John Schulte, USMC and his service dog, Ace, graduated our program in May 2019. They have gone on to attend many Shelter to Soldier functions, including our 7th Annual Be the Light Gala! Ace and John are not only best friends, but have saved one another and continue to do so everyday. Ace was adopted by our program from the San Diego Department of Animal Services Carlsbad Shelter, and is a wonderful advocate for his breed. This pair was generously sponsored by the Matsuri and Seven Woods Foundations who also sponsored Annie, currently in our service dog training program.

“PTSD is a silent hostage-taker to those around you, and deafening to those it has a hold of. It takes away all that you are and replaces it with videos of everything you want to forget but can never unsee. It confines you to a life that is secluded from everything and everyone, this being the only way you can feel safe. Through the compassion of Shelter to Soldier, I have the ability to fight back against this paralyzing condition and find that part of me that was lost so long ago. Both Shelter to Soldier and Ace have brought me back to life, allowing me to break free from this solitary confinement and to once again experience life and live.” – John Schulte, USMC

 

*Special thanks to Mason Lane Photography for photos of Ace, and to CramD Studio for donating photography services and photos of John and Ace’s graduation.

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

  • 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)

    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

Donate Now