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), but was a special exception to our mission as he already owned Calver. STS stays true to our mission by rescuing dogs from local shelters, but our board of directors couldn’t turn away from helping James. We decided to make a one time exception due to James’ needs and also because not only was James having a very tough time but his wife, Diana, was in the midst of her own medical scare. After Calver’s extensive service dog training program with us, James and Calver completed 4 months of intensive handler training before graduating on August 1, 2015. James and his wife Diana say that Calver has helped James with his anger and anxiety on the road by calming him when he is driving, in moments that otherwise would have caused a high level of road rage. Claver has also given James the confidence to be places he wouldn’t normally go. Overall, James has a newfound confidence since training with Calver, and we look forward to watching their journey continue together.

James is starting to smile again since he has been in training with Calver. The gift of Calver's service dog training, and all the work you all have done with James has meant the world to my family. Everyone involved has a special place in our hearts.

Diana Root

Other Success Stories

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • 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.

    Learn more

  • James + Tyberius

    San Diego, CA

    Jagger & Kristi at Magic 92.5 were working on helping Ty and his mom before she passed away and reached out to our founder, Graham Bloem, to help Ty.

    Learn more

Donate Now