• The KUSI Team Visits the New Jersey Mike's in North Park and Shares How They are Giving Back to STS

    The KUSI Team Visits the New Jersey Mike's in North Park and Shares How They are Giving Back to STS

    The KUSI team shares the grand opening of Jersey Mike's in North Park and their fundraising efforts for Shelter to Soldier during their opening week.
  • Jersey Mike's Grand Opening in North Park Gives Back to Shelter to Soldier

    Jersey Mike's Grand Opening in North Park Gives Back to Shelter to Soldier

    Moose, our Canine Ambassador, greets guests at the Jersey Mike's North Park Grand Opening! Thomas and Shelby from Jersey Mike's share their plans to give back to the homeless dogs and veterans through their grand opening celebration March 6-15.
  • Good Morning San Diego - Giving Sips Fundraiser with The Fish Market and MOOSE the Canine Ambassador on KUSI

    Good Morning San Diego - Giving Sips Fundraiser with The Fish Market and MOOSE the Canine Ambassador on KUSI

    Moose and Nicky meet up with KUSI team to promote our partnership with The Fish Market.
  • Shelter to Soldier Opens New Dog Training Facility in Oceanside

    Shelter to Soldier Opens New Dog Training Facility in Oceanside

    The San Diego Tribune takes a deeper look into our new facility and the people who made our home possible.
  • KCal News Spotlights Poocha Nacua, A Service Dog Sponsored by The Rams

    KCal News Spotlights Poocha Nacua, A Service Dog Sponsored by The Rams

    KCAL News shares the exciting training journey of Poocha Nacua, the Los Angeles Rams sponsored psychiatric service dog in training for US Army Veteran and Shelter to Soldier Alumni, Brandon, and the retirement of his first service dog, Cooper Pupp, also sponsored by the Rams.
  • Nonprofit Matching Dogs with Veterans Living with PTSD Opens New Oceanside Location

    Nonprofit Matching Dogs with Veterans Living with PTSD Opens New Oceanside Location

    This article highlights our new facility and all it holds.
  • NBC 7 Visits Our New Home

    NBC 7 Visits Our New Home

    Shelter to Soldier celebrates their grand opening with service dogs in training. Cofounder Graham Bloem reflects on the past and shares the organizations excitement for the future.
  • ABC 10 Highlights New Facility Opening

    ABC 10 Highlights New Facility Opening

    The ABC 10 team joins us before our ribbon cutting ceremony to see our new facility and dogs.
  • Training Shelter Dogs into Service Animals

    Training Shelter Dogs into Service Animals

    The Fox 5 team gives an overview of our program and shares how our new facility will grow our impact on shelter dogs and veterans.
  • Shelter to Soldiers New Home

    Shelter to Soldiers New Home

    Before Shelter to Soldier's grand opening the KUSI team explores our new home and takes a deeper look at how our shelter dogs transform into service animals.
  • Welcome to Our New Home

    Welcome to Our New Home

    Shelter to Soldier celebrates their grand opening with our handlers and service dogs in training.
  • Shelter to Soldier's Grand Opening

    Shelter to Soldier's Grand Opening

    Graham Bloem shares with the NBC 7 team details on our upcoming work and gives viewers a sneak peek of our new facility.
  • Ringing in the New Year with a Good Cause

    Ringing in the New Year with a Good Cause

    Big Night San Diego and Shelter to Soldier pair up to ring in the New Year. Graham Bloem hits the stage with Wagner, a soon to be service dog for a local veteran.
  • Shelter to Soldier Transforms the Lives of Todd and Jack

    Shelter to Soldier Transforms the Lives of Todd and Jack

    The Localist San Diego broadcasts our mission while highlighting Todd, a local veteran who shares how his service dog Jack transformed his life.
  • Cofounder Graham Bloem and Service Dog Wagner Meet with the KUSI Team to Ring in the Holiday Season

    Cofounder Graham Bloem and Service Dog Wagner Meet with the KUSI Team to Ring in the Holiday Season

    Wagner takes the stage with the KUSI team to ring in the holidays and to share how vital our mission is especially during the holidays.
  • KUSI previews Country Campout Weekend with Graham Bloem

    KUSI previews Country Campout Weekend with Graham Bloem

    Our Cofounder Graham Bloem shares our mission and highlights how Country Campout will help veterans and shelter dogs in the San Diego community.
  • Be The Light Gala

    Be The Light Gala

    Ranch and Coast Magazine releases pictures and describes our successful gala event
  • Shelter to Soldier hosts ‘Be the Light Gala’ to Help Support Veterans

    Shelter to Soldier hosts ‘Be the Light Gala’ to Help Support Veterans

    As we gear up for our 11th annual "Be The Light Gala" our friends at Del Mar Times provide readers with additional information about our event.
  • Shelter to Soldier Be the Light Gala

    Shelter to Soldier Be the Light Gala

    Ranch and Coast Magazine shares details about our gala and more information about our mission.
  • Shelter to Soldier on Fox Morning News

    Shelter to Soldier on Fox Morning News

    As our gala approaches, Graham and Nicky meet with the Fox 5 team to showcase silent auction items viewers can win from home.
  • Working for Our Community

    Working for Our Community

    The CBS team interviews Nicky Moore and Graham Bloem while learning more about our gala and our mission. In this interview we showcase one of our newest pups in training and put his new skills to action.
  • Shelter to Solider Performs Double Duty, Rescue Dogs and Veterans

    Shelter to Solider Performs Double Duty, Rescue Dogs and Veterans

    Del Mar Times highlights two of our Red Star Sponsors and shares with readers what our dog training process looks like.
  • Shelter to Soldier Providing Service, Love, and Comfort To Those Who Served Our Great Nation

    Shelter to Soldier Providing Service, Love, and Comfort To Those Who Served Our Great Nation

    Giving Back Magazine highlights Shelter to Soldiers mission while sharing in detail our upcoming gala.
  • Fox 5 features Shelter to Soldier LOCAList SD

    Fox 5 features Shelter to Soldier LOCAList SD

    Localist SD takes a deep dive into the relationship of veteran Todd and his service dog Jack.
  • CBS highlights Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred

    CBS highlights Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred "Sisterhood of Service Event"

    CBS makes its presence at the "Sisterhood of Service" events and interviews members of the military apart of the experience. CBS also shares our mission and resources available at the event.
  • KUSI highlights Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred

    KUSI highlights Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred "Sisterhood of Service Event"

    The KUSI team showcases day of footage of our "Sisterhood of Service" event and mentions other local nonprofits who helped put this event together.
  • KUSI previews Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred's

    KUSI previews Shelter to Soldier and Zero8hundred's "Sisterhood of Service" Event with Tommy Moore

    Tommy Moore is interviewed by the KUSI team and shares our Sisterhood of Service event that takes place May 18th. During this interview Tommy highlights partners like Zero8hundred and our excitement to hold our event.
  • Inaugural Sisterhood of Service Event

    Inaugural Sisterhood of Service Event

    SD Metro shouts out our Sisterhood of Service Event.
  • Shelter to Soldier Sponsor Soriee

    Shelter to Soldier Sponsor Soriee

    Ranch and Coast Magazine publishes pictures of Shelter to Soldiers annual 'Thank You Soiree'.
  • KUSI highlights the Shelter to Soldier Golf Tournament

    KUSI highlights the Shelter to Soldier Golf Tournament

    Unite Hair takes the stage to talk about giving back to Shelter to Soldier, and reporters share golf tournament successes.
  • Shelter to Soldier holds 4th annual ‘Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time’ Golf Tournament

    Shelter to Soldier holds 4th annual ‘Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time’ Golf Tournament

    KUSI asks readers to save the date for our 4th Annual Saving Lives, One Swing golf tournament.
  • Shelter to Soldier holds 4th annual ‘Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time’ Golf Tournament

    Shelter to Soldier holds 4th annual ‘Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time’ Golf Tournament

    Tommy Moore joins the KUSI team to connect with viewer as he shares our mission and our approaching golf tournament.
  • Living Better in San Diego - Shelter to Soldier Hosts Fourth Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

    Living Better in San Diego - Shelter to Soldier Hosts Fourth Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser

    KYXY 96.5 shares our mission and story while bringing to light the urgency of our work through statistics of the veteran and shelter dog populations.
  • Kiwanis Club of La Jolla Awards $5,500 to Local Organization

    Kiwanis Club of La Jolla Awards $5,500 to Local Organization

    The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla gifts Shelter to Soldier $2,000 which directly funded our training team.
  • Shelter to Soldier's

    Shelter to Soldier's "Saving Lives, One Swing at a Time" Golf Tournament Tees Off April 21st at Sycaun

    The East County Magazine shares our story and details about our 4th annual event.
  • Top Spring Time Festivals and Events

    Top Spring Time Festivals and Events

    East County Magazine highlights our 4th annual "Saving Lives One Swing At a Time" golf tournament and shares our mission with readers.
  • KUSI Features Shelter to Soldier as They Receive a Donation Check from Raising Cane's

    KUSI Features Shelter to Soldier as They Receive a Donation Check from Raising Cane's

    Veteran and Community outreach representative Tommy Moore humbly accepts over $12,000 raised by Raising Canes.
  •   Therapy dog team recognized; Shelter to Soldier receives $25K grant

    Therapy dog team recognized; Shelter to Soldier receives $25K grant

    Oceanside-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier received $25,750 from Petco Love, formerly known as the Petco Foundation, to support its efforts adopting dogs from local shelters and rescue groups and training them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans.
  • Nonprofit

    Nonprofit "Shelter to Soldier" is saving lives, 2 at a time

    They bring veterans together with trained rescue dogs to help both recover and move forward.
  • National nonprofit Petco Love invests in Shelter to Soldier to save and improve the lives of pets and US veterans in Southern California

    National nonprofit Petco Love invests in Shelter to Soldier to save and improve the lives of pets and US veterans in Southern California

    Shelter to Soldier (STS) has received a $25,750 investment from national nonprofit Petco Love for the lifesaving work that STS conducts on an ongoing basis for shelter dogs and US veterans in need of support in Southern California, according to a news release.
  • Petco Love supports animal shelters, service dog programs

    Petco Love supports animal shelters, service dog programs

    K9s For Warriors, Working Dogs For Vets, 4 Paws 4 Patriots, Shelter to Soldier, and K9 Partners For Patriots, Inc. all received investments from Petco Love’s 2022 Helping Heroes campaign.
  • Service dogs help struggling veterans heal

    Service dogs help struggling veterans heal

    Veterans struggling with mental health after returning home build healing relationships with their service dogs.
  • Barney is Close to Finding His New Home Thanks to Shelter to Soldier and The Barnes Firm

    Barney is Close to Finding His New Home Thanks to Shelter to Soldier and The Barnes Firm

    At Shelter to Soldier, being a private nonprofit, we rely on the community, individuals, entities, organizations, and companies to support our mission. Thankfully, we have sponsors like the Barnes firm that get behind us.
  • Petco Love Helps Heroes at Both Ends of the Leash this Veterans Day

    Petco Love Helps Heroes at Both Ends of the Leash this Veterans Day

    Nearly $1M in grant investments support national organizations dedicated to service, therapy, and working pets, focusing on helping veterans
  • Tails and Tacos at The Dog Society

