Every day,an average of seventeen US veterans and at least one active-duty service member is lost to suicide. That’s an average ofone life lost every 80 minutes. PTSD is a major battle for our men and women in uniform, and its effects last far and beyond the battlefield.
Shelter to Soldier (STS) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that adopts dogs from local shelters and rescue organizations and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma. STS also places emotional support animals with veterans and active-duty military and deploys the STS Canine Ambassadors, a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers, to provide visits of love and comfort to local military, veterans and their families.
You are invited to support Shelter to Soldier by attending its 12th Annual “Be the Light Gala” presented by Subaru, USA, on Sunday, August 18th, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., at L’Auberge Del Mar. In 2023, the program raised a NET $287,177 in lifesaving funds for the rescue dogs and veterans served by the mission, setting the bar for their fundraising goal in 2024.
Shelter to Soldier’s largest annual fundraiser raises critical funds to support its programs that serve military, veterans, and homeless dogs in need of a forever home and life of purpose.
Guests will enjoy musical entertainment by the Tim Apple Band, small bites, libations, silent auction, three-course dinner overlooking the Pacific Ocean, swag bags, and memorable moments with veteran recipients and the Shelter to Soldier staff. Beer, wine, and Shelter to Soldier specialty cocktails will be provided to all guests.
The evening will include an exciting silent and live auction emceed by auctioneer Clint Bell, and all proceeds from the eventwill benefit the organization’s service dog, emotional support animal and therapy dog programs for US Veterans. Other major sponsors include C.W. Driver (Platinum Sponsor), Cox Communications and UNITE (Silver Sponsors).
Every year, our nation sees approximately 7.6 million animals enter shelters. More than half of those animals are dogs, at 3.9 million every year. This year alone, 1.2 million dogs will be euthanized due to space, behavioral problems, or medical complications.
Shelter to Soldier saves the lives of dogs destined for a greater purpose, and through the program’s dedication to veteran mental health, aims to provide lifesaving support to veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress. These rescued companions help veterans integrate back into society and find their purpose, often for the first time since their military service. By training dogs from rescues and shelters, Shelter to Soldier saves many dogs from being euthanized each year and, in turn, pairs them with veterans and active military in need of psychiatric service dogs or emotional support animals. . . Saving Lives, Two at a Time.
For more information about tickets, table reservations, sponsorships and to donate silent and live auction items, please visit bit.ly/STSGala12 or email Kyrié Bloem at kyrie@sheltertosoldier.org.
Shelter to Soldier, in collaboration with Foundation for Women Warriors and proudly presented by The Boeing Company, hosted the 2nd annual Sisterhood of Service event to celebrate women veterans throughout Southern California on Thursday, May 16th. It was a day filled with inspiration, camaraderie, and a celebration of the strength of women.
The event kicked off with a serene yoga and meditation session on the lawn overlooking Mission Bay led by the Veterans Yoga Project. As the attendees stretched and breathed in the fresh ocean air, bonds were forged and spirits lifted.
Throughout the day, the women in attendance were treated to an array of offerings tailored to their needs and interests. Military-specific resources shared their programs, ensuring that every attendee had access to the support they deserve. Maverick Chiropractic Clinic provided complimentary adjustments, Resounding Joy played live music, and Tap Truck SD provided refreshments for our guests. Florals provided by Fifty Flowers were crafted into bouquets and floral crowns by the women veterans, offering a refreshing way to engage with one another and explore their creativity.
Following the refreshments and resources, the group gathered for a seated luncheon spread of sandwiches and salads generously donated by Mendocino Farms of Mission Valley while enjoying an event program emceed by Corey Dylan of 100.7 BIG FM, with inspiring guest speakers. Nicky Moore, Director of Training and Operations at Shelter to Soldier, shared a message of hope for women veterans and introduced Kitchi Feenix, author of “Discarded: A True Account of How Abandonment, Abuse, & Control Became a Journey of Finding Purpose.” Kitchi captivated the audience with a poignant poem from her book, touching hearts and igniting a sense of hope. Keshia, the Community Partnerships Director of Foundation for Women Warriors, shared her deeply moving life journey, reminding everyone of the power of resilience and perseverance, and then guided the women through a goal-setting workshop. Dr. Shauna Kaufman delivered a message about self-love and compassion, complete with a guided meditation to conclude the program.
