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. Kira is full of life, loves to work and has a huge heart! She is a high energy girl that loves hikes and to say she likes playing ball would be a big understatement! Kira was featured in the video produced by Petco and has received about 100,000 hits on that video, so she’s kind of a big deal. Kira met her new veteran dad, Vic, in May of 2014. They quickly fell in love and created a truly beautiful bond during Vic’s handling training course. Kira completed her training, passed her Canine Good Citizen Exam and her Psychiatric Service Dog Public Access Test with straight A’s! Shelter to Soldier™ honored Vic and Kira at their graduation held on November 10th, 2014. Graduation coverage thanks to CBS8 News
Not only is Vic being blessed with an amazing best friend, but STS and Kira have been blessed by meeting Vic. He is the creator of our new Shelter to Soldier™ logo and also created our new logo for our profit dog training company partner, Specialty Dog Training. Vic and Kira are a match made in heaven and we are excited to share their incredible story with all of you. Vic has gained so much from our program and the love of his working service dog Kira and he has shared these feelings with our team. We would like to share some of what Vic has shared and experienced because we want each and every one of our supporters to know, you are truly helping us “save lives, two at at time”.
I am so blessed to have had Shelter to Soldier™ come into my life and welcome me with open, understanding and loving arms. It has given me purpose and confidence that I thought didn’t exist anymore. In my darkest of hours I could not have imagined such a light as the one shining from Kira’s smile and Shelter to Soldier™’s huge heart. I cannot thank the sponsors, volunteers, Graham, Kyrie and all those so valiantly involved with savings lives, two at at time. Blessed.
Vic Martin
I wish there was something I could say that was more than 'thank you Shelter to Soldier™.' I am so very grateful for the gift you have given me. It is priceless. It is my life. You’re amazing.
Vic Martin
The last few days have been really really rough. Kira has been right by my side and right now is laying at my feet while I am typing this. She also woke me up from a nightmare last night by jumping in bed with me and kissing my face. After I woke up she kept kissing me and then curled up under the covers slept with me the rest of the morning. Pretty fantastic.
Vic Martin
Last night was so much fun, and despite an environment (very busy and loud restaurant) that would normally be difficult (or impossible) for me to be in the middle of, you all protected me and embraced me. Because of you all I felt safe. My wife, who knows my limitations (sometimes better than I do) was amazed I did so well last night. Thank you all for a wonderfully inspiring night and thank you Graham & Kyrié for giving me life and purpose. Please mark me down as a "life saved". To reiterate, I would in no way have been able to be in the environment of last night without all your love and support. You all gave me last night and I thank you.
Vic Martin about an STS event
Other Success Stories
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Donna + Forrest
After 36 years of military service, Donna knew a service dog could help her navigate the anxiety and PTS she experienced after her deployment to Kuwait. When she met Forrest, a sweet rescue from El Centro, she knew he was “her baby.” After months of training, Donna and Forrest successfully completed their Public Access Test and graduated as a team. Today, Forrest brings Donna comfort, confidence, and a renewed sense of joy.
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Eglantina + Reginald
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. […]
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Buddy + Shane
Buddy is a super sweet and spunky, young West Highland White Terrier Mix. He graduated with his veteran handler, Shane Krutchen, USMC in March 2021. The pair are very bonded and doing very well! Buddy was adopted from El Cajon Animal Shelter under the generous sponsorship of the David C. Copley Foundation. He is the […]