The Shelter to Soldier team welcomed Reginald into our program through the generous Red Star Sponsorship of Griffin Funding and our rescue partners at Labs & More.
Eglantina learned about our program through the nonprofit where she formerly worked and immediately felt it was the perfect fit, given her lifelong passion for rescuing and adopting dogs. After seeing firsthand how much her own dog positively impacted her mental health following 24 years of service in the U.S. Navy, she knew that a service dog could provide the added support she needed on her mental health journey.
Eglantina hoped for a dog with a personality somewhere between her two current pets. One, a total couch potato, and the other, an energizer bunny. That’s when she met Reggie. The two officially matched on December 5, 2024, and dove headfirst into training. Thanks to Eglantina’s experience as a dog handler, she and Reggie quickly bonded and progressed, ultimately passing the Public Access Test on July 2, 2025.
As we prepare for graduation, we already miss seeing this incredible team each week. With Reggie’s endearing quirks and Eglantina’s humor, it’s clear this match was meant to be. We’re honored to have supported her on this journey, and while we’ve made an impact in her life, Eglantina has left a lasting and loving mark on all of us.
Reginald took his first airplane ride from Texas to San Diego, today January 8th with a quick turn around to come.back to Texas same day. As I am just dropping my son off. He handled it like a boss. He did a total of four flights in one day, and was a total Rockstar. We had a long layover where we left airport for walks and a break but he did wonderful. Reginald is always complimented on his manners and appearance. He is the best at his job.
Thank Shelby and Kayla for me. It's been a long time where I have been able to handle an airplane flight so easily. I am forever grateful for them and StS for giving me one of the best and most effective tools in my journey to living with my condition.
USN Eglantina
Other Success Stories
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Ben + Tank
San Diego, CA
Tank came into our program in June 2014 through the sponsorship of The Wintercreek Foundation. Ben applied to our program in the Spring of 2015, and was perhaps one of our most driven applicants.
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James + Calver
San Diego, CA
Calver is a 3 year-old, male standard schnauzer. His dad, James, applied to Shelter to Soldier™ and was approved to be a recipient due to his diagnosis of TBI (traumatic brain injury) and PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
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Vic + Kira
San Diego, CA
Kira is a loving 4 year old female labrador/pit mix. She was rescued just in time to allow her the opportunity to live a happy, loving and purposeful life.