Vets and Dogs
Terry and Roxy
Robert and Squeak
John and Ceasar
Jason and Smadge
Kyle and Emanon
Rusty and Bella
Jerry and Emma
Gary and Apache
Merle and Amber
Kevin and Tyson
Jeremiah and Darcy
Travis and Maddie
Ryan and Chaos
Rob and Charlie
Ned and Cleo
Jeffrey and Xena
Harry and Dutch
Gerry and Chitta
Donald and Abby
Barry and Que
I would recommend Soldiers Best Friend to another Veteran. The trainers are extremely helpful and understanding. Having my dog be able to travel with me has helped me become more social and less isolated. I strongly feel that without my new furry best friend I would still be sitting at home. Thank you for helping me to feel like I did before my military service.
Veronica and Sadie MaeSean and Simone
The crew at “Soldiers Best Friend” are more than what I expected. After my deployment and being medically retired from the military, I dealt with things like many of the military do. It wasn’t until we had to put one of our K-9’s down that I realized that I needed a little more help. I rescued a 6 month old puppy from an animal shelter not expecting more than just a new friend, boy, was I wrong. About that same time a friend of mine told me about “Soldiers Best Friend” and we got involved. Entering this program with PTSD, TBI, Extreme Anxiety and a cervical spine injury, I was skeptical that there was anything these people could do for me. I mean, I have been dealing with the VA for some years now and they haven’t done diddly squat. I was emotionally numb; I avoided people, places and activities. My anger, fear, feeling of detachment, hypervigilance and self-destructive behavior was controlling everything and sleeping was out of the question. I still feel uneasy, jumpy and irritated at times but the intensity has decreased immensely. SBF has helped bring me out of a shell, with the love and companionship of my little man is better than any treatment at the VA. I sleep much better knowing my buddy has my back. I do not recall the last unruly nightmare I had. SBF is not just about me. It is about the two of us, giving us the tools to learn and function with the new norm. I have more independence since entering SBF. My emotions have peered out more often instead of keeping it all inside. SBF has helped me step out of my comfort zone and given me courage with my little man Sargent to initiate new situations. The crew at “Soldiers Best Friend” are my friends. God has blessed me and my family with these amazing group of Soldiers Friends.
Denise and SargentChristian and Bella
Joe and Bud
William and Mo
Damian and Bella
Shannon and Boon Dock
Garrett and Rugger
Tony and Recon
William and Loki
Del and Olivia
Patrick and Luffy
Elmer and Star
Ross and Mocha
Joe and Cadence
Kurt and Jupiter
John and Zeus
Tim and Josie
Murphy, my service dog, came into my life as an overweight excited hound. Before meeting him however I was constantly stressed and on alert. I didn’t sleep well and was heading towards being a somewhat recluse. Even though I would hike and camp, both of which allowed me to be alone or with my better half, Paula, we didn’t really go or do anything else. Restaurants were almost out of the question, and if the place had a crowd, forget it, we never got out of the vehicle nor went near it. Murphy changed all that. Being that I was at least active with hiking and such, Murphy and I would go out all the time together hiking. There he would lose the weight he needed to and we would bond like I’ve never bonded before. With that bond, Murphy has allowed me to look at crowds more like a challenge than an adversity. He would allow Paula and I to live normal and go out to restaurants, shopping when needed and meeting new people. Murphy did that. Yes, he is my Service Dog but along with that title, he holds the title of, best friend, companion, savior and family. He has saved me from my own destruction and continues to do so. Teaching me how to be able to function like a civilian in a world unknown to me.
Adam and MurphyDenae and Atari
Jason and Stelle
Garry and Cheyenne
Brian and Tru
Tony and Maximus
Jerry and Max
James and Moose
Phillip and Samson
Daniell and Simba
Eric and Bailey
Lee and Cisco
Madrid and Gunny
Neil and Maddox
Joy and Sierra
Joe and Toki
Bobby and Daisy
Stephanie and Ginger
Chris and Dante
Charles and Sundance
David and Caleb
Scott and Ted E. Bear
Marcus and Taji
Tony and Robin
John and Maddie
Jeffery and Keegan
Ken and Sebastian
John and Queenie
Paul and Aspen
Dave and Murphy
Eric and Chelsea
Vincent and Lili
Eric and Midnight
Robert and Ginger
Kelly and Hera
Lee and Amber
Kevin and Chase
Thom and Della
Yvette and Blondie
John J. and Jax
Kenji and Ames
Leo and Achilles
Mike and Louie
Mark and Lucy
Jason and Duke
James and Jenny
Joseph and Bella
BreeAnna and Sophie
Yvonne and Maggie Mae
Albert and Cadence
Jerry and Cisco
Scott and Kelly
Scott and Lady
Mike and Nukka
Eddie and Nicholas
Eran and Dusty
Jonathan and Boots
Kurtis and Tyson
Rebecca and Dakota
Bryan and Elvira
Shaun and Randy
Kevin and Rusty
Paul and Samantha
Brian and Lucy
Jason and Ariel
