modesto was medically retired in December 2025, just shy of the 20-year mark, due to his mental health. It’s a fact he doesn’t take lightly; beneath his easygoing manner is a quiet disappointment that his career didn’t end the way he’d planned.
Modesto comes from a deeply supportive military family and carries that same steadiness into his own home, where he and his wife are raising two teenagers in San Diego. He’s taken on much of the day-to-day while his wife pursues a teaching degree and he starts a graduate program at San Diego State this fall. The family still carves out time for the beach and hiking together, even as the kids get busier with their own lives.
Modesto stays in motion. He’s in the gym four to five times a week, hikes whenever he can, and is training with hopes of competing in the 2027 Invictus Games. He’s candid about why he keeps so busy: stillness gives his mind room to dwell on hard memories, so he’d rather be doing something. He’s also active as a Warrior Leader with the Wounded Warrior Project, volunteers with the VFW and Hands On San Diego, and was recently selected for the Department of War Warrior Games 2026.
But no amount of motion outruns everything. The isolation and constant vigilance of his final years in uniform, layered on two decades of service, came to a head in September 2024. A 2022 accident in South Africa, where Modesto and his wife stopped to give first aid to seven crash victims, including two toddlers, left its own mark. Today he lives with PTS. Nightmares and night terrors disrupt his sleep. Racing thoughts and a heightened response to loud noises can pull him out of the moment without warning. And he’s honest that on harder days, he reaches for his phone to numb out rather than engage with the life he’s building.
When Modesto came to Oceanside for his interview, he was shy at first, but he lit up talking about big dogs, a lifelong favorite. As the conversation turned to his time in service and the weight he still carries, Canine Ambassador Moose leaned his head into Modesto’s arm, and Modesto’s hand found the dog’s head without seeming to think about it. Before he left, his only real questions were about the dog’s safety, whether a service dog could join him at the gym, and whether it would be alright at his handyman jobs. He was already looking out for a partner he hadn’t met yet. It was clear that a service dog would mean more than support. It would mean structure, companionship, and a reason to stay present.
That partner would come from a very different starting point, made possible by the generosity of Red Star Sponsor Rose Gonzales. Brooke’s journey began on the streets of Riverside County, where she was found as a stray. She was rescued by Labs and More, where Shelter to Soldier found her and brought her into the program to begin training for a purpose far greater than she could have known.
This is a story about what’s possible when a community pays attention, when rescues collaborate, and when sponsors like Rose Gonzales invest in second chances. Modesto and Brooke’s journey together is just beginning, with roughly 6 to 9 months of weekly lessons ahead of them, and we could not be more honored to have played a part in bringing them together.
We can’t wait to see all that this team will accomplish together!
August 5, 2026
Every service dog’s journey begins somewhere, and Sassy’s began on the streets of Calexico, where she and her brother were found wandering together, hungry and unclaimed. A compassionate resident noticed the pair and knew they needed help; that call for help reached our friends at Labs & More, who stepped in and gave Sassy and her brother the second chance they deserved. From there, Sassy’s path led her to Shelter to Soldier, where she would begin training for a purpose far greater than she could have known: to change the life of a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Sassy’s adoption, training, and care have been generously sponsored under an anonymous Red Star Sponsor, whose support made it possible for this once-stray pup to become someone’s lifeline.
That someone is Sammie, a USMC veteran, mother of two kiddos, and a woman whose warmth is evident within minutes of meeting her. During her time in service, Sammie served as a Criminal Investigator Agent for over five years, work that demanded sharp instincts and an unshakeable sense of duty, and she also spent nearly a decade as an Automotive Maintenance Technician, a role she returned to more than once throughout her career. That range, investigator and mechanic, discipline and problem-solving, speaks to a woman who has always been capable of far more than any one title could hold.
When Sammie came in for her interview, she gravitated straight to Herman in the task room, settling in to cuddle him while she shared stories about her life: her children, her studies, and a treasured friendship that began, fittingly, at a plant-potting event she hosted in hopes of meeting new people. That single afternoon led to a bond that still brings her joy today, playdates for kids and dogs alike, and a reminder of how much Sammie values connection.
Sammie’s own history includes training her family dog, Koda, in hopes of preparing him for service work, and she speaks with pride about what she learned in that process. Since her time in the Marine Corps, she worked as a therapist, a role she left behind after realizing she was carrying the emotional weight of everyone she helped, often at the cost of her own well-being. Now, she’s focused on her studies and on raising her children, with hopes of returning to meaningful work in the future. It was clear that a service dog would mean more than support. It would mean partnership, stability, and a steady presence through the next chapter of her life.
Now, that partnership has a name: Sassy.
