When she first wore her vest with the words “in training,” I was nervous. But now that we’ve graduated as a certified team, I’m confident taking her into public spaces.“I AM FREE!”‍

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One of the biggest highlights during training was the moment everything just clicked—Starlawas doing exactly what she was supposed to do and doing it well. That gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. I realized the “real world” scenarios we practiced in class would carry over into everyday life. The biggest surprise? I actually trained her myself—thanks to the guidance and support from the SD4V team—and I erased any doubts I had about being able to do it. I would absolutely do it all over again.

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Everyone at SD4V gave 100%. Even early on, when I realized I was giving a command incorrectly, I sent Cassidy a video and she helped me get it right. The support was always there.

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Starla can be a little standoffish sometimes, but learning tasks like “HUG” has given her a way to show affection—and for me, as a single person, that’s meant everything. She gives me the sense that I have someone in my life. When she does “COVER,” I feel like she has my back, just like a battle buddy would. And when my anxiety spikes in public, having her in the “CENTER” position brings me peace and grounding.

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It’s such a good feeling to have her hop into the car and run errands with me. I’m especially looking forward to traveling with her and staying in hotels. It feels empowering to know we won’t be denied access anywhere. I can’t wait to go to the movies again.

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I used to hate how my medications made me feel—but now, they’ve been reduced dramatically. Starla is my anti-anxiety pill.

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I recommend SD4V to everyone I meet. I’ve been deployed three times and seen some awful things. What SD4V does is absolutely essential for people like me. Starla is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.

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Everything started to click. He had always loved me and been there for me, but within the first two weeks of training, that connection deepened. We both began to understand how much we could truly help each other.

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I’m incredibly thankful for my wife’s support—on training days, she managed getting the kids ready for school on her own so I could focus on the program. I’m proud of Baylor, proud of myself, and so grateful for Service Dogs for Veterans. Honestly, any challenges we faced during training came from me—not from Baylor.

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The highlight of training was that moment when everything we had been working on finally came together. Seeing all the dogs understand what was expected of them created a powerful real-world experience.

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Baylor picked up tasks like “HUG” naturally—it’s just part of who he is. “COVER” gives me peace of mind, helping me stay calm and avoid being startled. At first, I didn’t quite understand how “PUSH” would help, but now, when I’m watching TV, he’ll lean into me and rest his paw on my foot. It’s a quiet, grounding kind of comfort. “CENTER” keeps me focused and connected—we make eye contact, and I know he’s with me.

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Being able to take Baylor into public places and crowds with more confidence has been life-changing. It’s especially helpful for travel, ball games, and family vacations. Not having to board him or leave him with a stranger adds another layer of peace.

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To anyone considering a Service Dog: if you think it could help you—do it. Taking Baylor to work with me not only supports my mental health but keeps him engaged and active. He’s no longer just sleeping the day away—he has purpose now, just like I do.

When I went through the program with Willow in 2020, James and Elsa were in my class. Now, training alongside James, Cassidy, and Kristen made this second experience even better.

I had to constantly remind myself: Rosie isn’t Willow. I couldn’t expect her to start where Willow left off—fully trained and vested. Rosie had to go through the same learning process, just like Willow did years ago.

Now that we’ve graduated, I feel accomplished. Rosie’s story is incredible—she was found abandoned in my son’s neighborhood, and we don’t know much about her past. But she quickly picked up the Progressions, even faster than Willow did, which really helped us bond. I’m so impressed by her growth, and the time and effort we put into the SD4V program was worth it. I felt fully supported throughout the journey, and now I want to give back.

Rosie and I trained several tasks that help me navigate the world more comfortably. “HUG / SEATED” gives me comfort and keeps my focus on Rosie rather than the people around me—especially helpful since I don’t sit down often. “COVER” reassures me that Rosie is keeping an eye on our surroundings. And “BLOCK” helps create physical space, allowing me to feel more secure knowing Rosie is watching behind me.

One of the highlights of Public Access training was trying to keep up with Dez and Sven. Since I’d already been through the program once, I had a sense of what to expect—but this time was more fun. I typically avoid going to Wal-Mart, but having another Service Dog Team to cut up with made it more relaxing and enjoyable.

I was surprised by how much the curriculum had evolved in just a few years. Agility was a new addition, and the training log now tracks progress all the way through Public Access. It’s great to be able to capture everything we accomplish throughout the entire program.

I’m excited to take Rosie to new places and to support SD4V at future events. To anyone considering getting a Service Dog through SD4V, I’d say this: you must be serious about the program. Be ready to put in time and effort—but if you do, it is absolutely worth it.

Then one day, Sven went through the agility tunnel on his own—and I thought, Okay, he trusts me now. From that moment, our bond began to grow, especially while working on the agility equipment. The weave poles became our thing.

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Now that Sven and I have graduated from the SD4V program and are an official Service Dog Team, I feel proud and excited. I used to worry I wouldn’t be a good trainer—but now I know I am. Life threw a lot of curveballs at us, but Sven and I persevered and completed the program in just ten months. The support from other veterans in the program played a huge role in our success.

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My sorority number was 14. Since 7 is half of that, Sven feels like he’s half of me now. Together, we’re a complete team—and I no longer must face life alone.

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Sven and I have a range of tasks we use when we’re out in public. “Up” reminds me I’m loved and not alone. “Push” helps keep me alert and reminds me that Sven is right there beside me. “Cover” gives me peace of mind—Sven’s watching out for me and will let me know if something’s wrong.

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During the program, I was surprised by how much practice outside of class was necessary. But once I put in the time, getting “eyes” became so much easier. I’ll never forget how proud I felt when Sven first did “cover” in public. That was the moment our training truly clicked in the real world.

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Now that Sven is a fully trained Service Dog, I’m excited to get him on a plane—I love to travel. Even everyday things like grocery shopping have become easier. I don’t need to order delivery anymore. Sven and I go together.

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To anyone thinking about getting a Service Dog: do it. It’s a lot of work, but so worth it. SD4V will challenge you—in the best way. They’ll give you the tools you need, and when it’s time for Public Access, you’ll have a team walking beside you on the same journey toward that vest.