Sammie + Sassy

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 the Red Star Sponsor, Karen Leland, 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!