    Tails and Tacos at The Dog Society

    Come on over to The Dog Society for all kinds of fun for you and your pup!
  • Shelter to Soldier holds 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ gala

    Shelter to Soldier holds 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ gala

    Shelter to Soldier hosted its 10th anniversary fundraising event, “Be the Light” gala, at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Aug. 13 to continue its dedication to rescue dogs and military veterans in need through its psychiatric service dog, emotional support animal and therapy dog training programs.
  • Shelter to Soldier’s 10th Anniversary Be the Light Gala takes place at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

    Shelter to Soldier’s 10th Anniversary Be the Light Gala takes place at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

    Be the Light Gala was hosted at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe to raise funds to continue its dedication to rescuing dogs and serving military veterans in need.
  • Shelter to Soldier to host 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ charity gala Aug. 13

    Shelter to Soldier to host 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ charity gala Aug. 13

    Shelter to Soldier is hosting its 10th anniversary fundraising event at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with a fundraising goal of $180,000 to continue its dedication to rescue dogs and military veterans in need through its psychiatric service dog, emotional support animal and therapy dog training programs.
  • Rotary Club of Carlsbad supports community

    Rotary Club of Carlsbad supports community

    The Rotary Club of Carlsbad made notable donations this month to the several North San Diego County groups who have seen increased demand along with additional challenges resulting from the pandemic.
  • Logomark's Second Sponsored Service Dog Announced

    Logomark's Second Sponsored Service Dog Announced

    A second service dog sponsored by Logomark, Tustin, California, has been entered into the Shelter to Soldier training program. The recently rescued dog is a 2-year-old male Labrador and Shepherd mix, and has been named “Lucky” through Logomark’s online Dog Naming Contest. From the hundreds of entries submitted, AnyPromo’s Danielle Castro was the grand prize winner and American Solutions for Business’ Barbra Apple was the runner-up prize winner as the second entrant to submit the name “Lucky”.
  • Shelter to Soldier to host 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ charity gala Aug. 13

    Shelter to Soldier to host 10th anniversary ‘Be the Light’ charity gala Aug. 13

    Shelter to Soldier is hosting its 10th anniversary fundraising event at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 5 p.m.-9 p.m., with a fundraising goal of $180,000 to continue its dedication to rescue dogs and military veterans in need through its psychiatric service dog, emotional support animal and therapy dog training programs.
  • The Bright Side: Logomark Sponsors Second Service Dog

    The Bright Side: Logomark Sponsors Second Service Dog

    Lucky, a Labrador-shepherd mix, will undergo training through the Shelter to Soldier program before being matched with a veteran in need.
  • San Diego Woman's club helping people for more than 100 years

    San Diego Woman's club helping people for more than 100 years

    The charity work of a little-known women’s club goes mostly unsung, but its roots go deep into the history of women in San Diego.
  •   Shelter to Soldier puts on fundraiser golf tournament ... community events

    Shelter to Soldier puts on fundraiser golf tournament ... community events

    Shelter to Soldier puts on fundraiser golf tournament to help veterans dealing with post-combat traumas --community events north San Diego County
  • Shelter to Soldier hosts donor-appreciation event

    Shelter to Soldier hosts donor-appreciation event

    Shelter to Soldier hosted its “Red Star Thank You Soiree” donor-appreciation event on March 25 at The Lakehouse in San Marcos. The event included live music, small bites, complimentary beer and wine service.
  • Shelter to Soldier receives $6,000 from Petco Foundation’s Love Story contest

    Shelter to Soldier receives $6,000 from Petco Foundation’s Love Story contest

    Oceanside-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier received a $6,000 grant from the Petco Foundation’s Love Story contest, where folks describe how their pets changed their lives
  • National nonprofit Petco Love invests in Shelter to Soldier to save and improve the lives of pets and US veterans in Southern California

    National nonprofit Petco Love invests in Shelter to Soldier to save and improve the lives of pets and US veterans in Southern California

    Shelter to Soldier (STS) has received a $25,750 investment from national nonprofit Petco Love for the lifesaving work that STS conducts on an ongoing basis for shelter dogs and US veterans in need of support in Southern California, according to a news release.
  • Helping Veterans and dogs

    Helping Veterans and dogs

    Shelter to Soldier brings Veterans & dogs together. Graham Bloem, president & co-founder of the organization & Rich Barnes, president, The Barnes Firm, talk about their partnership.
  • UNITE Hair Doggy 'Poo Shampoo

    UNITE Hair Doggy 'Poo Shampoo

    The high-end, cruelty-free and celeb-loved hair care brand for humans offers a similarly luxurious shampoo for dogs. The proceeds go to San Diego Humane Society and Shelter to Soldier, two organizations that protect and support homeless animals in need.
  • Shelter to Soldier presents “Be the Light”

    Shelter to Soldier presents “Be the Light”

    The 9th Annual Shelter to Soldier “Be the Light” fundraising gala took place Aug. 28 at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe.
  • Cox Communications sponsors Shelter to Soldier’s Aug. 28 ‘Be the Light’ gala in RSF

    Cox Communications sponsors Shelter to Soldier’s Aug. 28 ‘Be the Light’ gala in RSF

    Shelter to Soldier has announced that, for the fourth year in a row, Cox Communications will be the presenting sponsor of the 9th Annual Shelter to Soldier “Be the Light,” fundraising gala.
  • Tea 3 Foundation hosts benefit event ‘2021 Summer of Love’

    Tea 3 Foundation hosts benefit event ‘2021 Summer of Love’

    The Tea 3 Foundation presented its “2021 Summer of Love” fundraising gala on June 5 at the RSF home of Tea 3 Foundation board member Charo Garcia-Acevedo. Entertainment at the benefit was provided by The Fab Four, a Beatles tribute band.
  • Tea 3 Foundation hosts benefit event ‘2021 Summer of Love’

    Tea 3 Foundation hosts benefit event ‘2021 Summer of Love’

    The Tea 3 Foundation presented its “2021 Summer of Love” fundraising gala on June 5 at the RSF home of Tea 3 Foundation board member Charo Garcia-Acevedo. Entertainment at the benefit was provided by The Fab Four, a Beatles tribute band.
  • Tea 3 Foundation hosts its 2021 Summer of Love fundraising gala

    Tea 3 Foundation hosts its 2021 Summer of Love fundraising gala

    Proceeds benefited Shelter to Soldier, a local nonprofit organization that brings post-9/11 combat veterans together with trained rescue dogs
  • Local veteran opens Oceanside veterinary hospital

    Local veteran opens Oceanside veterinary hospital

    Dr. Chris Hoolihan is celebrating the grand opening of his veterinary hospital with a fundraiser for the nonprofit Shelter to Soldier.
  • Saving military lives with Shelter to Soldier

    Saving military lives with Shelter to Soldier

    The suicide rate among the nation's military has now surpassed the number of troops dying in battle. However, the local non-profit, Shelter to Soldier, is looking to change those numbers by matching shelter dogs with veterans.
  • Shelter to Soldier hosts Second Annual Golf Tournament

    Shelter to Soldier hosts Second Annual Golf Tournament

    Shelter to Soldier (STS) is hosting its second annual fundraising golf tournament to benefit the psychiatric service dog training program of rescue dogs for veterans provided by the San Diego-based nonprofit organization on Friday, April 30, at the Singing Hills Golf Resort at Sycuan, located at 3007 Dehesa Road in El Cajon, beginning at 12 p.m. Event sponsors as of this writing include Presenting Sponsor, The React Foundation; Eagle Sponsors, Avion Law and Griffin Funding; Birdie Sponsor, Sycuan Casino-Resort; Par Sponsor, UNITE Doggy ‘Poo and Media Partner, Ranch & Coast Magazine, among others.
  • Sattler Supports Shelter to Soldier With Much-Needed Shade for Training Facility

    Sattler Supports Shelter to Soldier With Much-Needed Shade for Training Facility

    Shelter to Soldier™ believes in “Saving Lives, Two at a Time™” as they bring post-9/11 combat veterans together with trained rescue dogs to help both recover and move forward. What started out as a small organization in the trainer’s home working with one dog at a time has grown over nine years to training 25 dogs at a time to provide support for veterans. To train and care for the dogs at their Oceanside, CA location, Shelter to Soldier needed covered shade and rain protected training spaces and “break yards” for the dogs. Sattler Shade came to the rescue and donated 118 yards of Evolution awning fabric, enough to cover six outdoor areas.
  • Boeing issues a Shelter to Soldier grant in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2020

    Boeing issues a Shelter to Soldier grant in observance of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, 2020

    Shelter to Soldier (STS) is the recipient of a $60,000 Boeing grant to support psychiatric service dog training and the Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassadors program. The STS grant is part of a larger veterans investment package which Boeing announced on Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day in the United States and Remembrance Day in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom. The $14.2 million charitable grants package will support 97 veteran organizations worldwide. Investments will fund veterans’ workforce transition services and recovery and rehabilitation programs through 2021 and beyond.
  • RSF couple find mutual interest in supporting Shelter to Soldier

    RSF couple find mutual interest in supporting Shelter to Soldier

    Rancho Santa Fe residents Chris and Rick Fink have embraced the nonprofit organization Shelter to Soldier in their charitable giving plans. According to Chris, “We’ve always loved dogs, contributing to Shelter to Soldier allowed us to both support veterans and help dogs that need second chances.” Chris elaborates, “The shelter dog adoption and training process provided by Shelter to Soldier is exemplary.”
  • A puppy changed the life of Marine suffering from PTSD

    A puppy changed the life of Marine suffering from PTSD

    He didn’t realize it at the time, but Chris was suffering from a form of PTSD called hypervigilance. On deployments, troops are taught to always be on high alert. Complacency kills.
  • Dog Tags: Buddy the dog is training hard to find a forever home with a veteran

    Dog Tags: Buddy the dog is training hard to find a forever home with a veteran

    It's been exactly a year now since Buddy was rescued from a shelter and started his training. He has advanced enough to begin what Graham affectionately calls "speed dating" where Buddy meets veterans to see if they're a good match.
  • Graham Bloem – Patriotic Veteran Advocate

    Graham Bloem – Patriotic Veteran Advocate

    Graham Bloem was born in Johannesburg, South Africa, and has had an affinity with animals throughout his entire life, although his true passion is for dogs. At age five, he immigrated to Toronto, Canada with his family, but enjoyed frequent trips back to South Africa as time allowed.
  • Petco Foundation ‘Helping Heroes Campaign’ benefits Shelter to Soldier

    Petco Foundation ‘Helping Heroes Campaign’ benefits Shelter to Soldier

    With the support from the Petco Foundation’s Helping Heroes grant, Shelter to Soldier adopted a gorgeous (from the inside-out!) shepherd mix named “Scout” from Labs and More (Labradors, Retrievers and More) Rescue out of San Diego.
  • Dog Tags: Shelter to Soldier still helping veterans during stress of pandemic

    Dog Tags: Shelter to Soldier still helping veterans during stress of pandemic

    “The financial toll, the job losses, [and] the stress,” said Graham Bloem from the nonprofit Shelter to Soldier. “There's been a lot of information shared by multiple foundations and programs doing research on veterans and how this is further impacting veterans, especially those that have a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress.”
  • Shelter to Soldier holds San Diego-area soiree; nonprofit provides service dogs to veterans