All guests received a gift bag filled with self-care treats, including chocolates from Trader Joe’s, cleanser and moisturizer from First Aid Beauty, Cravory Cookies, and UNITE 7Seconds Detangler, among other gifts to celebrate their service and contribution to our community.
Mission Bay Sports Center generously offered stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking rentals free of charge to our guests—an opportunity to bask in the beauty of nature on Mission Bay and further bond with fellow sisters in service.
As the sun set on the Sisterhood of Service event, hearts were full, spirits uplifted, and bonds strengthened. It was a day to remember—a testament to the power of sisterhood, service, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Stay tuned for future events and join us as we continue to celebrate the incredible women who make a difference in our communities and beyond at our 3rd Annual Sisterhood of Service event, presented by The Boeing Company, in May 2025. Together, we rise.
Therapy dogs have become crucial companions in various settings, bringing comfort, companionship, and emotional support to those in need. In this blog post, we will explore the multifaceted benefits of therapy dogs and how their presence contributes to the well-being of those they interact with.
Perhaps their greatest super-power is how they can actually change our chemistry. Interacting with therapy dogs is known to release oxytocin, often referred to as the “bonding hormone.” The surge of oxytocin can improve mood and lift your spirits. The simple act of spending time with a therapy dog can improve a person’s emotional well-being. Beyond emotional well-being, therapy dogs also contribute to physical health. Petting a dog has been linked to physiological changes such as lower blood pressure and heart rate making you feel more relaxed. The calming presence of dogs helps to reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and combat feelings of loneliness. The non-judgmental nature of these furry friends creates a safe space for people to express their emotions without fear of judgment or criticism (UCLA).
For individuals who may struggle with social interactions, therapy dogs act as social catalysts. Therapy dogs help to facilitate conversation and social engagement even when they aren’t the topic of the conversation itself. This social bridge helps individuals overcome barriers and foster a sense of connection with others.
Therapy dogs extend their services to a diverse range of people and needs in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, disaster response areas, and more. Often, they cater to the specific needs of different groups, from children with learning disabilities to veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) which is the inspiration behind our Shelter to Soldier Canine Ambassador program. As their presence continues to make a difference for the thousands served by our team every month, our ambassadors are a testament to the healing power of the human-animal bond. Our mighty team of 5 active therapy dogs share a common goal to serve as a “buffer” for those who are suffering from the invisible wounds of trauma, and they aim to Be a Light of hope in our community.
U.S. Navy Veteran Aaron Neely shares his stance on how dogs transformed his life and recovery after service. As Aaron retires his first service dog and welcomes Murphy as his second, Neely illustrates how far he has come in the last five years with Liberty by his side.
Opinion:I struggled a lot as a Navy veteran after serving. My service dog changed everything.
When I first started having problems, it was hard for me to grasp. Problems showed up at work, then with the family, and eventually led to divorce, breakups and trying to co-parent kids. It was just a mess.
When I applied to Shelter to Soldier, an Oceanside nonprofit that adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post traumatic stress, I mumbled a lot and I didn’t speak up. It was hard for me to leave the house. It’s hard not to be emotional about that chapter of my life, because that’s all I thought my life was going to be. Just sitting on my couch and seeing my kids only occasionally.
I was on my way to Shelter to Soldier recently and I thought, wow, it’s been five years and today I am very engaged in both my children’s lives. I have developed some independence outside my service dog, who has been there for me every step of the way. I went from being very unhealthy, and I am no fitness model, to going to the gym, hiking, and getting out and about. Today, I do more and live more. There are so many wonderful things that I do each day that are enriching my life that were not happening before having my service dog, Liberty. Thanks to her, I feel rejuvenated, experience peace within myself, and have developed new and healthy relationships. All these things that are now possible because of Liberty — because I earned her — and today, I want to give back to Shelter to Soldier because it has invested so much in me and changed my life.
Liberty recently had to retire from her service dog work, and Shelter to Soldier was able to celebrate her retirement with a special ceremony before I graduated with my successor service dog, Murphy. It was a tough transition for me “letting go” of Liberty as my companion and transitioning her to a pet dog life of retirement in my home. She has some arthritis and mobility issues that were limiting her ability to be on her feet as much as I needed from a service dog. Through Shelter to Soldier, any previous graduate (in good standing with certifications) is automatically eligible for a successor dog should the original service dog need to retire from duty for any reason. Thanks to those on the incredible team at UNITE Hair who sponsored my second service dog, Murphy, that the Shelter to Soldier team adopted from Labs and More and trained specifically for my needs over the past year and a half.
