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.
Other Dogs
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Matt + Brody
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 […]
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Peter + Chip
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 […]
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Modesto + Brooke
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 […]