“Before starting training I really never left my house without my wife. Once training started I found that I get out daily and actually enjoy myself. Having Taco with me makes me feel like my six is covered. Our relationship in general has grown as well. He is my best friend and I rarely leave home without him. Thank you SBF.” ~ Phillip and Taco
Phillip and TacoSGT
Wolffy and Koa
Jessica and Rosie
Peter and Bella
Rudy and Jack
Mark and Roxy
Kevin and Chief
Scott and Luna
Brandon and Molly
Pete and Harley
Carl and Six
Garry and Dakota
Joshua and Midnight
James and Toby
Bobby and Maya
Dan and Hercules
Andrew and Panchita
Colin and Vincimus
Josh and Artemis
Anthony and Cerberus
Robert and Beanie
John and Zoe
Lindsey and Jordan
Damien and Bella
Tracy and Bear
Tanya and Dakoda
Jay and Kira
Jon and Zurri
Sarah and Cooper
Nelson and Ruby
Jeff and Abe
Justin and Roxy
Shawn and Molly
Jim and Spirit
Terry and Sam
Joe and Geno
Stephen and Sophie
Tyler and April
Mike and Moses
James and Princess
Dean and Stone
Daniel and Leo
Eric and Blain
Troy and Louie
Randy and Buddy
Paul and Chief
Toni and Duke
Regina and Ava
Omar and Bella
Nate and Max
Angel and Rocky
Larry and Odie
Steve and Woody
Luke and Barley
Peter and Astrid
Chris and Buddy
Norm and Sundance
Michael and Aries
Oliver and Sunny
"Before this program I would avoid public places, especially during the day and only do shopping after midnight and before 6 a.m. And never alone. Because of this program with Soldier’s Best Friend, I have a battle buddy that will go anywhere with me. We have grown so much and now we are an effective team. She watches out for me and I watch out for her. Thank you all so much for letting me be a part of SBF." ~Mike & Patches
Mike and Patches“I just want to write you and let you know how this beautiful dog Hero changed my son’s life. My son Carlos before Hero was a very isolated soul, didn’t want to go out and talk to anyone. He was always depressed and sad. When we applied to this program and he was approved and got Hero, his life turned for the good, this wonderful dog got smiles from my son and he [Carlos] tells him [Hero] he loves him very much . . . When I look at my son’s eyes I’m starting to see a sparkle of life again. Carlos and Hero are buddies. There [are] no words to [describe] the happiness in my life to see that my son is coming around again and just because of this wonderful dog named Hero.” ~Mother of Carlos
Carlos and Hero"I was diagnosed with PTSD years ago, but my symptoms were minimal. Fast forward a few years and my symptoms increased. I was having flashbacks 5-6 times a day, taking medication, seeing a psychologist weekly and a psychiatrist monthly. Then I heard about Soldier’s Best Friend. I started training with my dog Axle and we progressed quickly through the program. I’m not sure how it happened, but my symptoms significantly decreased. My flashbacks reduced to 2-3 times a week. I am no longer on medication. My psychiatrist told me we no longer need to meet monthly, once every six months will suffice. Furthermore, I no longer see my psychologist on a regular schedule. I am so happy to have been a part of Soldier’s Best Friend and Axle truly is my best friend." Fred & Axle
Fred and Axle"My experience with Soldier’s Best Friend has been life changing. Coping with civilian life has become more manageable. I often imagine how simple life is for my buddy Wilfred... it keeps it all in perspective. When things get to be too much, my buddy is there. From the restless nights to the difficult situations, I have something that has been an elusive possibility.... I have hope again. I consider myself fortunate to have had this opportunity. Having this service animal has given me both an outlet for coping and restored much of my confidence. Thanks Soldier’s Best Friend and the generous donors who made this all possible." Ric and Wilfred
Ric and WilfredDavid and Geno
Jeremy and Chelsea
Chuck and Hayden
Mac and Cal
Enrique and Apollo
Jim and Lilly
Mark and Mia
James and Rocco
Gene and Harley
Sarah and Benny
Randy and Titan
Randy and Rocky
Dennis and Bella
Nick and Kenai
Samuel and Rosie
“Lopy has really helped me become more of myself. I leave the house more, I work with her, and I train with her. She brings me happiness. She wakes me up during nightmares. In public she really watches out for me and I do the same for her. I have her do a rear post almost all the time. She always lets me know if someone or thing is behind me. Lopy and I are a very good team. All the training thanks to SBF has been greatly appreciated!” ~ Tyloe and Lopy
Tyloe and LopyTim and Tiny
Sharyn and Bijou
Maxine and Dakota
“I have been in Soldier’s Best Friend for six months. Before I started the program I had severe depression and rarely left my house. Since I got Maddy my life has much more purpose and my depression has gone away. My PTSD symptoms are much less severe. I am also much more comfortable leaving my house. I highly recommend the program to other vets." ~Mike & Maddy
Mike and MaddyJoel and Kazu
Kyle and Ronnie
James and Storm
JP and Ella
Kuuleme and Hatchi
Mark and Logan
Jessica and Cabella
Aaron and Daisy
Bob and Daisy
Jason and Dirk
Kelly and Bentley
Tracy and Callie
Sean and Izzy
Jason and Lucky
Steve and Sasha
Todd and Lola
Sarah and Gunner