The night before my graduation with Murphy, I said our usual “Liberty, let’s go snuggle” command which is her cue for us to go to bed. Over the last few weeks, she has had a hard time with it. But that night I told her “It’s your last night on duty!” and she got up and went right to bed. I realized at that moment how far Liberty and I have come in five years. Liberty came out of training and straight to an NFL football game with me in Seattle — the Seahawks against my Vikings. She came home on a Wednesday night in the rain, and we were in Seattle the next day, and a few days later at Monday Night Football — and she just did great. Liberty just sat up after laying there the whole game and rested her chin on my leg. For the past five years, it’s been a lot of that. Her being there for me.
Unfortunately, with my diagnosis, I chronically ruminate about suicide. I’ve had a couple of attempts and thank God, never completed it. It’s just something that I’m going to have to deal with. And I’ve noticed with the dogs and through treatment, those thoughts are less and less, and life feels more like it’s worth living. The kind of diagnoses I have will go through life with me. Seeing how Liberty has supported me the last five years gives me so much hope for how Murphy will support me in these next five years. This is my future, this is my life, and the Shelter to Soldier team has created that for me. These dogs don’t come home this well prepared to love unless they’ve been loved.
So, if you’re a veteran, those at Shelter to Soldier are not folks who are feeling sorry for you. They are investing in not just your future, but the future of your friends and your family because we are in a battle for life. I’m thankful to the donors and thankful to Shelter to Soldier. My heart is full of gratitude for what it does for all of us.
This year we had the incredible opportunity to share our mission through The San Diego Union Tribune. This opinion article is written by our newest pack member Emily Anderson, who shares her take on solving two problems with one solution.
Opinion: Many veterans need mental health help, and many pets need homes. We’re helping both.
There are too many veterans in the United States who face mental health challenges. There are also too many dogs in shelters at risk of euthanasia. But the good news is both problems can be reduced simultaneously with programs like one developed in North County.
The mental health crisis in the veteran population has exponentially grown, leaving our soldiers to fight their toughest battles on their own after their time enlisted. The 2022 National Veterans Suicide Prevention Annual Report states an average of 17 veterans commit suicide daily. The American Addiction Centers reports a 95 percent increase in veteran suicide rates for individuals between the ages of 18-34 in the last 20 years, and has also shared that in the last two decades the prevalence of mental health and substance abuse disorders has nearly doubled within this community.
At large, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people in uniform, with those in the younger demographic being most vulnerable to taking their lives. As the numbers continue to rise, researchers have found that mental well-being is a huge indicator of overall life satisfaction and directly correlates to the quality of life in veterans. Invisible scars and trauma induced from serving play a particularly large role in the mental health of veterans and our active-duty members. With this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Defense have highlighted the urgency of this epidemic, and are committed to reducing and eliminating the rate of suicide in the veteran population. Our soldiers have given up everything for our country and it’s our time to give back to those who have risked it all.
A nonprofit organization in Oceanside, Shelter to Soldier is devoted to helping veterans as they heal invisible wounds most of us will never understand. Overcoming the mental health crisis among veterans requires a collective effort, and the Shelter to Soldier team is here to play a role in aiding the recovery of our servicemen and women. Shelter to Soldier adopts dogs from local shelters and trains them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma.
Since 2012, Shelter to Soldier has been dedicated to supporting veterans’ mental health by giving them a new tool to combat the perils of mental illness following traumatic service experiences. Equipped with training and additional resources, our Shelter to Soldier veteran recipients have the opportunity to re-envision a future of less pain with the help of service dogs. Adding trained professional animals to one’s life has shown significant positive change in life satisfaction for our veterans and their families. With each success story Shelter to Soldier builds, it is clear that the relationship between service dogs and veterans has changed the game in our vets’ journeys towards a brighter future.
Secondly, animal shelters across the nation have reached capacity. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports that 3.3 million dogs enter shelters each year and approximately 390,000 dogs are euthanized annually. Many shelter animals are well suited to be a part of people’s lives but due to the lack of space in shelters, dogs are being put down due to minor behavioral issues that can be easily fixed with the correct training.