    Shelter to Soldier holds San Diego-area soiree; nonprofit provides service dogs to veterans

    Guests of the event featured Shelter to Soldier Red Star sponsors; the service dogs and veteran recipients whom their donations support.
  • Shelter to Soldier Red Star Sponsorship Soiree

    Shelter to Soldier Red Star Sponsorship Soiree

    Shelter to Soldier honored its Red Star Corporate Sponsors at a private reception held March 7 at the Rancho Santa Fe estate of Holli and Anthony Lienau.
  • Dog Tags: Buddy looking for a veteran to love

    Dog Tags: Buddy looking for a veteran to love

    Buddy, an adorable Westie mix, is continuing his journey from a local shelter to working as a service dog for a veteran suffering from PTSD. While he still has some training to complete, he is beginning to meet with veterans that are looking for that perfect match.
  • Look: Rams sponsor service dog named Cooper Pupp for a good cause

    Look: Rams sponsor service dog named Cooper Pupp for a good cause

    The Los Angeles Rams welcomed another member of the team to OTAs on Tuesday, one with more hair than Clay Matthews and more legs than everyone on the 90-man roster. His name is Cooper Pupp and he’s a sponsored service dog.
  • Dog Tags: Buddy takes step forward in service dog training

    Dog Tags: Buddy takes step forward in service dog training

    Over the past several months, nonprofit Shelter to Soldier trained the adorable terrier mix to become a service dog for a veteran suffering from PTSD. In this Dog Tags update, we find that after six months of hard work, Buddy has taken a big step forward in his training - he’s now proudly wearing a service dog vest!
  • Logomark Partners With Shelter to Soldier

    Logomark Partners With Shelter to Soldier

    “It is our mission to be one source of positivity for our U.S. veterans and to provide shelter dogs a second chance of being loved and giving love,” said Graham Bloem, CEO of Shelter to Soldier. “We are truly saving lives, two at a time at Shelter to Soldier and we are blessed to do so.”
  • 'It's got to be this dog' | Marine Corps vet finds comfort with service dog

    'It's got to be this dog' | Marine Corps vet finds comfort with service dog

    On the suggestion of a friend, Adam sought out a service dog and the nonprofit Shelter to Soldier agreed to help. From the first minute he and Bash met, Adam knew his life was about to change for the better.
  • Shelter to Soldier: Cooper Pupp

    Shelter to Soldier: Cooper Pupp

    Founder and Training Director Graham Bloem has been a dog trainer for nearly 20 years in the community. Bloem, having worked with a number of veterans, active duty, pet dogs and working dogs recognized there was a big gap to fill.
  • Sycuan Presents $70K to 21 Charities During 2019 Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony

    Sycuan Presents $70K to 21 Charities During 2019 Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony

    Each December, members of the Sycuan Tribal Council and the Sycuan Executive Team individually select a charity to donate to on behalf of Sycuan. The Holiday Gift Giving Ceremony has been held at Sycuan more than 10 times and has supported a variety of causes over the years ranging from social and health services to the arts and the environment.
  • Dog Tags: Service dog changes Navy vet's life for the better

    Dog Tags: Service dog changes Navy vet's life for the better

    In December 2018, Neely was connected with Liberty a service dog who is specifically trained by the non-profit Shelter to Soldier to help veterans dealing with PTSD.
  • 'Dog Tags': News 8 series will follow 'Buddy' from shelter dog to service animal for San Diego veterans

    'Dog Tags': News 8 series will follow 'Buddy' from shelter dog to service animal for San Diego veterans

    This story marks the start to a series on the months-long process for one local shelter dog starting a new chapter as he becomes a service dog for local veterans. News 8’s Steve Price is following the dog’s journey from start to finish in the series we call “Dog Tags.”
  • Shelter to Soldier Honored with Life Safety Award

    Shelter to Soldier Honored with Life Safety Award

    At CONNECT 2017, the Life Safety Award honored Graham Bloem for saving lives…two at a time. Graham is the founder of Shelter to Soldier, a non-profit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to help our nation’s veterans. he award was presented by Larry King at Honeywell CONNECT 2017 in San Diego.
  •  Rams to Honor Military Members, First Responders at Training Camp Practice

    Rams to Honor Military Members, First Responders at Training Camp Practice

    The Los Angeles Rams will honor military members, first responders and their families at Friday’s training camp practice at UC Irvine.
  • Meet Cooper Pupp, who is a well known good boy

    Meet Cooper Pupp, who is a well known good boy

    Rams have sponsored a service dog. The name is Cooper Pup.
  • Look: Rams sponsor service dog named Cooper Pupp for a good cause

    Look: Rams sponsor service dog named Cooper Pupp for a good cause

    The Los Angeles Rams welcomed another member of the team to OTAs on Tuesday, one with more hair than Clay Matthews and more legs than everyone on the 90-man roster. His name is Cooper Pupp and he’s a sponsored service dog.
  • Shelter to Solider, Oceanside

    Shelter to Solider, Oceanside

    The Fixers travel to Oceanside, California to help Shelter to Soldier—an organization dedicated to adopting dogs from shelters and pairing them with post 9/11 veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress (PTS). The facility is in dire need of an update—so the Fixers build a brand new kennel area and a “mock home” training area.
  • Battling Compassion Fatigue: How One Vet Gives Back to Those in Need

    Battling Compassion Fatigue: How One Vet Gives Back to Those in Need

    Compassion. Altruism. Balance. These are three terms that Dr. Liz Grey, DVM, uses when describing the nature of her work. As the owner of Carmel Mountain Ranch Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, California, Dr. Grey has seen it all. For her, working as a veterinarian is a way to make a difference, to do something that matters.
  • Shelter to Soldier gets $30K Petco grant

    Shelter to Soldier gets $30K Petco grant

    Oceanside-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier received a $30,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to support its rescue dog and veteran program that trains service dogs for veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and other similar injuries. Recently, Moose, a pit bull mix adopted from the San Diego Department of Animal Services Bonita Shelter (and one of the Petco Foundation’s sponsored service dogs), graduated with Marine veteran Jaimie McAfee at the program’s headquarters.
  • Service dog made veteran's first pitch at Padres game possible

    Service dog made veteran's first pitch at Padres game possible

    Marroquin served in the Army's 25th Infantry Division, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, known as the "Wolfhounds." While serving 15 months in 2006 and 2007 at Forward Operating Base McHenry, 18 members of his battalion were killed in action and more than 30 others were injured so severely they were evacuated to Germany.
  • Three Animal Nonprofits on a Mission to Help Dogs and People

    Three Animal Nonprofits on a Mission to Help Dogs and People

    How dog rescue organizations are also helping out inmates, veterans, the homeless and more, as told through the eyes of the beneficiaries
  • Rams partner with Shelter to Soldier to train local rescue dog

    Rams partner with Shelter to Soldier to train local rescue dog

    The Rams partner with 'Shelter to Soldier' to train a local rescue dog that will be gifted to a military combat veteran.
  • Shelter to Soldier thanks sponsors at second annual soiree

    Shelter to Soldier thanks sponsors at second annual soiree

    ome extraordinary dogs received spotlight attention at the second annual Red Star Sponsor Thank You Soirée! hosted by Rancho Santa Fe’s “Holli”day…Anyday!. The March 16 private event was dedicated to thanking Shelter to Soldier’s Red Star Sponsors who bigheartedly support the nonprofit’s mission of saving two lives at a time.
  • Shelter to Soldier Donor Recognition Event

    Shelter to Soldier Donor Recognition Event

    An appreciation event was held March 16 to thank Shelter to Soldier’s supporters. The event acknowledges their generosity and the impact they have on the program. The event, which included live music, food and beverages, was hosted by presented by HolliDay...Anyday at the RSF home of Holli Lienau.
  • Shelter to Soldier

    Shelter to Soldier

    Shelter to Soldier brings combat veterans together with rescue dogs to help both recover and move forward. On the show today is Shelter to Soldier Founder, President and Training Director, Graham Bloem.
  • Shelter To Soldier

    Shelter To Soldier

    Shelter To Soldier on 97.3 The Fan
  • ‘Pucks & Paws’: New San Diego Gulls’ calendar to help dogs in need

    ‘Pucks & Paws’: New San Diego Gulls’ calendar to help dogs in need

    The San Diego Gulls are helping dogs in need with a new team calendar.
    The calendar sponsored by Raising Cane’s features 14 Gulls players with Shelter to Soldier service dogs and the calendar is for sale at Gulls games and through the DASH Auctions app.
  • https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2019-06-06/service-dog-made-veterans-first-pitch-at-petco-park-possible

    https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/communities/north-county/story/2019-06-06/service-dog-made-veterans-first-pitch-at-petco-park-possible

    Marroquin received Berkeley from Shelter to Soldier, a 7-year-old Oceanside nonprofit that rescues dogs from shelters and trains them to serve combat veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injuries. Shelter to Soldier is one of a half-dozen charities supported by Cox Charities, which turned 20 this year.
  • San Diego Gulls announce 2018 ‘Pucks & Paws’ calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier

    San Diego Gulls announce 2018 ‘Pucks & Paws’ calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier

    The local team, San Diego Gulls, is launching its 2018 annual calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier, featuring 12 Gulls players with Shelter to Soldier service dogs on each calendar month of the year.
  • Super Bowl party in the Ranch turns into a fundraiser

    Super Bowl party in the Ranch turns into a fundraiser

    Lienau has hosted Super Bowl parties for years but decided she wanted the day to evolve into a charity-driven event to raise awareness by asking her guests to bring donations instead of hostess gifts.
  • Philanthropy: Veterans Receive Canine Companions With Power to Heal

    Philanthropy: Veterans Receive Canine Companions With Power to Heal

    More than 200 guests joined in the celebration that raised $88,000 for the Shelter to Soldier program. Shelter to Soldier adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and/or other psychological injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.
  • Red Cross

    Red Cross "Real Heroes" honoree recognized with Change It Up award from News 8

    Graham Bloem was recently given a "Real Heroes" award by the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties. He and Sean Mahoney, CEO of the local Red Cross, spoke to News 8 about nominations for the next round of "Real Heroes."
  • 6th Annual “Be the Light” Charity Gala Hosted by Shelter to Soldier

    6th Annual “Be the Light” Charity Gala Hosted by Shelter to Soldier

    A local non-profit that adopts and trains dogs from shelters and gives them to veterans is holding a fundraiser gala next weekend.
  • Shelter to Soldier Veteran-Recipient Exemplifies Hope for all US Veterans During the Holidays

    Shelter to Soldier Veteran-Recipient Exemplifies Hope for all US Veterans During the Holidays

    In 2013, he was Medically Retired with a combined disability rating of 100% by both the D.O.D and the V.A. after a six-month Medical Evaluation Board. Vic applied to the Shelter to Soldier program for a service dog in the summer of 2014, and graduated with his new service dog, Kira, on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2014.
  • Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    Heather Lake was in Oceanside Tuesday learning about Shelter to Soldier, a non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans.
  • Shelter to Soldier awarded PETCO Foundation grant