From the streets of Calexico to the arms of a Marine who needed her just as much as she needed a home, Sassy’s story is a reminder of what’s possible when a community pays attention, when rescues collaborate, and when sponsors like Karen Leland invest in second chances. Sammie and Sassy’s journey together is just beginning, and we could not be more honored to have played a part in bringing them together.
We can’t wait to see all that this team will accomplish together!
August 3, 2026
We are excited to welcome Tom and Bailey as our newest matched team!
Tom, US Army Veteran, served as a Military Police Officer, where he experienced repeated combat-related trauma throughout his military career. After returning home, he also endured the heartbreaking loss of his son, a U.S. Army Ranger who was killed in action in Iraq. Today, Tom lives with service-connected PTS, and a service dog will help him navigate anxiety, interrupt nightmares, provide grounding during difficult moments, and regain confidence in daily life.
Bailey’s journey began with a second chance. In July 2025, Labs & More founder Diane, rescued Bailey and several other dogs from someone attempting to sell them in a local parking lot. Bailey’s affectionate personality and love for people quickly stood out, earning her a recommendation as a Shelter to Soldier service dog candidate.
According to their trainer, Kayla, the connection was immediate—Tom fell in love with Bailey right away.
Now, the real journey begins. Over the coming months, Tom and Bailey will learn, grow, and build the trust that transforms a rescued dog and a veteran into an inseparable service dog team. We can’t wait to watch their partnership flourish as they work toward graduation together.
Bailey’s rescue, training, and care have been made possible through the generous support of Red Star Sponsor Logomark. Their commitment to our mission is helping make life-changing partnerships like Tom and Bailey’s possible.
July 15, 2026
At just 17 years old, Troy walked into a Navy recruiter’s office determined to serve his country. That decision launched a career that took him around the world and into some of the military’s most demanding operations, including counter-narcotics missions in the South Pacific.
As a member of the Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) team aboard the USS Thach (FFG-43), Troy regularly operated in high-risk environments where split-second decisions carried life-changing consequences. Like many veterans, he returned home carrying experiences that stayed with him long after his military service ended.
For years, Troy struggled with the invisible wounds of war. It wasn’t until his early thirties that he sought support through the VA for his mental health. Taking that first step required tremendous courage, and it ultimately led him to Shelter to Soldier.
Not long afterward, Troy met Millie.
Millie’s journey began when she was surrendered by her former owner to Labs and More Rescue. Through Shelter to Soldier, she found a new purpose as Troy’s ESA thanks to the generosity of Red Star Sponsor Dianne Merryl, Millie was able to become the steady companion Troy needed. Her unwavering presence brought stability during difficult days and helped him regain confidence in everyday life. Whether encouraging him to stay active, reconnect socially, or simply providing quiet companionship, Millie reminded Troy that healing does not have to happen alone.
As Millie begins her well-earned retirement, another rescue dog is ready to continue the journey.
Cooper also came to Shelter to Soldier through Labs and More Rescue after being found wandering as a stray in Wildomar. Given a second chance, he spent months training with the Shelter to Soldier team, developing the skills, confidence, and temperament needed to support a veteran. Affectionate, eager to learn, and driven by his love of toys, Cooper quickly proved himself to be a remarkable dog with an even bigger heart.
Cooper’s training and placement have been made possible through the generous support of Red Star Sponsor Logomark, whose investment is helping another rescue dog become a life-changing companion for a veteran in need.
There is something special about Troy’s story. Both Millie and Cooper were rescued by the same partner organization before finding their purpose through Shelter to Soldier. One was surrendered by her owner. The other was found as a stray. Both were given a second chance, and both found their way to the same veteran.
Today, Troy and Cooper are beginning their journey together. While every veteran and dog partnership takes time to grow, their bond is already taking shape through trust, consistency, and shared resilience. Cooper represents more than a new companion. He represents the next chapter in Troy’s continued path forward.
At Shelter to Soldier, we are proud to pair rescued dogs with veterans living with the invisible wounds of military service, creating life-changing partnerships that truly embody our mission of Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
May 14, 2026
Hi! I’m Penelope, but everyone calls me Pippi! I’m a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois mix adopted from April Star Adoption Foundation under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Logomark!
Xhavier served in the United States Navy in hardware support and operational IT, where he was responsible for maintaining critical systems under high-stress conditions. He deployed to environments that exposed him to traumatic events, the kind that don’t stay behind when you come home. Since separating from service, nights became challenging. Anxiety became persistent, panic episodes come without warning, and the nightmares have a way of making rest feel anything but restful for him. When we met Xhavier, it was clear he needed a partner who could meet him in those hard moments and help bring him back to steady ground.
