The Shelter to Soldier team adopted Walden from our friends at Labs & More under the generous red star sponsorship of Linden Root Dickinson Foundation!
Juan has proudly served in the Army National Guard for the past 15 years, including several deployments and stateside missions. Like many service members, he began experiencing mental health challenges and took the brave step of seeking support through the VA. While the services helped, Juan noticed something unique—when he was around dogs, his overthinking quieted, and he could finally feel at peace.
At a local community resource event, Juan happened to stop by our booth. He later shared, “It felt like it was meant to be.”
From the moment Juan met Walden, we knew it was the right match. That connection only deepened when Juan returned with his wife and two children—it was clear that Walden brought light and joy to the whole family.
Now back home, Juan is doing significantly better. His days are filled with love, healing, and plenty of cuddle time with Walden by his side.
Since getting Walden, he has definitely helped me with my PTSD. The way he is able to ground me is fantastic. By that, I mean that when I have any sort of depression and want to regress and just be a shut in, I can’t. Because he needs attention and by me touching him and giving him hugs and cuddles I get a sense of calmness come over me and he obviously needs to be taken out for potty walks. So I am forced to get out and that helps me more by feeling the air, smelling the fresh air.
Walden is still an angel, he is still great with commands. He enjoys long walks on the beach and has gone paddle boarding. Most of the time we just cuddle.
Juan + Walden
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.