    Shelter to Soldier awarded PETCO Foundation grant

    With this gift, in May 2018 Shelter to Soldier adopted a very kind and affectionate seven-month-old Mastiff puppy from San Diego Department of Animal Services Central Shelter on Gaines Street who will eventually be paired with a post-9/11 combat veteran suffering from invisible wounds.
  • For Ranch resident, charity’s on front burner

    For Ranch resident, charity’s on front burner

    Her organization is designed to support both San Diego and Southern California nonprofits that help breast cancer patients, animals and more through playing and paying it forward with food, fun, and friends. Lienau gifts select nonprofits with live and silent auction items relating to culinary innovation and curating experiences.
  • 6th annual Shelter to Soldier ‘Be the Light Gala’ this Saturday

    6th annual Shelter to Soldier ‘Be the Light Gala’ this Saturday

    When we adopt a pet from a shelter we are saving a life. But, there is a special program in San Diego in which these shelter dogs are actually the ones doing the saving
  • Bad to the Bone BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening of Event Center and General Store

    Bad to the Bone BBQ Celebrates Grand Opening of Event Center and General Store

    Bad to the Bone BBQ co-founders Marty and Mary Wells celebrated the restaurant’s event center, which includes a full bar and outdoor patio, and its general store which includes orders for takeout, a press statement said.
  • Shelter To Soldier Soiree

    Shelter To Soldier Soiree

    A red star sponsor soiree took place at the Rancho Santa Fe home of Holli Lienau to celebrate those who contribute to Shelter to Soldier’s mission of supporting shelter dogs and veterans in need.
  • Eat, drink, donate at upcoming 4 Paws Pantry event

    Eat, drink, donate at upcoming 4 Paws Pantry event

    4 Paws Pantry is a local nonprofit that gives pet food to those in need to prevent owners from losing their pets because of insufficient funds for necessities.
  • San Diego Gulls announce 2018 ‘Pucks & Paws’ calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier

    San Diego Gulls announce 2018 ‘Pucks & Paws’ calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier

    The local team, San Diego Gulls, is launching its 2018 annual calendar to benefit Shelter to Soldier, featuring 12 Gulls players with Shelter to Soldier service dogs on each calendar month of the year.
  • ‘Shelter to Soldier’ organization brings hope to service dogs and vets

    ‘Shelter to Soldier’ organization brings hope to service dogs and vets

    In the spirit of giving, KUSI visited the people behind a charity organization called, “Shelter to Soldier.” It’s a group in the North County that matches dogs in shelters, who would otherwise be euthanized, with veterans who are in need of some emotional support.
  • Cox Charities awards $75K total in grants to nonprofits

    Cox Charities awards $75K total in grants to nonprofits

    Cox Charities recently awarded $70,000 in grants to 20 San Diego County nonprofits to fund programs focused on youth, education, conservation, and supporting military families.
  • Red Cross

    Red Cross "Real Heroes" honoree recognized with Change It Up award from News 8

    Graham Bloem was recently given a "Real Heroes" award by the American Red Cross San Diego/Imperial Counties. He and Sean Mahoney, CEO of the local Red Cross, spoke to News 8 about nominations for the next round of "Real Heroes." And we honored Graham as the first recipient of News 8's Change It Up Award!
  • Shelter to Soldier providing helping hands, paws for veterans

    Shelter to Soldier providing helping hands, paws for veterans

    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports 20 suicides a day, an avenue that Martin was considering several months into his attempt to reintegrate into society after he was medically retired from the Navy. His search for help at the pleas of his wife landed him on the doorsteps of Shelter to Soldier.
  • 12 Days of Giving: Shelter to Soldier

    12 Days of Giving: Shelter to Soldier

    Carter Capps, Glenn Hoffman and family, Pad Squad, Blue Mews and Red Ruff toured the facility and interacted with rescued dogs. Petco foundation also attended and donated $25,000.00 to Shelter to Soldier.
  • Cancer foundation, Schubach partner as HPV research makes strides

    Cancer foundation, Schubach partner as HPV research makes strides

    The Immunotherapy Foundation, based in Solana Beach, is breaking down a preventable form of cancer, human papilloma virus, or HPV, and now pivoting to finding a cure.
  • Meet The CEO Running The Nation's Fastest Growing Mortgage Tech Company

    Meet The CEO Running The Nation's Fastest Growing Mortgage Tech Company

    Founded in 2013 by serial entrepreneur Bill Lyons, Griffin Funding is a mortgage provider and technology firm that provides a disruptive approach to the real estate industry.
  • Annual Taste of Mission Beach benefits Shelter to Soldier

    Annual Taste of Mission Beach benefits Shelter to Soldier

    Sponsored by the Mission Beach Women’s Club, all proceeds raised will benefit Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from rescues and trains them to be psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury and other injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.
  • Shelter to Soldier: Saving two lives at one time

    Shelter to Soldier: Saving two lives at one time

    Did you know every 69 minutes a U.S. veteran commits suicide and every day 3,200 dogs are euthanized nationwide. With that statistic in mind, Graham Bloem had an idea to save not one but two lives at a time. He's the founder and training director of a Poway non-profit called Shelter to Soldier.
  • North County Supports Shelter to Soldier presents check to East County veteran

    North County Supports Shelter to Soldier presents check to East County veteran

    The Executive Committee of NCSSTS assembled at the Veterans Memorial Park in Vista to deliver a check from this year’s fundraising efforts to one East County representative of Shelter To Soldier.
  • NORTH COUNTY SUPPORTS SHELTER TO SOLDIER STAGES HAIR-RAZING FUNDRAISER

    NORTH COUNTY SUPPORTS SHELTER TO SOLDIER STAGES HAIR-RAZING FUNDRAISER

    The event was a fundraiser staged by North County Supports Shelter To Soldier (NCSSTS) on Saturday, September 2. The money brought in from raffle ticket sales and meal purchases was slated to go to a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs free of charge to military veterans in need
  • Celebrate Snooze Hillcrest’s Anniversary To Benefit Shelter to Soldier

    Celebrate Snooze Hillcrest’s Anniversary To Benefit Shelter to Soldier

    This is a brunch you can feel really good about! Snooze will be donating 10% of their sales for the day at Snooze Hillcrest to Shelter To Soldier, a non-profit with a beautiful mission.
  • Air charter founder takes giving to new heights

    Air charter founder takes giving to new heights

    This year, Schubach jets should log about 1.2 million miles worldwide, which translates into $12,000 for charity, plus matching gifts.
    The program was dreamed up by company founder and chairman Henry Schubach, 64. He started the company 25 years ago at McClellan-Palomar Airport and has recently retired.
  • Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    A local nonprofit group is building special relationships between soldiers and shelter dogs.
  • Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    Shelter dogs become service pets for soldiers

    Heather Lake was in Oceanside Tuesday learning about Shelter to Soldier, a non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans.
  • Local Red Cross Announces 2017 Real Heroes Award Recipients

    Local Red Cross Announces 2017 Real Heroes Award Recipients

    Since the inception of the Real Heroes Breakfast, the Red Cross has celebrated more than 100 individuals and numerous organizations in several categories. Each hero has their own unique story of helping others in need.
  • Honeywell Connect 2017 Inspires Dealers to ‘Differentiate, Disrupt & Deliver’

    Honeywell Connect 2017 Inspires Dealers to ‘Differentiate, Disrupt & Deliver’

    For the 20th year, Larry King introduced the Life Safety Award honoree by video. Graham Bloem founded Shelter to Soldier (sheltertosoldier.org), a nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), among other psychological injuries associated with traumatic service experiences.
  • Plato Wags Back – Shelter to Soldier

    Plato Wags Back – Shelter to Soldier

    Shelter to Soldier™ is a 501c3 non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans. It is time to step up, create change and support programs that provide services for our troops at home and those that help save our 4-legged angels with no voice.
  •  Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle

    Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle

    Nubs, an Iraqi dog of war, never had a home or a person of his own. He was the leader of a pack of dogs, living off the land and barely surviving. Then one day he met Major Brian Dennis. They forged a powerful bond of friendship and love. So began an incredible journey that would take Nubs on a dangerous desert trek to find his friend and would lead Dennis on a mission that would touch the hearts of people all over the world.
  • Veterans helping veterans is goal of ‘dog whisperer’s’ Shelter to Soldier program

    Veterans helping veterans is goal of ‘dog whisperer’s’ Shelter to Soldier program

    Through an academy for service dog trainers, the nonprofit will provide vocational job training for veterans (and civilians), with graduates being eligible for job placement within its organization.

  • $12,000 Goes to Shelter to Soldier™ Charity

    $12,000 Goes to Shelter to Soldier™ Charity

    The La Mesa Noon Rotary Club presented Graham Bloem, founder of the Shelter to Soldier™ charity with a check for $12,000. The Club started raising funds back in September 2016 through selling "virtual" body parts of a dog at a club luncheon. It continued its fundraising effort and received a contribution of $500 from the Rotary Club of Camp Pendleton as well as donations from individual donors and companies. A suitable dog will be selected from a San Diego shelter and then be trained over a period of 12-18 months at the Shelter to Soldier™ facility in Poway. Following training, the dog will be paired with an injured veteran, dramatically and potentially saving the lives of two. The La Mesa Noon Rotary Club will follow the journey of the dog they donated through regular updates, photos and videos and will attend the graduation of the veteran and service dog sometime in the future.
  • PETCO FOUNDATION INVESTS IN SHELTER TO SOLDIER’S SERVICE DOG PROGRAM

    PETCO FOUNDATION INVESTS IN SHELTER TO SOLDIER’S SERVICE DOG PROGRAM

    The Petco Foundation sponsors ‘Moose’ as psychiatric service dog for a U.S. military veteran

    San Diego, CA, September 1, 2016—-Shelter to Soldier™, headquartered in San Diego, CA, announced it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to underwrite the cost to adopt, house, care for, train and place a shelter dog with a post-9/11 combat veteran through Shelter to Soldier™’s service dog training program.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ 4th Annual Benefit hosted at Del Mar International Horse Show

    Shelter to Soldier™ 4th Annual Benefit hosted at Del Mar International Horse Show

    Del Mar International Horse Show with hosts, West Palms Events Management, host Shelter to Soldier™'s 4th annual benefit on Friday October 21st., 2016.
  • Distinguished Military Veteran Embarks on Trek with Rescued Dog to Honor Military Heroes and Raise funds for Shelter to Soldier™

    Distinguished Military Veteran Embarks on Trek with Rescued Dog to Honor Military Heroes and Raise funds for Shelter to Soldier™

    LT Jennifer McCollough (USN) served on active duty as a naval aviator following graduation from the United States Naval Academy in 2001. Jennifer primarily flew the MH-60S helicopter, completing three deployments to the Middle East on various ships and with the U.S. Marine Corps in Fallujah, Iraq. When she learned of the opportunity to win the trip of a lifetime through corporate entity Pet Supplies Plus, she jumped at the chance to tell the story of rescuing a pup named “Rosie” from a highway in Texas, and charted a course to hike from the War Dog Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey, to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., with a stop at the Pennsylvania War Dog Memorial in Bristol, PA. Jennifer, Rosie, and family dog Falcor will begin their adventure on September 3, 2016, concurrently raising funds for Shelter to Soldier™, a veteran-related non-profit organization.
  • Petco Foundation Invests in Shelter to Soldier™'s Service Dog Program

