Soldier's Best Friend

Soldier's Best Friend provides U.S. military veterans living with combat-related Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) or Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with Service or Therapeutic Companion Dogs, most of which are rescued from local shelters. The veteran and dog train together to build a trusting relationship that saves two lives at once and inspires countless others.

In 2022 our goal is to train 135 veteran/dog teams. Of the dogs trained, we anticipate 95 dogs to be rescues.

A recent survey sent to our veterans attests to the program's significant impact on the lives of graduates, and by extension their families:
97% reported that having a service dog has improved their overall quality of life (with 56% selecting the highest rating of 10);
91% who had previous suicidal thoughts said that having a service dog has reduced their suicidal thoughts;
72% said having their service dog has reduced their need for medications; and
80% reported improvement in their relationships with families and others (with 28% selecting the highest rating of 10).

Testimonials

When I started the program, I knew that having a service dog would help me. However, I had no idea that it would change my life as much as it already has. For years I have been suffering from several issues including PTSD, and physical limitations. Athena has been amazing! She is already helping me out so much more than I thought she would. Although this pandemic has made all my issues worse, she has improved my life. I can proudly say that Athena has eased many of my problems and pains. Thank you Soldier's Best Friend for all you do. Ashley (veteran) & Athena (service dog) Graduated December 2020

Sammie came to me at a time when my world felt dark with uncertainty and a lot of pain. Dealing with the outside distractions (i.e. life) was difficult for me to handle. Nightmares, anxiety, panic attacks, and depression have been my companions for many years. And then the loss of my first service dog, Mae Mae, I was devastated. SBF swooped in and was there with all their helpfulness, support and encouragement. Their ability to evaluate and place the right dogs with the right veterans is uncanny. Soldiers Best Friend is an organization that truly touches two lives at once. I am blessed to have this wonderful dog and organization in my life. Shannon (veteran) and Sammie (service dog). March 2020

This is the second time that SBF has helped us with a service dog. Unfortunately, Shannon's first service dog MaeMae passed away after being with us for a year. I was so proud that SBF was there the whole time we were grieving for MaeMae. I am glad that SBF checked in on Shannon and let him know whenever he was ready they were there to support. As the weeks have gone on with teaching Sammie what is needed to help Shannon, I have seen the loving and calm Shannon, I knew. They knew as much as I did Shannon would need help through all the difficult times we were going to go through. They found us Sammie, who swooped in to help Shannon through the dark times, I was glad I knew when I was out of town that Sammie was there to help him through things I was not able to see or feel. I am thankful for this organization to help me handle the highs and lows with my husband. Sammie has completed our family with love and security we all need. Thank you for all your help and support.

I am truly thankful for this organization. I am glad me as a family member can see what
greatness comes out of support from SBF.

Dee
(Shannon's wife)
March 2020