Summary
Organization name
Freedom Service Dogs, Inc.
other names
FSD
1987
Category
Human Services, Animal-Related
Organization Size
Large Organization
Address
7193 S. Dillon Ct.Englewood, CO 80112
Arapahoe County, CO, US
At Freedom Service Dogs, we believe dogs can make a profound difference in the everyday lives of people challenged by disabilities.
We purpose-breed and custom-train service dogs, professional therapy dogs, and skilled companion dogs who empower veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, young people with autism, and individuals with limited mobility to live lives filled with possibility.
Daily tasks and routines that many take for granted can be challenging or complex for individuals living with disabilities. But with a Freedom Service Dog by their side, our clients regain lost independence and experience greater self-esteem, happiness, and hope. At FSD, we understand that these puppies with a purpose are far more than highly-trained assistance dogs; for those we serve, they're everyday game changers.
Our dogs spend up to 20 months, from birth to graduation, in our training program at a cost of $30,000 to $50,000 per dog. Your support allows us to provide these life-changing dogs and lifetime support services to our clients at no charge. Since 1987, FSD has proudly graduated hundreds of teams and provided lifetime support services to all active teams nationwide, all at no charge to our clients.
Testimonials
Yve & Cruz
Yve is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who struggles with the effects of PTSD, as well as limited mobility and challenges with balance resulting from service-related injuries. In December 2021, she was partnered with FSD Service Dog Cruz, who assists Yve with a variety of tasks, including easing PTSD symptoms, navigating busy spaces, providing balance support, and more. Says Yve, "It's wonderful to feel empowered in the crowds of people and not feel affected like I was before. I can do more with Cruz by my side."
Miles & Ravioli
Miles is an outgoing young boy living with Spastic Triplegic Cerebral Palsy. Miles was matched with FSD Service Dog Ravioli who helps Miles gain independence and confidence by interrupting anxious behaviors, providing deep pressure therapy, retrieving dropped items, opening doors, and more. Miles's parents share, "Ravioli and FSD have made a profound impact on our family, giving Miles newfound independence, confidence, and a best friend. We are deeply touched by this kindness and the difference it has made in our lives. Ravioli is not only a service dog but the perfect match for Miles."
Sean & Cooper
Sean is a police investigator for the Isanti County Sheriff's Office in Minnesota. FSD Professional Therapy Dog Cooper works alongside Sean to provide comfort and a communication bridge with Sean's fellow first responders and members of the community in crisis during tragedies, at large community gatherings, and more. He also serves as a grounding presence and helps build confidence in victims who have a difficult time testifying in court. Says Sean, "As cops, we have a hard job, but Cooper makes it better. I think he has been an integral part of the wellness of the staff and our community. I always believed in the power of these dogs before, but once you really see it, it's amazing."
Mission
At Freedom Service Dogs, we transform lives by partnering people with custom-trained assistance dogs. We envision a world where individuals have the freedom to live their lives to the fullest with a custom-trained assistance dog by their side.
Background Statement
Founded in 1987, Freedom Service Dogs grew from the understanding that assistance dogs increase the independence of a person living with a disability. The founders, PJ and Michael Roche, came to this conclusion through personal experience. While working as a paramedic, Mike was severely injured, resulting in paraplegia. As a canine obedience trainer, PJ saw how a specially trained dog would enable Mike to regain his independence and enhance his mobility in the home and out in the community. Motivated by this realization, PJ started training their border collie, Oreo. Oreo proved to be a willing and able partner who drastically improved Mike's independence and quality of life. Inspired, the Roches founded Freedom Service Dogs (FSD) to increase the independence of other people facing life with a disability.
Since that time, FSD has graduated hundreds of client-dog teams, including veterans and first responders with PTSD or traumatic brain injuries, young adults with autism, people with mobility challenges, and mental health professionals, at no cost to the clients. FSD also provides free lifetime support for nearly 200 active client-dog teams nationwide each year, including refresher and new-skills training, annual recertification, and successor dogs when a service dog retires.
As an Assistance Dogs International (ADI) accredited organization, we adhere to the highest standards of training, client service, as well as dog health, safety, and wellbeing. So, when we partner a pooch with a person for service or place a dog as a skilled companion into a position best suited for their personality and temperament, we rest assured that humans and dogs alike benefit from our thoughtful care and expertise.
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Organization Data
Englewood, CO 80112