    Petco Foundation Invests in Shelter to Soldier™'s Service Dog Program

    Shelter to Soldier™, headquartered in San Diego, CA, today announced it has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Petco Foundation to underwrite the cost to adopt, house, care for, train and place a shelter dog with a post-9/11 combat veteran through Shelter to Soldier™'s service dog training program.
  • 'Live At The Lake' Benefits Shelter To Soldier Organization

    'Live At The Lake' Benefits Shelter To Soldier Organization

    Ramona Ranch Winey and Round Up Grill/John Little Catering are partnering to host "Live at the Lake", an interactive outdoor music, food and wine fundraising event on Sunday, August 28, 2016, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm to benefit Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit organization that adopts and trains shelter dogs to serve as psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans.
  • Music, food, wine fest benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    Music, food, wine fest benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    A “Live at the Lake” outdoor music, food and wine fundraising event is set for Aug. 28 at Lake Henshaw to benefit Shelter to Soldier™. The San Diego-based nonprofit with a training facility in Poway, adopts and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans. The event, co-hosted by Ramona Ranch Winery and Round Up Grill/John Little Catering, includes a tribute to military veterans.
  • Lake Henshaw Event to Benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Lake Henshaw Event to Benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Ramona Ranch Winery and The Round Up Grill/John Little Catering are partnering to host a Live at the Lake fundraiser on Aug. 28 to benefit Shelter to Soldier™.
  • LAKE HENSHAW FUNDRAISING EVENT ON AUGUST 28TH TO BENEFIT SHELTER TO SOLDIER

    LAKE HENSHAW FUNDRAISING EVENT ON AUGUST 28TH TO BENEFIT SHELTER TO SOLDIER

    East County News Service

    August 12, 2016 (Ramona) -- Ramona Ranch Winey and Round Up Grill/John Little Catering are partnering to host “Live at the Lake," an interactive outdoor music, food and wine fundraising event on Sunday, August 28, 2016 from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm to benefit Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit organization that adopts and trains shelter dogs to serve as psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans. The event will take place at the Lake Henshaw parking lot located at 26439 Highway 78 in Santa Ysabel, CA, 92070.
  • Festival to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Festival to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    “Live at the Lake,” an interactive outdoor music, food and wine festival to benefit Shelter to Soldier™, will be held on the shores of Lake Henshaw at 26439 Highway 76 in Santa Ysabel on Sunday, Aug. 28, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Event hosts are Ramona Ranch Winery and Round Up Grill/John Little Catering. The festival will include a tribute to all active duty military and veterans, who will be admitted free. Food and beverages will be available for a fee.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ -

    Shelter to Soldier™ - "Live at the Lake"

    Shelter to Soldier™ will be benefiting from a fundraising event co-hosted by Ramona Ranch Winery and Round Up Grill/John Little Catering.

    The "Live at the Lake" outdoor music, food and wine event is set for Aug. 28 at Lake Henshaw. The San Diego-based nonprofit, adopts and trains shelter dogs to be psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans.

    The event will have live music performed by Steelehorse Country, barbecue and beer from Round Up Grille, craft wines from Ramona Ranch Winery, and includes a tribute to military veterans
  • America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Announces Winners of Redford Naturals Path to Adventure Contest

    America’s Favorite Neighborhood Pet Store Announces Winners of Redford Naturals Path to Adventure Contest

    Furry pups Creed, Rosie and Apollo may not know how to use social media, but Facebook posts about their touching stories landed each of them an adventure trip with their respective owners – along with fundraising and awareness campaigns for their associated charitable causes.

    The winning dogs and their owners were selected among more than 2,800 entries in the Path to Adventure Contest, a social media campaign hosted by Pet Supplies Plus as part of the launch earlier this year of their Redford Naturals dog food brand. Partnering with The Sheppard, LLC, Pet Supplies Plus will send them to the locations of their choice this fall, while along the way also helping to raise funds and awareness for non-profit, pet-related causes.
  • Three Deserving Dogs Win Trip of a Lifetime and Support for their Charities from Pet Supplies Plus

    Three Deserving Dogs Win Trip of a Lifetime and Support for their Charities from Pet Supplies Plus

    LIVONIA, Mich.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Furry pups Creed, Rosie and Apollo may not know how to use social media, but Facebook posts about their touching stories landed each of them an adventure trip with their respective owners – along with fundraising and awareness campaigns for their associated charitable causes.

    Jennifer McCollough and her dog, Rosie - Wilmington, Delaware: McCollough is a military veteran who served the United States following the 9/11 attacks and now expresses the desire to help and honor veterans and their service dogs. McCollough rescued Rosie from the streets when she was a puppy.
    Their adventure: The duo will hike from the War Dog Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey, to Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., via the Appalachian Mountain Trail. They will visit other memorials along the trail, including the Pennsylvania War Dog Memorial in Bristol, Pa.
    Their cause: During the approximately 200-mile trek, McCollough will raise awareness for veterans and service dogs with Shelter to Soldier™, whose mission is to bring post-9/11 combat veterans together with trained rescue dogs to help them recover and move on from life in the military.
  • Pet Supplies Plus honors Wilmington woman & her support of Shelter to Soldier™

    Pet Supplies Plus honors Wilmington woman & her support of Shelter to Soldier™

    Nationwide pet supply retailer Pet Supplies Plus picked a Wilmington woman as one of three winners to go on the adventure of a lifetime with their pet....

    McCollough, a military veteran, will hike from the War Dog Memorial in Holmdel, New Jersey, to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, via the Appalachian Mountain Trial. They will visit other memorials along the way including the War Dog Memorial in Bristol, Pennsylvania.

    During the roughly 200-mile trek, McCollough will raise awareness for veterans and service dogs with Shelter to Soldier™, a nonprofit whose mission is to bring post-9/11 combat veterans together with trained rescue dogs to help them move on from life in the military.

    The Pet Supplies Plus store in Wilmington will host a send-off party for McCollough this fall.
  • Cliff-top bench promotes love

    Cliff-top bench promotes love

    DEL MAR — Disney has “The Love Bug.” The B-52s have “Love Shack.” And thanks to Nana Hinsley, Del Mar now has the “Love Bench.”

    “The fact that it is at Dog Beach was just thrilling to me,” she said. “I tried to find an organization that has to do with dogs. I came across Shelter to Soldier™.”

    The organization adopts canines from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.

    “I just thought that was the perfect marriage,” Hinsley said. “If people have a few dollars they want to donate I hope that they’ll donate it to Shelter to Soldier™ through my Facebook page.”
  • Dogtopia fundraiser for dogs for vets with PTSD

    Dogtopia fundraiser for dogs for vets with PTSD

    SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - Dozens of dogs got a bath in the North County Saturday to help a good cause.

    The pups were washed and groomed at 'Dogtopia' in San Marcos with donations going to "Shelter to soldier."
  • Take the Summer Reading Challenge at San Diego County Library

    Take the Summer Reading Challenge at San Diego County Library

    All ages are invited to take the Summer Reading Challenge at San Diego County Library (SDCL)! The Challenge runs from June 1 through August 31 and rewards prizes to customers who complete a goal of reading 10 books or 10 hours. Keep on reading to support Shelter to Soldier™ with the library's Read for a Reason program. For every child, teen or adult who reads a total of 20 hours or 20 books, $5 will be donated to Shelter to Soldier™ to help provide bones and beds.
  • Waggy Award goes to Shelter to Soldier™ founder

    Waggy Award goes to Shelter to Soldier™ founder

    Graham Bloem, founder of San Diego-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier™, received the 2016 Tailwaggers Foundation’s Waggy Award for community service at a celebration in Hollywood.
  • Flying Globally, Giving Locally: Schubach Aviation Announces 1-Cent Per Mile Program

    Flying Globally, Giving Locally: Schubach Aviation Announces 1-Cent Per Mile Program

    Schubach Aviation, a leading private jet charter company based in Carlsbad Calif., announced two charitable recipients for its 2016 giving campaign. Selected for their positive contributions to the San Diego community, the nonprofits are: 1. Promise to Kids and 2. Shelter to Soldier™.
  • Aviation firm’s flights will benefit local charity groups

    Aviation firm’s flights will benefit local charity groups

    CARLSBAD — One of the city’s leading aviation companies is keeping to its core of giving back.

    Schubach Aviation, a private jet charter outfit based at McClellan-Palomar Airport, announced it would donate one cent to every mile flown to a pair of San Diego County charities.
  • Carlsbad Aviation Company Commits to 2 Charities

    Carlsbad Aviation Company Commits to 2 Charities

    Schubach Aviation, a leading private jet charter company headquartered at Palomar Airport, on Monday announced two charitable recipients for its 2016 giving campaign.
  • pring Xposure Fashion Show benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    pring Xposure Fashion Show benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    Shelter to Soldier™ was the recipient of funds raised at the 5th annual Spring Xposure Fashion Show on March 31. The fundraising fashion show included both a live and silent auction, of which 100 percent of the proceeds benefit Shelter to Soldier™.
  • It's a Dogs Life...and a Soldier's

    It's a Dogs Life...and a Soldier's

    Biggs Harley Davidson in San Marcos CA helps raise needed funds to support Shelter to Soldier™!
  • THE “MASTER OF FASTER” AND CHIVAS Z DO IT AGAIN

    THE “MASTER OF FASTER” AND CHIVAS Z DO IT AGAIN

    The evening contained an incredible fundraiser as well for Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit that rescuers a shelter dog, trains it to be a service dog and matches the dog with a Veteran at no cost to the veteran. Shelter to Soldier™’s motto “Saving Lives Two At A Time” is more than fitting, saving both a shelter dog and a veteran.
  • Del Mar International Horse Show on October 16th to Benefit U.S. Combat Veterans Serviced by Shelter to Soldier™

    Del Mar International Horse Show on October 16th to Benefit U.S. Combat Veterans Serviced by Shelter to Soldier™

    Proceeds from the Del Mar International Horse Show will honor the mission of Shelter to Soldier™ “Saving lives, two at a time” hosted by West Palms Event Management on October 16, 2015 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Del Mar Fairgrounds located at 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA, 92014.
  • Training shelter dogs as service dogs for vets

    Training shelter dogs as service dogs for vets

    The goal is to save two lives at a time, and on Friday night, a fundraiser was held to benefit a non-profit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service animals for military veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
  • Del Mar International Horse Show benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    Del Mar International Horse Show benefits Shelter to Soldier™

    Joined by Graham Bloem, Founder and President of Shelter to Solider, the beneficiary of the Horse Show. Bloem explains his organization’s mission of training shelter dogs to become service dogs for our veterans.
  • Service dogs for vets fundraiser at horse show

    Service dogs for vets fundraiser at horse show

    The fundraiser runs alongside the Del Mar International Horse Show Charity Class show in the VIP arena room at the Del Mar arena. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., with music, art, live and silent auction, drawings and dog sponsorship opportunities.
  • Using robotics to keep rover entertained

    Using robotics to keep rover entertained

    Chief Dog Trainer Graham Bloem says that the device works when your dog presses a colored button, making a small portion of food pop out.