With time, training and funding, Shelter to Soldier is able to save dogs from a life spent in the shelter and provide the dogs a purpose and forever home, at no cost to its veteran recipients. Shelter to Soldier actively partners with local shelters and rescue groups to find dogs who, after thorough medical and behavioral health evaluations, demonstrate a potential as psychiatric service dog candidates for those who have served. Through each alliance we establish, Shelter to Soldier trainers ensure that the dogs are ready to provide distinctive forms of assistance tailored to meet the individual needs of our veterans.
Shelter to Soldier has created a sustainable solution to some of the largest issues in our country. Many researchers have found that service animals play a huge role in the well-being of human lives. The National Institute of Health has concluded that service dogs help individuals who suffer from PTSD and in return have lower levels of suicidal ideation. Moreover, the National Institute of Health reports that service animals are key contributors to improving mental health. Bringing together veterans and dogs is a remedy that gives both parties a second chance at life. Throughout the training process, it is evident that veterans develop a new sense of belonging that only our dogs can provide. Moreover, finding sheltered animals their forever home is a success that fuels the entire team at Shelter to Soldier, whose members are wholeheartedly moved by the connections we have watched develop and the goals to see more change in years to come. This is why “Saving Lives, Two at a Time” is our motto.
We are excited to announce a new collaboration with PupLid on their product release of camo dog baseball caps and matching caps for people!
To commemorate the launch, PupLid will donate 20% of all sales on www.puplid.com to Shelter to Soldier when code STS20 is used! Additionally, during March 2022, PupLid is donating 20% of any other camo sales on www.puplid.com to Shelter to Soldier!
PupLid is an Encinitas, CA-based small business with a mission to make awesome products that help dog families enhance the lives of their pets! PupLid was created by a veterinarian and engineer who needed a solution for their dog, Buddy, who loves the beach but has sun-sensitive eyes. When Buddy’s parents could not find him a well-fitting and stylish hat to shade his eyes, they made a trucker hat for him. Buddy’s hat worked so well, they launched PupLid, the company, to help enhance the lives of all dogs.
Buddy’s, veterinarian mom, Kathy Burnell, DVM, knows Shelter to Soldier first-hand through her work as a small animal veterinarian in Oceanside, CA. Additionally, with Camp Pendleton nearby, many of her patients belonged to active military personnel and veterans. Because of this, she saw that for so many active military personnel and veterans, their dogs are not only family members, but they provide essential emotional or service support that alleviates anxiety, depression and helps their person function emotionally and/or physically.
When PupLid created their camo puplids they wanted to use this product as a way to give back to people who have served our country. Because of their awareness of Shelter to Soldier and the large military community in San Diego, supporting Shelter to Soldier was their clear choice.
Kathy Burnell, DVM shared, “As a veterinarian, I have been so impressed with Shelter to Soldier, their dedication to their mission of ‘saving lives, two at a time’ and their team. I feel fortunate that through PupLid, we can support Shelter to Soldier by raising awareness and funds for their amazing organization. Our PupLid team is truly inspired by their mission and the veterans they serve.”
The Six-Panel Camo baseball cap for dogs is the latest addition to the PupLid product line for dogs who prefer a more adventure-ready look. Like PupLid’s trucker hats for dogs, the baseball caps feature a patent pending “Furfect Fit” system for maximum comfort, stability, and adjustability. They come in six sizes to fit dogs of all shapes and sizes, from 2 to 100 hundred pounds. PupLid even offers matching human hats so dogs and their humans can look great together!
Because puplids are designed for maximal comfort and fit for dogs, they are hats dogs will actually wear!
Like with any new accessory for your dog, use positive reinforcement to introduce your dog to their new puplid. Check out our video to see how you can introduce them to a puplid.
Dustin A. Potash (US Army), successfully graduated through the STS curriculum and was paired with his compassionate service dog, Nigel (sponsored by UNITE Hair). According to Dustin, “I joined the Army in 2002; in 2003 I was deployed to Iraq during the first invasion. In 2013, I was diagnosed with PTSD with Major Depressive Disorder. I have had suicidal thoughts since 2013, but they [STS] helped me overcome these thoughts by pairing me with my wonderful therapeutic companion STS service dog, Nigel. STS has been nothing but a positive resource in my life. I am extraordinarily grateful to my sponsor UNITE Hair and Shelter to Soldier for providing me with a new positive outlook on life.”