Pippi came to us as the sweetest, softest soul you’ll ever meet. If you sit down, she’s coming over. If you open your arms, she’s already leaning in. She gives herself over completely, belly up, eyes soft, fully trusting. She doesn’t just enjoy connection. She thrives on it. But don’t let all that sweetness fool you. Pippi is sharp. Her breed is known for intelligence and drive, and she has both in abundance. She picks things up fast, loves having a job, and is already progressing beautifully in her service dog training. She is learning to channel her sensitive, loving nature into something steady and purposeful.
When we introduced Pippi and Xhavier, the connection was immediate. Her warmth drew him in, and his calm, quiet presence put her completely at ease. As they spent more time together, it only became clearer that they were exactly what the other needed. Pippi’s affectionate, grounding nature is the kind of support that can interrupt a nightmare, ease a panic episode, and make a space feel safe again. And for Pippi, a steady and devoted partner like Xhavier is exactly the person she was waiting for.
Xhavier spent years keeping critical systems running under pressure so others could do their jobs. Now it’s his turn to be supported. And Pippi, with her big heart and her quiet, steady way of showing up, is ready to be exactly that.
April 9, 2026
Sometimes the best journeys begin when two paths finally lead to the right place.
Before joining Shelter to Soldier, Brody was found as a stray in a Riverside County field. After Labs & More rescued him, his journey eventually brought him to Shelter to Soldier, where his big personality, even bigger heart, and unmistakable enthusiasm quickly made it clear he was ready for something special.
Brody was generously sponsored by Frontwave Credit Union through the Red Star Sponsorship, and from the beginning, he seemed ready to embrace every adventure that came his way. Now, that journey has led him to his most important adventure yet: finding his partner, Matt.
Matt served in the U.S. Navy, deploying to Bahrain and Jabal Ali in the Middle East as part of Operation Southern Watch from 1996 to 1997. From the moment Matt walked through our doors, he brought an energy that was impossible to miss. Joyful, motivated, and ready to do whatever it takes, Matt was ready to begin this next chapter.
And then he met Brody.
Together, Matt and Brody are building the foundation for a partnership that will continue to grow with every lesson and every new experience. Brody recently passed his Canine Good Citizen test, an exciting milestone in his training. He has also been putting his skills to the test out in the world, from working on engagement around distractions at the beach to navigating the sights and sounds of a busy farmers’ market.
As Brody continues building his endurance and learning to stay connected with Matt in high-stimulation environments, this team is taking each step forward together. For a dog who started his journey alone in a field, Brody has come a long way. He now has a purpose, a partner, and someone to share every adventure with.
We can’t wait to watch Matt and Brody continue their journey together and see all they accomplish as a team.
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.
By his side through all of it has been his wife of 16 years, Courtnie. She has supported Adam through the good and the bad, standing firm in her commitment to his mental health and their family through every transition, challenge, and moment of growth. A fantastic wife and mother, Courtnie is nothing short of proud of the man Adam continues to become — and she is just as excited as he is about the newest addition to their family. She looks forward to seeing Duke by Adam’s side every single day.
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.
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!
December 30, 2025
We are excited to announce that US Army Veteran Justin has officially been matched with his future service dog, Bean!
Justin first learned about Shelter to Soldier on Veterans Day aboard the USS Midway, and it was not long before his own journey with our program began. He proudly served our country for 10 years, from 2005 to 2015, through both Active Duty and the California National Guard. During his military career, Justin deployed to Afghanistan in 2012, where he provided security during Key Leader Engagement (KLE) meetings and served on the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), remaining ready to respond whenever called upon.
Like many veterans, the transition home came with its own challenges. Seeking a new path forward, Justin applied to our Psychiatric Service Dog Program, where he has embraced every step of the process with enthusiasm and determination.
During his first matching session, Justin met three incredible dogs: Bodie, Charlie, and Bean. While each dog had unique qualities, there was an immediate and undeniable connection with Bean. In a moment that surprised everyone, Bean entered the yard without her usual burst of zoomies, calmly walked over to Justin, and gently asked for affection. It was a quiet but powerful moment that spoke volumes.
That connection only grew stronger during their second matching session. Justin practiced obedience exercises, learned proper handling techniques, and enjoyed spending time walking and playing with Bean. Even after spending additional time with the other dogs, Justin knew Bean was the perfect fit.
We are thrilled to watch Justin and Bean begin this journey together. Bean, a rescue dog who found a second chance through Shelter to Soldier, is now beginning her own new chapter as Justin’s future psychiatric service dog. Thank you to SD Botox for sponsoring Bean and helping make this life-changing partnership possible.
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