    "Once three buttons have been conquered, your dog, like in a video game, is going to change levels or level up,” says Bloem.
  • Standout Dogs

    Standout Dogs

    “Our core mission is saving lives two at a time,” says Graham Bloem, founder, president, and head trainer of Shelter to Soldier™. “And we’re actually saving families in many cases.”
  • Biggs Harley-Davidson hosts ride for Shelter to Soldier™

    Biggs Harley-Davidson hosts ride for Shelter to Soldier™

    SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - More than 100 motorcycle riders hit the streets Saturday to raise money for a very special foundation.

    Biggs Harley Davidson in San Marcos hosted the ride benefiting Shelter to Soldier™, a nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans.
  • Harley dealer hosting celebrity ride Aug. 29 to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Harley dealer hosting celebrity ride Aug. 29 to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Biggs Harley-Davidson in San Marcos will host a celebrity ride starting at 9 a.m. Aug. 29, to benefit Shelter to Soldier™, a San Diego-based 501(c)3 nonprofit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become certified psychiatric service companions for post-9/11 combat veterans with PTSD and/or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Biggs Harley Davidson Celebrity Ride with Clint August

    Biggs Harley Davidson Celebrity Ride with Clint August

    Join us to help raise funds for Shelter to Soldier™. Meet and ride with local celebrities, including KGB's very own Clint August! Big thanks to Clint and Biggs Harley Davidson in San Marcos CA.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ -

    Shelter to Soldier™ - "Saving Lives, Two at a Time"

    "When Vic received Kira, everything changed. He found new purpose and focus, and slowly the man I knew as a husband began to reappear. In the July/August issue of Yoga Digest, Jenn Bodnar shares a beautiful success story about the work Shelter to Soldier™ is doing.
  • Local Charity Connects Rescue Dogs To Veterans

    Local Charity Connects Rescue Dogs To Veterans

    As the old saying goes, “a dog is a man’s best friend.” The idiom rings particularly true when it comes to Shelter to Soldier™, a local non–profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans.
  • Plato Pet Treats Launches Inaugural

    Plato Pet Treats Launches Inaugural "Plato Wags Back" Program to Support Homeless Dogs and Veterans

    Plato partner organization, Shelter to Solider - A non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans. Every 63 minutes a U.S. veteran commits suicide and every 11 seconds an animal is euthanized; Shelter to Soldier™ works to aid and partner together two- and four-legged friends. Through the Wags Back program, Plato will fund the complete training of one dog (named Plato) at the San Diego-based training school. In addition, every Shelter to Soldier™ dog adopted will go home with wholesome, all natural Plato treats.
  • Plato Wags Back: Plato partners with community organizations to give back

    Plato Wags Back: Plato partners with community organizations to give back

    Plato Wags Back will directly aid three California rescue-based organizations—Shelter to Soldier™ (www.sheltertosoldier.org), Fresno Bully Rescue (www.fresnobullyrescue.org) and LabsandFriends.org (www.nkla.org/labs-and-friends-rescue)—that either feed and care for homeless dogs or help enhance the lived of veterans who need assistance animals.
  • Plato Starts Wags Back Program

    Plato Starts Wags Back Program

    Throughout 2015, Plato Wags Back will directly aid three California rescue-based organizations; Shelter to Soldier™, Fresno Bully Rescue and Labsandfriends.org that feed and care for homeless dogs or help enhance the lives of veterans who need assistance animals.
  • Plato Pet Treats Launches Inaugural

    Plato Pet Treats Launches Inaugural "Plato Wags Back" Program to Support Homeless Dogs and Veterans

    As part of its mission to provide health and safety for dogs through nutrition, California-based wholesome dog treat maker -- Plato Pet Treats announced its first-ever Plato Wags Back program, supporting CA nonprofit Shelter to Soldier™.
  • Plato Pet Treats’ “Plato Wags Back” Program Supports Veterans And Homeless Dogs

    Plato Pet Treats’ “Plato Wags Back” Program Supports Veterans And Homeless Dogs

    It’s the day after Memorial Day, but Plato Pet Treats wants to do more than just take a day off work. That’s why the California-based company is pleased to announce its first-ever Plato Wags Back program – in 2015, the program will directly aid three California rescue-based organizations – Shelter to Soldier™, Fresno Bully Rescue and Labsandfriends.org – that either feed and care for homeless dogs or help enhance the lives of veterans who need assistance animals.
  • SHELTER TO SOLDIER FASHION SHOW

    SHELTER TO SOLDIER FASHION SHOW

    A fashion show on March 26 will benefit Shelter to Soldier™, a San Diego-based nonprofit that trains dogs to become service companions for recently injured combat veterans.
  • JAGGER & KRISTI HOST FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT SHELTER TO SOLDIER

    JAGGER & KRISTI HOST FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT SHELTER TO SOLDIER

    Two causes we love and support, animal adoption and our military, are coming together in one great event this Thursday, March 26th…. Fine Magazines Spring Exposure Fashion Show 2015 to support Shelter To Soldier.
    Join us as we host the event sponsored by Schubach Aviation with funds raised benefiting our soldiers with PTSD.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ and Griffin Funding matching rescue dogs with veterans

    Shelter to Soldier™ and Griffin Funding matching rescue dogs with veterans

    Shelter to Soldier™ and Griffin Funding have teamed up to underwrite the cost of rescuing and training three shelter dogs and matching them with participating veterans. STS is a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as psychiatric service dogs for post 9/11 U.S. combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
  • SHELTER TO SOLDIER – SAVING VET + SHELTER DOGS LIVES

    SHELTER TO SOLDIER – SAVING VET + SHELTER DOGS LIVES

    In March of 2015, BuddhiBox supported Shelter to Soldier™, a San Diego 501c3 non-profit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be psychiatric service companions for wounded combat veterans. It is estimated that every 63 minutes, a US Veteran commits suicide. That is an average of 23 precious lives a day…Every 11 seconds, an animal is euthanized in our nation. S2S believes it is time to step up, create change and support programs that provide services for our troops at home and those that help save our 4-legged angels with no voice. The founders, Kyrie and Graham Bloem, allowed us to ask them a some questions about the program.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ recipient of fundraising fashion show hosted by FINE Magazine & Schubach Aviaion

    Shelter to Soldier™ recipient of fundraising fashion show hosted by FINE Magazine & Schubach Aviaion

    Shelter to Soldier™ will be the recipient of funds raised from the 4th Annual Spring Xposure Fashion Show Event hosted by FINE Magazine and Schubach Aviation on Thursday March 26, 2015, at Cielo Village in Rancho Santa Fe, from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 pm.

    The event will feature San Diego’s top fashion designers from the iconic retail establishment, Nordstrom, as well as local retail boutiques for a celebration of fine fashion, gourmet food from select vendors and live music by Wayne Foster Entertainment. Jagger and Kristi from Magic 92.5 will MC the event and Nine10 Photo will document festivities. All proceeds from the event will benefit Shelter to Soldier™.
  • Rancho Santa Fe Estate and Fine Jewelry to hold Holiday Open House to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Rancho Santa Fe Estate and Fine Jewelry to hold Holiday Open House to benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Rancho Santa Fe Estate and Fine Jewelry will be hosting a family- and pet-friendly Holiday Open House Celebration from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 4.

    A portion of all event sale proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit Shelter to Soldier™. All guests who attend to purchase jewelry that night, or who preview items that night and return to buy items by Dec. 31, will contribute to the donation back to the charity. Opportunity drawing items include an Anna Beck gold cuff from Rancho Santa Fe Estate and Fine Jewelry, a silk scarf from the White Rainbow Collection, a turtle sculpture from Rock-n-Rusties, and a gift basket from Beautiful You Skin and Body Rejuvenation.
  • Ricochet the surfing dog hosts Howliday Book Drive Benefiting Shelter to Soldier™

    Ricochet the surfing dog hosts Howliday Book Drive Benefiting Shelter to Soldier™

    LA JOLLA (CBS 8) - Surfs up for Santa Paws.

    Ricochet the surfing dog and her human sidekick are catching waves at La Jolla shores.

    It's a Howliday Book Drive benefiting San Diego non-profit, Shelter to Soldier™.
  • A Jet Charter Company with a Heart for Shelter Dogs

    A Jet Charter Company with a Heart for Shelter Dogs

    A portion of the company's net profits is directed toward organizations that shelter and rehome dogs that have been lost, abused or abandoned. Earlier this year, Schubach Aviation kicked off another yearlong fundraising campaign to donate one cent for every mile flown by its fleet to Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit organization whose mission is to train select shelter dogs and place them with U.S. military veterans afflicted with PTSD. Last year, the company donated a total of $9,374 to Shelter to Soldier™ and this year it expects to raise around $11,000. "Everyone at our company cares deeply about dogs, and supporting Shelter to Soldier™ is a way for us to help save lives, two at a time," Henry Schubach tells Giving Back Magazine.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ provides psychiatric service dogs to U.S. veterans

    Shelter to Soldier™ provides psychiatric service dogs to U.S. veterans

    For U.S. veteran Vic Martin, this past Veteran’s Day commemorated more than service to his country; it was also the day that his new companion graduated from service training. “Kira,” the precocious rescue dog, received training that will help Vic alleviate stress, anxiety, sleepless nights, hypervigilence, panic attacks and other symptoms related to his medical diagnoses. Kira will guide him through the challenging days ahead.
  • La Mesa veteran receives priceless gift from Shelter to Soldier™ on Veterans Day

    La Mesa veteran receives priceless gift from Shelter to Soldier™ on Veterans Day

    Meet Graham Bloem, co-founder in September 2012 with his wife, Kyrié, of Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit organization dedicated to training psychiatric service dogs as protector-companions of Post 9/11 combat veterans diagnosed with the invisible wounds of post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. On Nov. 10, Bloem and STS volunteers gathered for a Veterans Day eve graduation celebration with La Mesa Navy veteran Vic Martin, family, friends and supporters, to acknowledge official adoption of his new service dog, Kira.
  • Navy veteran receives rescued service dog

    Navy veteran receives rescued service dog

    SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - A day before Veterans Day, a Navy veteran received a gift that will help change his life for the better.

    San Diego-based nonprofit Shelter to Soldier™ presented Vic Martin with Kira, a rescued service dog. Martin suffered a brain injury and has been struggling with memory loss, anxiety and depression. #veteransday
  • Southwest Airlines Supports Local Non-Profits

    Southwest Airlines Supports Local Non-Profits

    Patriotism runs deep at Southwest Airlines, and they are proud of all those who serve, especially the Active Duty, Reservists and Veterans that are part of the Southwest Family. Southwest honors Veterans, the sacrifice these heroes make, and the unbreakable bond many soldiers have with their dog. In San Diego there are various organizations dedicated to assisting and enhancing the lives of our military heroes.

