The Shelter to Soldier team adopted Dug from our friends at Labs & More under the generous Red Star Sponsorship of the San Diego Woman’s Club. With his playful energy and captivating golden eyes, Dug stole the hearts of the team the moment they laid eyes on him.
Terry’s journey to finding Dug began with a chance encounter with STS Alumni, Aaron Neely, who shared with him the profound impact a service dog could have in his life and through the healing process. After serving bravely for two decades, Terry found himself grappling with Post Traumatic Stress, leading to isolation and dependence on his wife to leave the house. His aspirations for his future service dog were simple yet profound: to embrace each day with renewed strength, engage in more activities, and regain the confidence to venture out on his own. The pair had an instant connection and immediately began training together once a week along with play sessions on Saturdays.
Terry & Dug graduated on March 29th, 2024 joined by Terry’s family and San Diego Woman’s Club, and are now relocating to Georgia for a fun life filled with adventure.
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.