“If it weren’t for STS, I don’t know if I’d still be around…they are like an extended family for me”.
Nigel is a spunky and goofy pit bull mix who loves his job as Dustin’s psychiatric service dog. STS adopted Nigel from their friends at
Labs and More Rescue in San Diego, CA.
Photo credit (above): Allison Shamrell Pet Photography
Dustin Potash with Nigel
STS service dog recipient, Shawn Brown, (USMC), recommends to other veterans who are struggling with PTS, “My best advice to other veterans is…get the help, and not to have too much pride that stops you from getting help”. Shawn was paired with his STS service dog named Wilson (sponsored by The Fish Market) in January, 2021. Brown served in the United States Marine Corps for 16 years and was deployed for two tours in Iraq in 2003-2004. Shawn elaborates, “I realized I was struggling with PTS when I got back [home], and I thought I was okay. But then five years ago, I had a genuine nervous breakdown and was having suicidal thoughts”. After learning of the STS service dog program, his subsequent acceptance into the program, and then meeting available dogs, he began to bond with the STS team and found his new, most important teammate, Wilson. “My first meeting with Wilson was in the Shelter to Soldier yard…he ran straight towards me and he was all over me. It wasn’t overwhelming, it was just right. He picked me like, ‘Hey Dad, what’s up?’ and it was a great feeling.” Since graduating the STS program it is clear that Wilson has made a positive impact in Shawn’s life. Shawn states, “With [Wilson], I’m still hesitant [in public] sometimes, but when I look at it, I see I’ve gone back out to live”.
“A lot of us get our identity in what we’ve done and not actually in who we are. So, get the help and figure out WHO you are. That’s going to help you in the end. Don’t be scared to get the help.”
Wilson made significant strides as a service dog trainee and took to his new job, proudly and quickly.Wilson was adopted from Labs and More rescue.
The success story of veteran Angelito F. Bautista (US Navy, Ret.) and his STS service dog, Halia (sponsored by Northrop Grumman) serve as an inspiration to all veterans who hope for a better future. As Angelito (“Lito”) Bautista explains, “I had a very pleasant experience during my application process with Shelter to Soldier. The pairing process [with my STS service dog] is definitely one of the most memorable experiences for me about the program. I was given the opportunity to interact with several dogs, after which it was apparent and validated by my trainer that Halia was my match. On December 24, 2020 (Christmas Eve), official transfer of Halia’s adoption was finalized.
“ Today, Halia and I continue our journey…she has allowed me to see the world from a much more grounded point of view. So much improvement and good has happened since having Halia in my life.”
Halia is a pit-mix that STS adopted from San Diego Department of Animal Services Bonita Shelter. She is gentle and cuddly, but still energetic and focused enough to really enjoy working. She has an infectious smile that lifts everyone she greets.
In 2015, Karen Miller (US Navy, Senior Chief Boatswain Mate, E8), applied to STS to acquire a service dog to help Karen alleviate medical conditions she was battling after multiple, consecutive tours she served in the US military over the span of 26 years. Karen was extremely grateful to be accepted into the STS program and declares that her dog STS service dog Seven (sponsored by FINE Magazine and Schubach Aviation) was a lifesaver. Seven unfortunately succumbed to arthritis and retired her job as a psychiatric service dog, but STS quickly reassigned a new STS service dog to Karen named Grace (sponsored by the David C. Copley Foundation), who is full of energy and ambition to serve Karen’s needs. During her deployments, Karen experienced extreme trauma that affected her ability to cope with civilian life after military retirement. Karen explains, “Thanks to my STS service dog Grace, I have been able to overcome some of the anguish I experienced. Grace is so disciplined…she responds to commands and she is very intuitive. She knows when I’m under stress and she has happy energy when I’m paying attention to her. She makes me smile more often, and when I’m with her, she climbs on my lap and she’s doing that all on her own. She senses when I need her comfort.”
“My message to my fellow veterans is that the STS program is for everyone, and you’re never too old to ask for help.”
Grace is an energetic but focused gal who thrived in the STS training program. STS adopted her from their friends at Labs and More Rescue in San Diego, CA.
If you are a veteran who is seeking the support of a psychiatric service dog program, please reach out to us to determine eligibility, or complete the Shelter to Soldier application on the homepage of our website. Our Veteran Advocate, Dustin Potash, stands by ready to answer your questions and assist veterans through the application process.