    Shelter to Soldier™ is rescuing shelter dogs and training them to be psychiatric service companions for Veterans. They also provide military personnel battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or other disabilities with a service dog from a local animal rescue or shelter. Dogs on Deployment provides an online network for service members to search for volunteers who are willing to board their pets during their owner's service commitments.
  • Veterans helping veterans is goal of ‘dog whisperer’s’ Shelter to Soldier™ program

    Veterans helping veterans is goal of ‘dog whisperer’s’ Shelter to Soldier™ program

    For years, Bloem volunteered his time and skills, honed over a decade ago at the Animal Behavior College, to focus on rescue dogs. He trained nine stray dogs from Iraq; two became the subjects of best-selling books. The therapeutic affection that these combat veterans had for their dogs sparked the idea that Bloem could put his dog-training skills to use to benefit servicemen with post-traumatic stress disorder.
  • Lives of Promise - Helping Combat Veterans return to normal

    Lives of Promise - Helping Combat Veterans return to normal

    San Diego 6's Marc Bailey talks to Shelter to Soldier™ about their upcoming event to raise money for wounded veterans.
  • Graham Bloem - The Dog Father of Dog Trainers

    Graham Bloem - The Dog Father of Dog Trainers

    Here in San Diego resident Graham Bloem is the “Dog Father” of all dog trainers. With fourteen years of experience training dogs, his business Specialty Dog Training San Diego, is strong enough to certify all his trainees as service dogs. Lucky for me I’ve had the honor of working with Bloem over the years and can honestly say this man has the ability to graciously well manner any barking beast that comes his way, all with out breaking is sweat. - Tania Milberg
  • STS Founder, Graham Bloem, is a 10News Leadership Award Recipient and Lead San Diego Community Spotlight Award Nominee

    STS Founder, Graham Bloem, is a 10News Leadership Award Recipient and Lead San Diego Community Spotlight Award Nominee

    Graham Bloem, Shelter to Soldier™:

    Shelter to Soldier™ and Graham Bloem have created a solution to decrease the amount of shelter/rescue dogs that are being euthanized in San Diego County. By training these rescue dogs to become certified service companions, Mr. Bloem is increasing their chances of being adopted into forever homes. In addition, Mr. Bloem places these highly trained rescue dogs with U.S. combat veterans suffering from psychological and emotional trauma from recent wars. Mr. Bloem has also created a team of three therapy dogs that visits VA hospitals throughout San Diego County to help soldiers suffering from combat related mental and physical disabilities. Shelter to Soldier™’s therapy team visits these hospitals on a weekly basis to provide support to military veterans.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ fundraiser benefits combat veterans

    Shelter to Soldier™ fundraiser benefits combat veterans

    Shelter to Soldier™, a nonprofit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become certified psychiatric service companions for post 9/11 U.S. combat Veterans suffering from PTSD, hosted its second annual benefit on July 28. Festivities included a private screening of the “Bucket List” feature film (starring Oscar winners Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman), including a Q and A with Executive Producer and Screenwriter Justin Zackham.
  • Shelter dogs trained to help veterans with PTSD

    Shelter dogs trained to help veterans with PTSD

    Downtown San Diego — Shelter to Soldier™, a local non-profit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them as service companions for recent combat veterans suffering from PTSD, is hosting its 2nd annual benefit 6 to 10 p.m. July 28 at The Ultimate Skybox, 350 10th Ave. in downtown San Diego.
  • 2nd Annual Shelter to Soldier™ Benefit

    2nd Annual Shelter to Soldier™ Benefit

    Shelter to Soldier™ will be hosting their 2nd annual benefit on Monday July 28th from 6 - 10 pm at The Ultimate Skybox downtown San Diego. Magic's morning show hosts, Jagger & Kristi, will be in attendance.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ 2nd Annual Benefit

    Shelter to Soldier™ 2nd Annual Benefit

    On Monday, July 28, at 6pm, Shelter To Soldier presents a benefit at The Ultimate Skybox downtown featuring a special screening of Bucket List starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman, along with an exclusive Q & A with the film’s producer and screenwriter Justin Zackham.
  • CleverPet is Like a Dance Dance Revolution for Dogs

    CleverPet is Like a Dance Dance Revolution for Dogs

    The co-founders say CleverPet is intended to help dogs and other pets get through the boredom of the day while they’re alone at home. The company says American pets spend more than 10 billion hours alone. For a pack animal like a dog, that can lead to separation anxiety—and such behavioral issues as ceaseless barking, spinning thousands of circles while biting its tail, or gnawing on irrigation sprinklers in the yard.

    San Diego dog trainer Graham Bloem, who has been working with CleverPet, says dog owners already are hiring dog walkers or taking their pets to doggie daycare. In fact, Americans spend more than $58 billion a year on their pets, according the American Pet Products Association.

    Nevertheless, Bloem says the pet world has been asking for something like CleverPet for a long time. Instead of coming home to a bored and anxious dog with pent-up energy, Bloem says interacting with CleverPet “exhausts your dog mentally and physically. You’re coming home to a healthy, happy pet.”
  • Schubach Aviation to Sponsor Shelter to Soldier™ for Second Straight Year through “One Cent Per Mile” Program

    Schubach Aviation to Sponsor Shelter to Soldier™ for Second Straight Year through “One Cent Per Mile” Program

    “Shelter to Soldier™ is fulfilling a critical need, saving lives two at a time,” said Schubach. “Schubach Aviation is proud to align its name with an organization with such a worthwhile mission.”
  • Shelter to Soldier™ pairs vets with “fur-ever friends”

    Shelter to Soldier™ pairs vets with “fur-ever friends”

    Doggy Zoo wants to thank Graham Bloem and Shelter to Soldier™ for the wonderful work they do.
  • Non-profit rescues, trains shelter dogs for wounded Servicemembers

    Non-profit rescues, trains shelter dogs for wounded Servicemembers

    There's something to be said about the relationship between man and dog. For thousands of years, dogs have served as our sentries, our assistants and our faithful friends. They love us no matter what we look like, act like or feel like. They are our pets, our companions and our confidants.

    But for injured and ill Servicemembers, dogs can be much more. For a Servicemember suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder or a traumatic brain injury, a dog can, quite literally, mean the difference between life and death.
  • About Town Magazine: Shelter to Soldier™ - Saving Lives, Two at a Time

    About Town Magazine: Shelter to Soldier™ - Saving Lives, Two at a Time

    There’s something very powerful about the bond between people and
    pets. As a professional dog trainer for more than a decade, Graham Bloem
    has developed an insider’s eye into the psyche of canine companions, and
    since August 2012, through his San Diego-based nonprofit organization
    Shelter to Soldier™, he’s tapped into the unconditional love of the animal to
    help save some of society’s most vulnerable citizens: military personnel
    suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Corporate Helicopters contracts SDT

    Corporate Helicopters contracts SDT

    With the help of Graham Bloem of Specialty Dog Training, both Maverick and Sophie are camera ready! A big thanks goes to Graham!
  • Schubach Aviation-Sponsored Shelter Dog “Charlie” Flies Through First Phase of Basic Obedience Training

    Schubach Aviation-Sponsored Shelter Dog “Charlie” Flies Through First Phase of Basic Obedience Training

    Through Shelter to Soldier™, the rescued 15-month-old terrier/bulldog mix is off to a good start to becoming a certified service companion.

    Schubach Aviation, a leading San Diego private air charter firm with a huge heart for both dogs and veterans, is sponsoring Charlie. The company’s donation will cover the costs of training, housing and feeding Charlie, and pay for his medical care, equipment, travel and grooming while he goes through the program.
  • AJ Kids Crane for Rady Children's Hospital

    AJ Kids Crane for Rady Children's Hospital

    Specialty Dog Training's CEO, Graham Bloem, called into the AJ show on Energy 103.7 to bid against other local companies to sponsor AJ's shirt for the kid's crane. The auction benefitted Rady Children's Hospital. Specialty Dog Training had the winning bid of $1500.00! Graham went on air to present the donation check to AJ while he was living in AJ's Kids Crane raising 100,000 toys for Rady's.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ Founder, Graham Bloem, receives 10News Leadership Award

    Shelter to Soldier™ Founder, Graham Bloem, receives 10News Leadership Award

    Shelter to Soldier™ founder Graham Bloem was recently awarded the 10News Leadership Award at Schubach Aviation. The distinction recognizes someone who provides leadership by making San Diego a better place to live, standing up for those who need help, has initiated or created solutions for others, is a role model and fulfills a local need — thereby improving the quality of life for all San Diegans.
  • ABC 10News Leadership Award Recipient Graham Bloem

    ABC 10News Leadership Award Recipient Graham Bloem

    San Diegan Man Bettering Lives of Veterans and Shelter Dogs
  • Program needs help to provide service companions for wounded vets

    Program needs help to provide service companions for wounded vets

    The Shelter to Soldier™ program is a non-profit organization that rescues dogs from local shelters and trains them to be valuable service companions for psychologically wounded combat veterans.

    “I’ve been a professional dog trainer for 13 years,” said Graham Bloem of Shelter to Soldier™. “The inspiration for this organization came from my training help with ‘Nubs, The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine, and a Miracle’ (NY Times bestselling book). Through my friendship with (Marine Major Brian Dennis) and Nubs, I saw the true benefits of the relationship between him and his best friend. Brian told me that while he was in Iraq, his friendship with Nubs and the unconditional and nonjudgmental love he offered was what provided him with a sense of hope.”
  • Graham Bloem makes a guest appearance on the Roger Hedgecock Show on UT-TV

    Graham Bloem makes a guest appearance on the Roger Hedgecock Show on UT-TV

    Shelter to Soldier™ Founder, Graham Bloem, makes a guest appearance on the Roger Hedgecock Show. Bloem shares information about their mission at Shelter to Soldier™ and fields questions from Roger.

  • San Diego Pets Magazine: Schubach Aviation Sponsors Rescued Shelter Dog, Charlie, on his Journey to Become Wingman for U.S. Military Veteran  Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Schubach Aviation Sponsors Rescued Shelter Dog Charlie on his Journey to Become Wingman for U S Military Veteran

    San Diego Pets Magazine: Schubach Aviation Sponsors Rescued Shelter Dog, Charlie, on his Journey to Become Wingman for U.S. Military Veteran Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Schubach Aviation Sponsors Rescued Shelter Dog Charlie on his Journey to Become Wingman for U S Military Veteran

    For nearly all his life, he’s known only rejection and isolation. But “Charlie”, as the Schubach Aviation team has named him, is now on his way to becoming a certified service companion dog and the cherished wingman for a U.S. veteran with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as he or she navigates the hardships of daily civilian life.

    Schubach Aviation is San Diego’s premier private air charter firm, with headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif. The company’s sponsorship will cover costs to specially train, house and feed Charlie, as well as pay for medical care, equipment, travel and grooming costs, as he goes through Shelter to Soldier™’s three-step training program.
  • Ranch & Coast Magazine August Issue: Savings Lives, Two at a Time

    Ranch & Coast Magazine August Issue: Savings Lives, Two at a Time

    In May, Ranch and Coast partnered with Schubach Aviation for our Best of San Diego Party. Proceeds benefited Shelter to Soldier™, which rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become service companions for veterans.
  • Ranch & Coasts Best Of San Diego Party

    Ranch & Coasts Best Of San Diego Party

    Ranch & Coast and Schubach Aviation team up to support Shelter to Soldier™ by naming STS the beneficiary of the Best Of Party!

    Story on Page: 88
  • Schubach Aviation Raises Funds for Shelter to Soldier™

    Schubach Aviation Raises Funds for Shelter to Soldier™

    Schubach Aviation held a special event on May 24 at its Palomar Airport hangar. The event included a live auction to benefit Shelter to Soldier™, a local non-profit that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to become service companions for veterans in need.
  • Flying Matters: Schubach Aviation Teams with Shelter to Soldier™

    Flying Matters: Schubach Aviation Teams with Shelter to Soldier™

    It's often said that man knows no greater depth of friendship and loyalty than that of a dog. It was an affinity for dogs that brought together Schubach Aviation and Shelter to Soldier™.
  • 2013 Best of Party: Join Ranch & Coast Magazine at Schubach Aviation's Hangar to celebrate the Readers Choice Best of 2013! Proceeds will benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    2013 Best of Party: Join Ranch & Coast Magazine at Schubach Aviation's Hangar to celebrate the Readers Choice Best of 2013! Proceeds will benefit Shelter to Soldier™

    Please join the Shelter to Soldier™ Team and Ranch & Coast Magazine on Friday, May 24, from 6-9pm, for their Best of San Diego Party at Schubach Aviation’s Hangar. The event will celebrate the 2013 Best of San Diego & Best Restaurant Winners, and will feature live entertainment by Grammy Award-winning Fuzzy Rankins Quartet, as well as signature tastes from a stellar lineup of culinary partners including Pamplemousse Grille, The Fish Market, Burlap, Market Restaurant + Bar, The Marine Room, Pacifica Del Mar, Café Secret, Waters Fine Catering, Stone Brewing Co., Venom Vodka, Nobleza Azul Tequila, and more.

    Tickets are $100 per person. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Shelter To Soldier, our local nonprofit organization that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service companions for combat veterans.

    Event partners include: Schubach Aviation, John Matty Co., Laura Barry of Barry Estates, Redfearn & Associates, Adelaide's, Raphael’s Party Rentals, PEP Creative, and Lounge Appeal.
  • Ranch & Coast Magazine: Schubach Aviation assists Shelter to Soldier™

    Ranch & Coast Magazine: Schubach Aviation assists Shelter to Soldier™

    Fly Private. Save a Dog. Help a Veteran.

    Schubach Aviation stands by Shelter to Soldier™ in May's issue of Ranch & Coast Magazine.
  • San Diego Pets Magazine: Shelter to Soldier™ - Saving Lives, Two at a Time

    San Diego Pets Magazine: Shelter to Soldier™ - Saving Lives, Two at a Time

    "This is about a remarkable program called Shelter to Soldier™, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to saving the lives of veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) find true independence through the love of a dog."

    Thank you to Casey Dean San Diego Pets Magazine, Mark Carlson and Schubach Aviation.
  • Shelter to Soldier™ and Sally and Henry’s Doghouse Join Together to Raise Funds April 26, 2013  Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine

    Shelter to Soldier™ and Sally and Henry’s Doghouse Join Together to Raise Funds April 26, 2013 Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine

    Shelter to Soldier™ is hosting a fundraising event at Sally and Henry’s Doghouse Bar and Grill on April 26, 2013 from 5-11 pm to help defray costs for shelter dogs that Graham Bloem is committed to saving and training to connect with soldiers suffering from PTSD through the non-profit. Dog lovers interested in assisting soldiers with PTSD may bring their dogs to enjoy a great dining and drinking experience with the comfort in knowing that a portion of their bill will go directly to Shelter to Soldier™ to support the non-profit’s cause.

    Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Shelter to Soldier™ and Sally and Henry’s Doghouse Join Together to Raise Funds April 26 2013
  • Schubach Aviation Kicks Off One-Cent-Per-Mile Fundraising Campaign Benefitting “Shelter to Soldier™”   Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Schubach

    Schubach Aviation Kicks Off One-Cent-Per-Mile Fundraising Campaign Benefitting “Shelter to Soldier™” Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Schubach

    “When I heard about this organization and its mission, I was compelled to act,” said Henry Schubach, president and founder of Schubach Aviation (www.schubachaviation.com), a San Diego private air charter operator. “Here was an opportunity to support two causes that are important to us: dogs and veterans. We’re looking forward to partnering with Shelter to Soldier™ in 2013 to help them rescue otherwise unwanted dogs and turn them into needed companions to our returning veterans who might be struggling to re-enter normal life here in our community.”

    Read more: San Diego Pets Magazine - Schubach
  • Program Pairs Shelter Dogs With Soldiers

    Program Pairs Shelter Dogs With Soldiers

    PACIFIC BEACH, Calif.- A local non-profit organization called “Shelter to Soldier™” is connecting dogs that need homes with service members who need a service companion.

  • Kristi's Mail Bag: Tyberius Meets His Marine!

    Kristi's Mail Bag: Tyberius Meets His Marine!

    Shelter to Soldier™ pairs Tyberius with a LCpl based in San Diego at Camp Pendleton. Listen to the interview with Jagger & Kristi and STS Founder Graham Bloem to hear about Ty's story and his new marine dad.
  • KPRi's Very Own Dog Whisperer

    KPRi's Very Own Dog Whisperer

    The KPRi Morning Show with Madison:

    Dog Trainer Graham Bloem joined us for a special Dog Lover's 8@8 this morning and reminded us why a dog is man's best friend and a veteran's favorite companion...
  • Kira the Service Dog: A Story from Petco

    Kira the Service Dog: A Story from Petco

    Petco shares the story of Kira, a service dog in training from our program, Shelter to Soldier™. The video highlights STS founder Graham Bloem, his son and the impact dogs have on our veterans.
  • Happy Veterans Day 2012: Paws 4 Troops

    Happy Veterans Day 2012: Paws 4 Troops

    Experienced, knowledgable, patient and above all passionate, Graham Bloem is a powerhouse in the world of Dog Training. He is a first-hand example of the incredible evolutionary changes between the intimate relationship of dog and human. With over 10 years working with canines, Bloem has created an extraordinary non-profit program that rescues shelter dogs and trains them to be service companions for Veterans, what he calls Shelter to Soldier™.
  • For more than 50 years, local animal shelter has been anything but ordinary

    For more than 50 years, local animal shelter has been anything but ordinary

    The Rancho Coastal Humane Society is truly a gem in the animal rescue and community education departments! Now also working along side our very own, Shelter to Soldier™, providing a temporary home for our dogs during their service dog training. Thank you Jim Silveira, John Van Zante and all of the other great animal loving staff for providing a safe haven for pets and much needed animal care education to our community.
  • Magic 92.5's Trick or Treat on Magic Street

    Magic 92.5's Trick or Treat on Magic Street

    The Halloween Pet Costume Contest will happen at 4:15pm during Trick or Treat on MAGIC Street and will be judged by Dog Trainer Graham Bloem from Specialty Dog Training, Jessica Geurke from Helen Woodward Animal Center and Linda Septon from Chula Vista Animal Care Facility.
  • NC Times: Shelter to Soldier™

    NC Times: Shelter to Soldier™

    The saying goes, "There are only two places where you get unconditional love ---- God and Dog." This is a story about one of them.

    Article by John Van Zante
  • CBS 8 News Interview

    CBS 8 News Interview

    Graham Bloem talks about Shelter to Soldier™, our non profit organization that rescues dogs and trains them as service animals for our troops.
  • Barking Beast San Diego

    Barking Beast San Diego

    Catch our Specialty Dog Training expert Graham Bloem on CBS 8 – San Diego News tonight at 5pm talking about our non profit organization, Shelter to Solider. — with Tania Rose Milberg at Rancho Coastal Humane Society
  • Barking Beast San Diego

    Barking Beast San Diego

    Bloem has gained tremendous respect from San Diego’s highest profile animal rescue organizations and programs. Today he is proudly supported by San Diego Animal organizations such as San Diego’s Helen Woodward Animal Center, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, as well has been countlessly featured on San Diego news stations such as KFMB CBS 8, , FOX 5 San Diego, and NBC San Diego.
  • Radio interview with Graham Bloem on Magic 92.5

    Radio interview with Graham Bloem on Magic 92.5

    Jagger & Kristi followed through on Laurie’s wishes and enlisted the help of Dog Trainer Graham Bloem from Specialty Dog Training.
  • Interview with Graham Bloem to help understand Military working dogs and their part in the Bin Laden Raid

    Interview with Graham Bloem to help understand Military working dogs and their part in the Bin Laden Raid

    "Because of their intelligence, their willingness to work, the alertness, their speed, it's exactly why they're a perfect fit for the military," said Graham Bloem.
  • National news clip with Graham Bloem discussing the adoption of Military Dogs

    National news clip with Graham Bloem discussing the adoption of Military Dogs

    Interest in adopting military dogs is soaring to new heights. They're more than just companions: dogs take on an important role in the military.
  • People Magazine – Incredible Journey

    People Magazine – Incredible Journey

    One was the leader of an 11-man U.S. Marine counterinsurgency force on the Iraq-Syria border. The other, the scrappy leader of a wild pack of 11 dogs living in abandoned ruins and subsisting on garbage.
  • Nubs Facebook Page

    Nubs Facebook Page

    Follow Nubs on Facebook
  • Tampa Bay Online – Nubs & Graham Bloem to begin training together

    Tampa Bay Online – Nubs & Graham Bloem to begin training together

    The frozen, war-ravaged desert and ruins of Iraq are in the past for this dog. The German shepherd-border collie mix that was rescued and nursed back to health by Marine Maj. Brian Dennis and his men arrived in Chicago on Wednesday on a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight. Nubs flew out again Friday on an American Airlines jet, landing in the afternoon at San Diego's Lindbergh Field before heading to his new address.
  • Dog’s Life Magazine, Dogs of War. (interview with Graham Bloem discusses how he plans to help Nubs adjust

    Dog’s Life Magazine, Dogs of War. (interview with Graham Bloem discusses how he plans to help Nubs adjust

    Friendships formed by soldiers in war zones are often lifelong and titanium strong. Soldier/canine friendships built in times of war are no different. Dogs can give soldiers a bit of home in a far-off land or a moment of love during a ruthless mission—and the abandoned or feral dogs find solace in the company of caring people.
  • Union Tribune: Graham Bloem training puppies rescued from war torn Iraq

    Union Tribune: Graham Bloem training puppies rescued from war torn Iraq

    It's been an intense 10-day training mission for the seven Iraqi puppies waiting to be reunited with Camp Pendleton Marines who adopted them.
  • “From Baghdad with Love” – Quotes from Graham Bloem in the NY Times Best Seller

    “From Baghdad with Love” – Quotes from Graham Bloem in the NY Times Best Seller

    "Routine and exercise help keep me sane, but I know that my experiences in Iraq have changed me. When I first got back, and Lava was enduring one private training session after another, I would just watch him and Graham Bloem, who'd helped with Lava's first day in the United States
  • Dog Fancy Magazine article – Quotes from Graham Bloem

    Dog Fancy Magazine article – Quotes from Graham Bloem

    "It's how the dog learns to be more domineering, more bossy," says Graham Bloem, a certified advanced dog trainer in San Diego, Calif., who works with numerous dog rescue groups and shelters.
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